A new forum which aims to link up small businesses in Bradley Stoke is to launch in February.

The Small Business Forum is aiming to be “a voice for the business community in the town”.

The idea for the group is the brainchild of Nick Wood who runs a counselling and psychotherapy service from rented space at the Bradley Stoke Community School.

“Having started my own small business over the last few years I have learnt a whole new set of skills and it has sometimes been a hard slog,” said Nick.

“There is help available but I also feel it would be great to share ideas and experiences with other local business people.

“Clubbing together might help us to pool resources, provide a marketing platform and, who knows even put something back into the community we serve.”

The other aims of the forum are:

• Provide mutual support for it’s members
• Be a place to share ideas and experiences
• Provide access to advice and specialist expertise
• Establish links with community groups and initiatives

The first meeting of the group will be at 5.30pm on Monday, 19 February 2007 at the Pitman Training Centre, Bradley Pavillions, Pear Tree Road, Bradley Stoke.

If you run a small business in the town and would like to get in touch with Nick ahead of the meeting then you can email him via nick4info@yahoo.co.uk