First came speed dating to answer the prayers of the time-pressed and tongue-tied trying to find love.

Now busy professionals in Brighton and Hove are borrowing the formula to give their businesses a boost.

Speed networking has proved a hit in London, where it is helping professionals make new business contacts in the shortest time possible.

Participants are given just 90 seconds to talk to each other about their line of work.

The concept is the brainchild of businessman Atul Patel, who is now staging events in Brighton.

He said: "In England we're too frightened to move away from somebody and say 'Look, I've heard enough about you. I should really go and talk to someone else'."

Mr Patel says speed networking not only helps businesses get in touch with other businesses, it equips people with the skills and confidence to talk to people at ordinary network meetings.

Gwen Rhys, Mr Patel's business partner who addressed the inaugural event at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, said: "Most people get an impression of whether they like somebody or not in the first 15 seconds."

Participant Gary Neal said: "It's a good opportunity to understand what networking is all about. I've met interesting people from a variety of businesses and backgrounds."

Friday November 28, 2003