SOUTHAMPTON has a new business club called Echelon.

Emerging phoenix-like from the ashes of a former Southampton branch of the Business Referral Exchange, Echelon has been formed by a group of business people aiming to make the most of their shared knowledge and experience.

Chairman Angela Ganner, pictured front, said: "We are all committed to developing our businesses through sharing information and referring quality leads to like-minded organisations. Our focus is very much on quality rather than quantity."

Echelon, which meets weekly at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, boasts Barclays, Snows Motor Group and Langdowns DFK among its founder members. It is run as a not-for-profit organisation with membership fees reinvested to fund growth and marketing. To find out more call Tim Crossland on 01794 514669.