A business networking group in Scunthorpe is celebrating its first birthday.

Network Scunthorpe was founded by four businessmen who wanted to connect their businesses in order to expand and help each other build contacts.

Since the start of Network Scunthorpe in January last year, members of the group have generated more than £230,000 of business between them.

John Heeney, from RNS Chartered Accountants, Oliver Nicoll, from HBP Systems, Dan Laws, from Studio 55, and Andrew Clayton, from RNS Independent Financial Advisers, decided to form the group because of their previous bad experiences in business groups.

Mr Heeney, the chairman of the group, said: "We had all been members of business groups before, but had been so frustrated by how old fashioned and frumpy the groups were that we decided to set up a fresh new group, which has proven to be very successful."

The group meets fortnightly on a Thursday from 7.30am at Scunthorpe Rugby Club.

It aims to help each other expand their businesses by sharing contacts and advice.

Mr Heeney said: "The first year has gone incredibly well – much better than any of us initially dared hope.

"With more than £230,000 of business being generated between members, we feel members are getting real benefits from the group.

"Our group is relaxed, friendly and welcoming, but is run professionally and the figures released at the end of our first year confirm is it definitely effective.

"It has worked out a lot better than we thought and we hope to have another successful year."

The group now has 38 members from all business sectors and Mr Heeney said it is always looking for more people to join.

He said: "We are constantly looking for new members and are very excited to welcome anybody new. We have just welcomed our 38th member and it's great to see the group is still growing."

Mr Heeney said one person per trade can join and the annual membership fee is £150.

Mr Heeney said: "The membership fee is a lot cheaper than any other business groups in our area and the money is kept for the group.

"We are not a money-making exercise and the membership fees are used by the group for social events such as bowling."

Fellow founder member Mr Laws, of studio55@printing. com, said: "These figures are great news and show that networking really can help you grow your business, even in difficult economic times."

For more information, go to www.network-scunthorpe. co.uk or e-mail tellmemore@ network-scunthorpe.co.uk