AT LEAST 50 businesses from across the district attended the AWWEsome Business Club’s latest event.

The club, which is run by Keighley-based agency Airedale Enterprise Services, had invited networking guru Stefan Thomas, to address its audience.

Stefan is the author of “Business Networking for Dummies”, and was one of the founder members of the 4Networking group.

A club spokesman said: "Stefan is a truly remarkable guy that’s what endears the audience to him – he tells it as it is.

"When Stefan attended his first networking event in 2008 he admitted he got it wrong. He made costly and often embarrassing mistakes, so the audience now doesn’t have to make those same mistakes."

Addressing the club meeting in Bingley, Mr Thomas said: “Ironically business networking is less about business and more about people. People buy people.

“It isn’t always the best person for the job who wins it, but the one who is daft enough to keep going when others tell you you’ve got it wrong."

Wendy Spencer, chief executive officer at Airedale Enterprise Services, said: “The club is going from strength to strength with over 90 members from across the whole district.

"Our events are informal, friendly and very supportive. We run the club on the last Wednesday of each month at different venues.

"The next event is on October 25 at Shipley College. The theme in October is 'DIY PR – how to get free or low cost publicity for your business'".

Club membership costs start at £50 per year for a sole trader. Contact Airedale Enterprise services on 01535 607775 for more details.