Hundreds of professionals took part in a special Valentine’s Day event in Chigwell.

Hosted by The Essex Business Network Group, managers and entrepreneurs headed to Metropolitan Police Sports Club, High Road, Chigwell to meet “like-minded professionals”.

Since 2018, The club has organised free events on the second Friday of each month to “provide people with a space to network in a relaxed and friendly environment”.

However the latest meet up was a bit different and in a nod to the day of love, there was a “romantic atmosphere, which certainly helped to kick start a number of new relationships between local businesses”.

Jon O’Shea, chairman of Haslers Chartered Accountants, who supported the event said: “Love was truly in the air at the latest meeting and we had our highest number of guests yet to attend.

“This group continues to go from strength to strength as word of mouth spreads about its usefulness to members of the local business community.

“We have high hopes for the future success of this and are delighted to keep supporting it throughout 2019.”

The next meeting of the Essex Business Network Group is due to take place on Friday, March 8, 2019, from 12.30pm at Metropolitan Police Sports Club.

You can book to go along by visiting: eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-essex-business-networking-group-march-2019-tickets-55755552358