Leeds businesses work together in recession

Savvy firms in Leeds are defying the downturn through networking, new figures suggest.

Referral company the Business Network International (BNI) recently called together a working breakfast of Yorkshire-based firms in the city this week and is experiencing high levels of interest for its services, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports.

The organisation works by bringing businesspeople together in order to discuss opportunities for corporate link-ups.

BNI claims that around £31 million of new business was generated across the county in the last year as a result of its services.

Speaking to the newspaper, group director Andy Simpson explained: ’BNI is a referral organisation based around the philosophy that ’givers gain’ - if I find business opportunities for you, then you’re likely to look out for opportunities for me.

’Members educate their fellow members about the kind of business they’re looking for so, in effect, it’s like having an extra set of sales people looking out for opportunities on your behalf.’

Representatives from 80 firms attended the latest Grow Your Business breakfast.

Carl Ward, Head of the Kleinwort Benson Leeds Team commented: ’Networking is a skill that all successful business people possess in abundance. And, with so many networking events available selecting the right events, where you will be able to meet and forge long term relationships with new customers, can be a real challenge.’ADNFCR-2318-ID-19211935-ADNFCR