A BUSINESS support network is booming with membership quadrupling in recent years.

South Tyneside Business Network was founded in 1992 and is run by an independently annually elected management committee, made up of representatives from local business.

Membership has risen from 15 to 60, with members from a wide spectrum of the community. The growth has been helped by the support of the networking project from Tedco.

One firm to benefit is Tasty Bites Sandwich Shop in Horsley Hill, South Shields. Owner Bernice Robinson, in the network seven years, says it has helped business.

As a result Bernice won the catering contract for businesses such as Solar Solve and this has opened doors to the South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum and Ford Component Manufacturing.

She said: “I would encourage everyone within South Tyneside to join the network as not only does it provide networking opportunities, but also encourages procurement from within South Tyneside and provides training and support services to members.

“Being a part of such a strong networking group has had a positive impact on both my business and my personal development, allowing me to promote my business to key and influential members of the community.”

For networking project details, contact Gordon Hanna on 07917 421281, email ghanna@tedco.org  or Mizan Rouf on 07810 374578, email mrouf@tedco.org  at Tedco.