RUBBING shoulders with the right business people as the economic recovery goes into full swing is even more important than in a recession, according to Bury networking queen Karen Tems.

Mrs Tems says there is increasing evidence of more buoyant activity across the three groups she runs in the North West as part of The Business Network brand – Bolton and Bury, Central and East Lancashire, and South Manchester.

Membership of the groups has remained steady during one of the worst downturns in history, but now there has been sudden spike in interest in the activities of The Business Network around the region.

Mrs Tems admits that some business people can be sceptical of networking, and populating the groups with complementary business people can be something of a delicate balancing act.

“The right members see the big picture,” said Mrs Tems, who started her working life as a secretary at East Lancashire Paper Mill in Radcliffe after leaving Derby High School in Bury.

“It’s a slow burn and it’s about relationships. I always say it’s about getting enough people to get to know you. Then they get to like you and then they trust you – that’s the sequence.

“Ultimately, it’s a two-way thing – it has to work for both the member and the group.

“We said that networking was important during the recession, but it’s assumed greater importance now as people don’t want to get left behind.”

The Business Networks meets in each area once a month. Typically, an 80-minute seminar led by a specialist in a business field takes place before a two-course lunch, followed by a 10-minute talk from one of the members.

Mrs Tems maintains a determination to make sure the events run to time, and speakers do not “over-run”.

“This is very important,” she said. “Because people who attend our networking events during a working day often need to know precisely how long they are going to be tied up. Their time is precious.”

But the benefits they gain from attending can be enormous, she said. “It’s an opportunity to build contacts and make high-value referrals, collaborate on projects and mentor each other,” she said.

“It’s a supportive and vibrant business community.”

Mrs Tems is aiming to increase the diversity of her networking groups with the addition of professionals from areas of business which are not represented.

For more details: contact Mrs Tems on 0161 797 7710, or e-mail karen@business-network.co.uk.