A NETWORKING group using the powers of social media is launching in Andover.

LinkedinLocal uses the platform’s ‘Nearby’ tool to help business leaders learn more about attendees to target the right people at the sessions.

Started in Australia in 2017 the idea has now branched out across the world, with groups nearby in Basingstoke and Winchester now well attended by local figures.

The simple premise is that it aims to put the social back into social media; to meet online contacts face-to-face and to meet the person behind the profile.

Company owner Andrew Middleton, based in Andover, thought the idea would be right for the town’s business community.

He said: “I went to the one in Winchester and I was wowed by the concept, it is not about selling it is about collaboration and meeting people.

“At other networking groups you can spend ages talking to people about themselves but it may not be of interest to use, but with Linkedin Nearby you can see who is at the event, look at their profile and decide whether they will be of interest.”

During the sessions there will not be any speakers or presentations to sell business tools but the opportunity to make more connections in the town and surrounding areas.

Andrew, who runs the virtual company I’m Not Done Yet to find over 50s purpose, added: “It is very different, it is local, there is not a speaker and it has a completely different vibe to it.”

And unlike other sessions, Andrew said the group is not aimed at big businesses but freelancers and smaller companies.

He added: “To me it is for people who are freelancers rather than traditional businesses, for those who are doing business in Andover but don’t necessarily come out to play.”

Andrew is launching the group with Yvette Curtis who runs a virtual PA company in the town.

Attendees will have to pay a fee of £6 to attend a meeting which will cover running costs with any surplus donated to Andover Foodbank.

There will be one meeting per quarter, and it is pitched as having a “relaxed, informal structure” and a “great way to connect with contacts - old and new - to build genuine relationships”.

LinkedinLocal Andover’s inaugural event will take place on Thursday, November 29 between 6pm and 8pm, hosted by Basepoint Andover.

There is a maximum attendance of 40 people.

To book tickets, go to bit.ly/LinkedInLocalAndover.