AN EASTLEIGH businesswoman has praised a Hampshire company for helping her develop her knowledge of trading.

Sarah Lower, founder and owner of Sarah Lowe Credit Management, is a member of Southern Entrepreneurs – a networking support system for local business owners which offers free-networking events.

“As a complete novice both in business and networking, it was such a relief to walk into a room full of friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming people,” Ms Lower said. “Anne, the business support manager for Southern Entrepreneurs, was very supportive that first time and continues to be.”

Since joining Ms Lower has taken part in a number of associated training course and even given speeches at events.

“Five years ago, if you had put me in front of a room full of people and asked me to talk for half an hour I would have fallen through the floor,” she said. “Networking events with Southern Entrepreneurs have allowed me to grow in confidence both from a business perspective and personally and I’ve made some really good friends.

“Not only are attendees of a high calibre, but networking events with Southern Entrepreneurs are free. This is a huge benefit and not having to commit to any of the costs that a lot of networking groups charge makes a massive difference to small start-up businesses. I genuinely believe that the contacts I have made through Southern Entrepreneurs have contributed to the success and growth of my business.”