The First Friday Network is a monthly free business networking event held on various Fridays with meetings across the country, including East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire.

The First Friday Network was started by Steve Wilson, of Wilson Design Associates, in Chichester in March 2003 for those people who didn't want either an early morning breakfast or a weekly commitment. All the networks are aligned to each other but are run by local business people, with local business knowledge. Serving the business community by way of offering a venue to network, promote, share and exchange ideas. The format of the meetings has really grabbed everyones attention because of the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that is always present. The network has grown by word-of-mouth over the last few years from a local event into a regional, and hopefully in time, a national organisation!

For the third year running Steve's commitment and contribution to the local business scene has been recognised at the Chichester Observer Business Awards. This year Steve received the 'Highly Commended' Award, for the second time, previoulsy receiving it in 2008! Last year Steve was awarded Business Personality of the Year 2009. Steve was described as a real ideas man who is out and about everywhere, involved in Young Enterprise as a judge and mentor, past Chairman of the Chichester branch of the South Coast Design Forum, active member of the Chamber of Commerce and much, much more!

If you are interested in starting a network group in your area give Steve a call on 01243 787100 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Lights! Camera! Action! Network!

We have created a short video showing the Chichester First Friday meeting in action! It shows the fantastic 'buzz' at a First Friday network event and the relaxed atmosphere that business is done in.

It was created by the fantastic photographer and film maker Carl Pendle; tel: 07792 366002 or www.carlpendle.com. Carl shoots both photography and film for a variety of clients in the UK and abroad - check out his site for more info!