On July 16, 26 members of Kingston Chamber of Commerce attended a new style of event, which can only be described as a business version of speed dating.

Half the members remained seated and the rest rotated between tables every five minutes for a one minute introduction and a three-minute discussion. There was a break in the middle for an Italian style buffet.

The restaurant Olivio, located in Brighton Road, Surbiton provided a friendly, relaxed and spacious backdrop for this first speed networking lunch. Olivio is new to the Kingston Chamber and are keen to ensure the event becomes a regular fixture. The size and layout of the restaurant made it an ideal venue.

Laura Slade, who runs LS Marketing (www.lsmarketing.co.uk) said: "As a small business it is always refreshing to meet other local businesses, even when there is no direct revenue generating outcome, because advice and knowledge are always shared in a friendly environment.

"On this occasion though, I did speak with several companies relevant to my business, who could easily become clients."

Alison Persson, owner of health and safety consultants Catalyst123 said: "The networking lunch was a fun event with a sense of purpose.

"There was a keenness amongst the networkers to identify possible synergy between their businesses.

"It was a very productive event and future discussions are already planned with three contacts made at Olivio."

(Visit www.catalyst123.co.uk for information.)

For those who do not like or are unable to get to conventional business breakfast meetings, the lunchtime slot is ideal, and you do have the chance to speak on a one-to-one basis with a variety of business, so it's certainly worth a try. A one minute overview is not as easy as it sounds, so you may want to practise before you go!

This networking lunch was an excellent way of learning about other businesses in a short time. Speed networking is a creative way of doing business and will become a regular in the chamber's diary. So next time you see speed networking advertised, sign up quickly to an event that can have a real benefit to your business.

Kingston Chamber of Commerce will be hosting another speed networking lunch on Tuesday September 14th at the Mediterranean Restaurant, Richmond Road, Kingston (near the new Sainsbury's) starting at mid day. Call 020 8481 0450 or visit www.kingstonchamber.co.uk.