Network group thrives despite recession

CORK firms have credited a business boom to a networking initiative, which is one of the fastest growing services of its kind in Ireland.

The B2B Networking group was launched last night and provides a forum for firms to meet others in an informal setting. There are 30 members and it is attracting an average of one new member a week since February. Since it began late last year there have been over 400 referrals and a third of these have occurred in the last three months.

Chairman of B2B John O’Callaghan said: “In these recessionary times networking is of vital importance and, through a highly effective network of business referrals, members of B2B Networking have seen their businesses grow and develop despite the economic challenges facing companies in Cork this year. Successful businesses depend on word of mouth marketing as the best form of promotion and B2B Networking provides a structured support system for businesses of all sizes.”