A new networking group for women in business has launched in Blackburn.

The Ladies Empowerment Circle (LEC) met at the Clog and Billycock, in Billinge End Road, earlier this week. 

The organisation was started by Sarah Hulme, 53, and aims to help ladies feel 'uplifted, empowered and supported' in their businesses.

Women who are thinking of starting something or want to be around inspiring ladies are also welcome to attend. 

Sarah started the group in Bolton last year and now hosts 40 members. This launch was followed by similar groups in Adlington and Hindley.

Amanda Alcock, from Great Harwood, who has been attending the Bolton group, is hosting the Blackburn event once a month.

Amanda, 38, runs an online gift shop called Random Panda, and said she had experience in event organising and mentoring people from her network marketing background.

She said: “The launch event was amazing. It was wonderful to bring together so many likeminded people and support each other.

“It can be quite lonely in business at times. And sometimes you can question are you doing the right thing, and who do you ask who understands?

“To be able to come together monthly with likeminded ladies and bounce ideas or ask for help, with no judgement, is needed.”

The aim of the group is to be low cost, but high value. It is just £5 to book a place at each meeting.

It is open to businesses of any size and you don’t need to live or work in the Blackburn area to attend.

Sarah said: “I started the group in Bolton 12 months ago as I wanted to bring ladies together and support them.

"I have been blown away by the response and it is fantastic we are now expanding to more areas.

“Lots of business has come from the group as relationships are built, and that is wonderful to see people are getting so much value from coming, but it isn’t a big financial cost.”

Future meetings will take place at the Clog and Billycock, Billinge End Road, once a month on a Tuesday from 12pm to 2pm. The next event is on Tuesday, April 9. 

Anyone wanting more  information can e-mail amanda@randompanda.co.uk