Businesswomen will show their male counterparts how it’s done at the launch of a new networking group.

Founded by Julie Pearce, the Enterprising Women’s Business Club will hold its first meeting over lunch in Chigwell next week – and Julie wants women at all professional levels to come along.

The self-employed PA, of Woodford Bridge, said she hoped her group would provide something different.

“Sometimes, if you’re new to it you find networking in a large group a little bit daunting,” she said. “A lot of networking groups can be very strict but, if you’re setting up a business, you can’t network every week.

“This is informal and supportive, where members can feel they can get to know other ladies.

“We’re there for business, but it’s not all about hard sales.”

Julie’s club, which is open to businesswomen from Redbridge, Chigwell and beyond, is the latest branch of national non-profit group Enterprising Women.

The idea came from her own experiences in the world of work. Julie, 49, first started working as a PA at the age of 20.

“When I first became self-employed, I didn’t know anyone else who was.

“It’s quite lonely sitting at home – you have no support around and no one who understands what you’re doing, so I thought: ‘I need to meet likeminded people.’ That’s how I got into networking.”

The first meeting, which takes place at the Prince Regent Hotel in Manor Road, Chigwell, will include a welcome from Enterprising Women founder Bev Hurley.

Julie will gather ideas about how women want the group to develop – whether members want to meet over coffee, lunch, or drinks, and how they would like the meetings structured.

Anyone who joins is asked to commit to attending every monthly meeting.

In return, they’ll get benefits such as discounted workshops and promotion through the Enterprising Women website.

To find out more and book a place, go to www.enterprising-women.org or call Julie on 07843 260 186. You can also e-mail her at info@thetaskangels.co.uk.