For the Four Counties Networking Group, celebrating its first birthday this week, is proving a FOURmidable force in connecting with firms in the area.
The name of the group, founded in February 2008 by website business directory boss Chris Wakeman, was deliberately chosen because it meets just a stone’s throw from the old four-county boundary at No Man’s Heath.
Here, legend has it, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire all converged on the village at its famous hostelry, the Four Counties Inn, which sheltered highwaymen from the law. By moving into another room of the tavern, they switched counties and evaded justice.
“It is rather ironic that in these troubled times the Four Counties name – once linked to robbery – is now proving such a legal money spinner for our members,” said group treasurer Wakeman.
The group, which has trebled its membership to 24 in the first 12 months, was formed by companies “tired of extortionate fees charged by others”, added the Newton Regis businessman.
And the networkers – who meet on the last Friday of each month at the Ramada Hotel, Appleby Magna - claim they are definitely beating the recession.
Group chairman Jo Davey said: “As Gordon Brown keeps saying, and it’s true in our case, we at Four Counties are best placed to ride out the stormy economic waters.
“Our strength in numbers and a genuine desire to help one another will see members of Four Counties Networking Group through what is widely felt are the worst trading conditions for 80 years.
“We are now a FOURmidable force connecting with business.”
For more details about the group, which charges £99 a year membership, contact press officer Nick Hudson on 07833 362707 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it