A NEW business group is being launched in Northwich to support small and medium-sized firms through the pandemic and beyond.

NetworkIN Northwich aims to offer businesses from mid Cheshire advice, new referrals, and support through virtual meetings and online training sessions.

It is part of the wider NetworkIN Cheshire network, which already has groups in south Cheshire and is used by more than 55 businesses to grow their customer base.

The group is run by Pam Allen, owner of award-winning Cheshire virtual assistant business PA Today.

She said: “As a business owner I became involved because I knew it was essential to get out there and network, because you have to tell people you’re there otherwise they can’t buy from you.

"As this pandemic has continued to throw up challenges for both new and established businesses, we knew it was the right time to grow the NetworkIN Cheshire business community in Northwich.

"We have been able to provide our members with essential updates and advice on everything from furlough to government grants, and you can’t underestimate the importance of having like-minded people around you when you run a business."

Jonathan Joseph, a print solutions manager at Nationwide Franking Sense in Middlewich, was one of the businesses to attend the first Northwich meeting.

He said: “I’d never experienced business networking online and I was a bit sceptical, but there was a great mix of businesses in the room with a real passion to collaborate and help each other win new business.

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“This is so important at the moment as it’s only by working together that businesses, particularly small businesses, are going to survive.”

Call Pam on 07938 549876 to find out more or visit networkin.uk/teams/cheshire-teams