A NEW networking group offering opportunities and business support has arrived in Weymouth and Portland.

Zing was founded by three working professionals who all have young businesses and recognise the benefits that a networking group can offer.

Their vision of networking is a far cry from the traditional, suited environment that may spring to mind.

The group was founded by Cara Franses of Stripey Finds, Kevin Swindell of Wyke Print Solutions and Donna Emery of Saving Grace Business Support.

Zing by name and Zing by nature, the group wanted to provide a fun, positive and informal, yet professional place for like-minded individuals to meet and mingle.

The group are firm believers that networking is not all about sales; it’s about meeting people that you wouldn’t normally come across and more often than not, are invaluable to the success of small businesses.

The team believe you don’t have to be ‘good’ at networking and you don’t have to be ‘brave’, you just need to come with an open and optimistic mind.

Zing’s first lively session of networking featured an informative talk from HSBC’s, Helen Light, on ‘financing your small business'.

With the groups first meeting now securely under their belts coupled with some wonderfully positive feedback from the group, Cara, Kevin and Donna are eagerly planning the future of the group.

The team firmly believe the networking group will be a great asset to the local business community.

Donna said: "We wanted Zing to be a safe and vibrant environment where local business people can come to build relationships. To us, networking isn’t just about getting sales and we want to let people know that there is a great support network for the local business community.”

Cara said: "Like me, many people work on their own day to day, this is a big change when you've been used to working in the corporate world. It’s nice to get together with like minded people in the same position to chat about what’s been going on and to generate new ideas.”

Zing Networking and Business Support runs every third Thursday of every month and costs £5.

The next meeting will be February 18, 9.30am to 11am at St Aldhelm’s Church Hall, Spa Road in Weymouth.

The format of the morning is teas and coffees with a chance to mingle, followed by an interesting and relevant talk by a member of the local business community, followed by more refreshments and chatter.

February’s speaker is Kirsten Sare who will be giving the group an insight into the world of 'Business Coaching'.