More than 40 businesses attended a networking breakfast in Bridport.

The breakfast, which was hosted by the Bridport Chamber of Trade and Commerce and marketing specialists Marketing West, took place at The Ivy House, the new restaurant at Groves Nurseries.

For the first breakfast, the guest speaker was TV and radio personality, Valerie Singleton.

Ms Singleton told the audience about her career as an actress, then Blue Peter, The Money Programme and more recently Radio Four’s PM programme.

She then opened a general discussion about the UK’s current economic position and the Brexit negotiations, which encouraged a lively discussion amongst the attendees.

Debbie Bond, vice president and joint secretary of the Bridport Chamber, said: “I enjoyed the event immensely. Valerie Singleton is a television icon and a childhood hero of mine. Her talk was a potted history of her fascinating life and she had several funny stories about famous people to amuse the attendees.

“She was also a very friendly and engaging guest, a delight to spend time with.

“The food and the venue, the brand new Ivy House at Grove Nurseries, was wonderful and the chamber would like to thank them for hosting the event so successfully.

“The chamber is happy to co-operate with Nigel of Marketing West on these networking events, as we realise how important it is to build support networks within the business community.

“If breakfast was anything to go by, future events will prove to be interesting and invaluable to local businesses.”

The breakfasts will be held monthly (except in August), with the next one set to take place at the same venue, The Ivy House, on Tuesday, July 24.

Marketing West’s Nigel Reeve, added: “The idea behind the breakfasts is to encourage a wide range of businesses from Bridport and West Dorset to attend.

“The breakfasts will always have specialist speakers covering subjects that affect everyone in the room.

“This will be followed by an open debate amongst the attendees.”

Speaking at the event will be Gill Donnell, the Dorset regional head of the Institute of Directors.

To find out more, email networking@marketingwest.co.uk