Networking is a piece of cake in Leyland

It was a double celebration for a local business networking group as they marked two years of successful growth with a breakfast cake.

Since its launch in September 2011, Leyland-based BB4B (Business Before Breakfast) has met every month for two years – and the second anniversary just happened to coincide with the 100th issue of Leyland Leader, the business directory which forms the backbone of the group.

BB4B organiser and owner of Leyland Leader, Keith Bradshaw, said: “I think we are all surprised at how the group has grown over two years. In that time BB4B has forged a strong collective identity and some fantastic friendships have been made.

“It was entirely coincidental that August 2013 saw the publication of our 100th issue of the magazine. That said, my work brings me into contact with the widest range of other businesses, a factor I have drawn on to help grow the networking crew. It’s worked extremely well and the amount of business being done is very impressive.”

BB4B is based at St Andrews Parish Church meets on the first Friday of each month and regularly attracts 35 or more guests from across the local business world.

Member Mark Croasdale, audit manager at nearby Haines Watts Accountants, added: “Meetings are professional yet fun, friendly and non-committal. We usually have breakfast then a short talk by one of the members followed by general support and networking. We recently had a great Summer Social at Leyland Golf Club and plans for a BB4B Christmas Party are well underway.”

The group includes solicitors, accountants, estate agents, financial advisers, a wide variety of tradespeople and services along with members from South Ribble Council, Balshaws High School and business support consultants, seeking to help SMEs and new start-ups. Keith added: “A small group of like-minded people helped set this up, with great hopes but no real idea of how it would grow. Over 24 months BB4B has gathered significant momentum and is a real focal point for businesses in Leyland and South Ribble.”