ONE of the most successful business networking organisations in the world is coming to Preston city centre.

Business Network International (BNI) encourages local firms to meet up, swap business cards and recommend each other to potential clients.

It has more than 40,000 members worldwide and claims to generate £625million of business every year.

It currently has 'chapters' in Leyland and Chorley, which service Preston businesses, but wants to give city centre firms the chance to join its success.

Lancashire area director Mike Holman said the organisation works because members are dedicated to helping each other. He said: "In simple terms, we turn business contacts into business contracts.

"We have been in Lancashire for three years and, so far, have been incredibly successful.

"We are looking to set up two new chapels in Preston in the next two months and are currently deciding on suitable venues for our meetings."

BNI holds weekly business breakfasts for its members which are used for networking and passing on contacts. Its simple formula allows bosses to swap business cards, pass on potential leads to each other and learn valuable marketing skills.

Mr Holman added: "We are not just for small or medium size businesses, we have large corporations involved including the Royal Bank of Scotland.

"There is no competition between us and other business organisations, if anything we encourage all kinds of networking."

BNI allows just one member from a profession into each of its chapters, ensuring none are in direct competition with each other.

For more information call Mike Holman on 01744 636669.