Hitchin has a strong business community and business to business networking is an integral part of any business development strategy.

You meet contacts you may collaborate with, gain trusted referrals for services you may need, meet new and interesting people expanding your own knowledge and importantly gain new business.

It can be daunting walking into a room of people you don't know and introducing yourself for the first time, but I have been warmly welcomed at all the events I have attended.

There are so many groups to choose from and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you, and right now it's harder than ever as networking groups are unable to meet due to the Covid crisis.

Joining a networking group can be a big commitment, especially if you are starting out and money is tight.

That's why my business partner Susie and I love the concept of Business Buzz.

There is no subscription or joining fees, you just pay £5 on the door. You are not restricted by your profession as with other groups.

For us, financial advisors are already represented in a lot of groups so we are not allowed to join. At Buzz we feel the business community is big enough for everyone.

It has been difficult to find an alternative to face to face meetings during lock down. Zoom and other video conference tools work well with small groups but you don't get the opportunity to really get to know everyone in the room.

The founders of Business Buzz, Simon George and Katrina Sargent were determined to find a solution and they found Remo, an online tool that can replicate a networking venue.

They have developed it over the past few months and in June successfully launched it to all their existing groups around Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Surrey, Oxfordshire and London.

It has been a huge success and they have launched over 70 meetings during the past three months.

The room is divided into tables so you can meet and talk to a small group of people, or you can go to smaller meeting areas and have one to ones.

There is capacity to host over 100 people, so networking has become limitless! But it remains fun and you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home or office.

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Hitchin Business Buzz, hosted by Faye Silver and Susie Bewell of Raymond James, Hitchin takes place on the third Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12pm.

Their next event is tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19.

Cost is £5

For more details visit Business Buzz