A new business networking group has been established in Bedale.
Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond, addressed the first gathering of Connect@Bedale Hall.
The group aims to bring together local businesses on a regular basis to share ideas, opportunities and support.
More than 20 small and medium-sized enterprises from Bedale and the surrounding area attended the first brunch event in the main ballroom of Bedale Hall to hear Mr Sunak talk about his own career in business around the world.
Mr Sunak said he felt very privileged to be the group’s first guest speaker.
“I know from my own business background how important networking can be, particularly for small businesses.
“And small businesses are so important for the economy in the country as a whole but particularly in North Yorkshire where we have comparatively few large employers.
“So I applaud Connect@Bedale Hall’s initiative in bringing together forward-thinking and ambitious businesses to network and share best practice.”
Connect@Bedale Hall have events arranged for the rest of 2018. The next brunch (11am-1pm) session is on Thursday, April 19, and the guest speaker is Faye Levi of Faye Levi Marketing. Book via Facebook /connectatbedalehall or contact Abigail Carr (07512 561076) or Sally Williams (07714 405838).