FASHION communications students at a North East university have formed a business aimed linking talented people together.

The group opened Front Row last October to help fashion and creative arts students build contacts, swap ideas and find jobs by organising networking events.

Now the six fashion students and directors behind the business are holding their second event at Jalou bar and restaurant in Newcastle tomorrow.

Up to 20 of the North East’s key fashion and modelling experts will be on hand to offer expert advice, including the sales director of Newcastle-based international menswear designer Nigel Cabourn, based in Gosforth, and coordinator of Newcastle Fashion Week Sandra Tang.

Managing director of Front Row, April Bowden, said: “This is the biggest thing so far that we have done and it’s taking off.

“With tuition fees going up, the cost of living rising and fewer graduate jobs available, we are trying to offer careers advice and build the confidence of students.

“Most of those who graduate think they should go to London to find a job, but there is a successful creative and fashion business in the North East. There are jobs here, you just have to look for them.”

Bowden, 22, from Alnwick, said: “We just started talking about it and realised there was a need for something to help students.”

Each young director invested just £30 to get the business event organised last October, and they were given a helping hand because they were not charged for their first venue.

This time students will be charged £4 for entry to mingle with the great and good of fashion at the event organised to coincide with London Fashion Week.

Nigel Cabourn sales director Drew Holmes said: “I will tell students that it is a very competitive industry. They must have a clear focus and a clear idea of what they want to do. It is also important they carry out research.

“We deal in heritage designs and some of our research takes place in museums. Young people wanting to enter the industry must be prepared to go anywhere.”

Front Row is planning a third event for students and professionals in April, which will help attendees get summer break work placements.