BUSINESSES from across Somerset met last week at the launch of a new networking event in Taunton.

The event was organised by the Taunton branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, and saw member of more than 50 local businesses meet at CICCIC in Paul Street, Taunton.

John Holden, the vice-chairman for the Taunton and district branch of FSB, said: “It was superb. The Taunton launch saw more than 50 businesses at the Creative Innovations Centre.

“These businesses came together on a business and a social level and enjoyed business topics and support from David Prout from the Somerset Business Agency, which helps sign post businesses with funding support and skill sets.

“What we aim to do is create a social aspect as well as business relationships. It is about making business fun.”

Suzi Allen, who was recently crowned Pregnancy Photographer of The Year in the British Institute of Professional Photography Regional Awards, was one of the many small business owners at the event.

She said: “It was a good event in a nice venue. It was interesting to meet some different business owners. It was a good networking venue and they had the right atmosphere.

“I have been to a lot of networking events before and you normally see the same faces, but there were a good variety of businesses and some different faces this time.”

David Prout, who was the guest speaker at the event and commercial director of Somerset Business Agency, said: “It was a great event, and it was good to get so many small and smaller businesses in one room and find out more about each other.

“It is good from our point of view to meet those businesses and help. It was one of those great opportunities.

“As the Somerset Business Agency we can’t by nature know talk to every business in Somerset, so we got to let them know who we are, where we are and what we do.

“These types of networking events are far more beneficial than corporate run networking events.

“It was a valuable opportunity for us to engage with small businesses in the area.”

The next networking for free FSB event in Somerset is being held at the Canal Side in Bridgwater.