FIRST there was Business over Breakfast ­— now welcome to Business over Beers which is set to launch in Bolton this month.

The new business networking group is the brainchild of Bolton-based Tao Digital Marketing for bosses to meet in a relaxed more social atmosphere.

Matt Tomkin, Founder of Tao Digital, whose office is based in Knowsley Street, said: “It’s been a really tough time for business across the whole of the UK, and we know that people are raring to meet each other again face-to-face.

“Rather than the traditional and somewhat stale formal networking meetings, we wanted to arrange something that is much more relaxed and a bit of fun while at the same time helping businesses to explore new opportunities.”

And the first meeting will be held at Northern Monkey in Nelson Square, with the £20 cost per person going to support the pub, which like the rest of the hospitality industry has faced a tough time during lockdown.

Those attending will meet and chat informally to like-minded business people in a friendly, social environment over a few drinks ­— whether that’s beer, wine, spirits or non-alcoholic ­— to build their networks.

Tao Digital has a strict policy of no hard selling.

It will be a chance for members of the Greater Manchester business community to finally meet face-to-face whilst supporting a business that has been hit hard by the pandemic.

The event will take place on August 19t from 6pm to 8pm at the pub, which only this week was named Bolton CAMRA Pub of the Year 2021.

Ryan Bailey, who owns Northern Monkey along with Liam Convey and Kevin Barber, said it was good to be recognised.

Tickets can be booked via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-over-beers-tickets-157932340883?aff=ebdssbdestsearch