A NETWORKING organisation that has groups all over Lancashire and Greater Manchester is opening a new group in Blackburn.

The Business over Breakfast group, run by Tracy Heatley, will launch at Ewood Park on Wednesday, April 5 after local business people contacted her.

The new club marks Tracy’s 10 years as a BoB licence holder for Lancashire, Manchester and Cheshire. Tracy was formerly a marketing consultant, now based at Fernbank Business Centre in Burnley, and started her very first club in Rossendale. This now meets in Haslingden.

She now also has successful clubs in Ramsbottom, Burnley, Bolton, Warrington and central Manchester. She launched a new club in the Ribble Valley last November and is shortly opening another one in Preston.

“I felt there was an area gap relating to Blackburn so wanted to open a new club here,” she explained. “I received a number of requests to launch  one so I knew there was a demand for our style of breakfast networking in this area.

“However, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of interest. Exclusive membership places are now going quickly and I can’t wait to get the club launched.”

Her organisation has grown each year with thousands of pounds worth of referrals being passed by members from a variety of businesses. The largest single referral resulted in £300,000 worth of business for a member.

“BoB clubs run slightly differently to other networking groups,” stated Tracy. “We have found a blend which has the right amount of structure and is not too pressured but which allows effective networking.”

In the past decade, she believes that networking has improved. “Being online has enhanced networking generally, making it more accessible,” she said.

“Now, more and more people are recognising that companies like to do business with people they know, like and trust and networking offers this opportunity.”

Commented Blackburn Rovers’ Business Development Manager Danny Davis: “It’s fantastic that Business over Breakfast has chosen the Blues Bar here at Ewood Park as their latest venue. We look forward to meeting many new businesses here at the launch to build new business relationships.”