A NETWORK for businesswomen in the Okehampton area is to launch this month.

The 'Time Well Spent Networking' initiative is to launch at a special event on February 24 at Okehampton Business Centre.

The network will aim to encourage businesswomen in the area to build strong connections between each other in an effort to create opportunities and forge relationships.

The idea was created by Chris Heron of Bridestowe.

She was formerly a network leader for WiRE — Women in Rural Enterprise — in Devon and has since decided to start her own network for local businesswomen.

She contacted Devon Communities Together for support, and that led to the event on February 24.

She said: 'I feel very strongly that the way forward for women in business is to network and collaborate and therefore the purpose of the network is to provide support for local businesswomen, ­encourage collaboration and develop skills and confidence.

'Following the launch of 'Time Well Spent Networking', there will be a meeting every month and I have planned sessions for the rest of the year, starting with the first meeting on March 20.

'Dee Wilkinson from South West Coaching will be talking about 'Managing Your Energy, not Time'.

'Women will be encouraged to bring any promotional material about their business to share with other business women.'

At the launch there will be a training session from Cosmic IT looking into social media, websites, apps and generally how IT can help improve their business, followed by a guided workshop looking at customers and new products and markets.

The launch event also includes a bring and share supper, so guests are asked to bring something to eat or drink to share with the group.

The plan for the network over the coming months will be set out at the launch.

Anyone interested in the 'Time Well Spent Networking' business network can contact Chris Heron on [email protected]">[email protected]