A group of Sussex businesses have got together to launch a web site which could revolutionise the way people network.

The forum4business.com site allows business people to meet outside the confines of the hotel function room.

An online discussion room has been set up, along with a messageboard and company profile database.

The site is designed to run alongside traditional networking events rather than compete against them.

Co-founder Paul Forrest, 49, said: "This can be seen as a follow-up to such events so people can continue talking after the champagne and canaps have gone."

However, the web site does reflect broader concerns within the Sussex business community about the usefulness of traditional networking.

In September last year the Hub 100 group was formed to give heads of high-growth companies the chance to network more effectively.

Sussex Enterprise, the largest business organisation in the county, is also testing new ways to improve business gatherings, including 'speed networking'.

The forum4business.com site includes a section where businesses can give PowerPoint presentations.

An online library offers an archive of research papers on a variety of business matters.

The site was the brainchild of marketing consultant Mr Forrest and Julie Stanford, publisher of The Essential Business Guide.

It was created by Jeremy Spiller and Kevin Elliot, owners of White Hat Media, who have worked on similar projects for the music industry.

Membership is expected to grow to more than 1,000 within the first six months but there is no upper limit.

The site is currently free but when more people join there is likely to be a small annual fee.

Other revenue is expected to come from banner advertising and through premium rate services.

Mr Forrest said: "For small businesses and sole traders it can be a lonely world out there, especially when starting up."

For more information, visit www.forum4business.com

Tuesday February 10, 2004