MEMBERS marked the B4-8 networking club’s first anniversary with an alfresco meeting at Petit Bot. The group – a diverse cross section of business people – meets once a month before 8am for breakfast.

There are currently 40 members and 29 saw in the start of its second year.

It is run by a small committee and was the initiative of CMA Public Relations, which felt there was a gap in the market for a club dedicated to networking.

Committee member and CMA director Andrew Carey was pleased with how the club was progressing.

‘People find it a very valuable means of broadening their contacts and exchanging views on various issues affecting them.’

Every member also has the opportunity to take the floor and discuss whatever he or she wants about their business.

The early-morning timing makes the club unlikely to clash with members’ work commitments.

Mr Carey said the committee was constantly looking at ways to keep the club new and exciting.

‘We thought it would be nice to do something different during the summer months, when the mornings were light.’

Its usual venue is Les Cotils.

The Petit Bot meeting included a brainstorming session about how the past year had gone and thoughts on how to develop the club.

The annual subscription includes a breakfast each month and a wallet containing the business cards of all members.

* Any business people interested in joining the club should contact Andrew Carey at CMA on 246700 or visit www.theb4-8club.co.uk.