A SOCIAL networking initiative that brings North East green businesses together online is through to the finals of an eco competition.

ConnectFriday is a Twitter networking hour that takes place at 10am each Friday on the social networking site. It is organised by ClimateNE and Daisy Green Media & Events so green businesses can get in touch and find ways to work together to benefit the low carbon economy.

The initiative, which is now in the finals of the Climate Week Awards, was started after a number of face-to-face bi-monthly breakfast ConnectFriday events were organised in Newcastle in 2010 to bring businesses together.

Nicola Alexander, from Daisy Green Media & Events, said: “We only launched it [the online version] in October 2012 and it has proven exceptionally popular.

“It already has nearly 1,700 followers and, on average, reaches over a quarter of a million people globally each week.” The network trends on Twitter most weeks and has helped regional green business build up national and international networks.

Jennifer Atkinson of ClimateNE said: “ConnectFriday networking has been a really effective.

“There have already been a number of notable successes including two North East firms who met through ConnectFriday, identified shared interests and goals and now are collaborating on the development of a range of LED lighting projects.”

ConnectFriday is one of four projects working to combat climate change that have been shortlisted in the Best Community Initiative category.

The winners of the Climate Week Awards will be announced on Monday, March 4.

Green businesses interested in joining the online network should follow @ConnectFriday and use the hashtag #ConnectFriday.