SPEED dating was devised as a solution to help couples get together. And in the conference centre of the Radisson Hotel in Cork yesterday it seemed like every business in Ireland was looking for love.

MORE than 2,500 business meetings involving 307 companies took place in Cork this week in a novel networking event.

MORE than 300 companies have signed up for the first networking event of its kind in this country, which kicks off in Cork this week.

THE first networking event of its kind in this country is expected to provide a massive boost to the Cork economy as it attracts companies from the US, Slovakia and Romania.