When you bring business people together in the spirit of working together, far more can be achieved than working in isolation.

So was the case at the first Wells Big Business Breakfast when 60 entrepreneurs and business owners met at the Swan Hotel in the city in January to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Organised as a joint effort between the City of Wells Lions and the Swan Hotel, Mark Tobin, Swan Hotel general manger, said how impressed he was with the enthusiasm for the event and the response since.

He said: "I love the whole idea of keeping business local.

"We are already planning to give business to local companies we didn't even know about."

Paul Clegg, first vice-president of the City of Wells Lions was not surprised. He's had almost 20 years experience working with Business Network International) bringing businesses together and helping them raise their profile.

He launched a successful business group in Wells in December 2002 where 125 people attended the launch.

He said: "When business owners engage with one another, instead of treating a networking event as a mass cold calling opportunity, they realise that relationships matter.

"We hope that some of the relationships formed at this event lead to better business from working together, helping each other."

Special thanks need to go to the event sponsors who essentially underpinned the event - the Unpackaged Travel Company, First One On, Wells Funeral Directors, Truespeed and Bowley's Garage. Their contribution has helped boost the money raised on the day to £1,000.

The Swan and the City of Wells Lions are now discussing further events to bring the business community together for their benefit and to benefit good causes.

If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the next business event, contact Paul Clegg on [email protected] or telephone on 01749 671596.