A NEW networking group is building hundreds of business connections.

Network Dorset, which meets in Dorchester every Thursday at 7.15am, is going from strength to strength.

It has 24 members and has already created 408 business opportunities and £156,000 worth of business.

The group was started earlier this year and recently moved to a larger venue, Cafe Paninis in Dorchester, because of its popularity. Simon Marfell, one of the group’s founder members, said Network Dorset works well because it has a structured but ‘not stuffy’ format.

Member Andrew Jones, a Poundbury-based chartered accountant, said: “Network Dorset is a pleasant and hugely effective means of generating business, and making new contacts and connections, for each other’s mutual benefit.

“We are business-like and professional but not too formal, and believe that getting to know one another lays the foundations for long and prosperous business relationships.”

On a weekly basis, group members enjoy breakfast together then have a 60 second ‘business pitch’ slot, in which they pitch his or her business or service.

Each week there is a 10 minute talk which allows members to build on their one minute talk and give a full presentation on their business.

Members of Network Dorset also socialise with each other and will be having a Christmas party tomorrow night.

Funds left over from the non-profit group are used to subsidise functions such as pub quizzes, Christmas dinners and clay pigeon shoots.

Internet mentor Steve Graham said Network Dorset has built a good group relationship.

“I do lots of networking and what I like about this group is that already it’s already focused on getting business for each other. We’ve all built good strong relationships.”

Network Dorset has members from all over the county, but there is a strong focus on the Weymouth and Dorchester area with members including Polly Greenaway from Domvs, Simon Buckland of Buckland Development and Nick Stubbs, a professional photographer and videographer.

People are invited to visit the group and see if they wish to join Network Dorset.

See networkdorset.com for more information.