TWO women's business groups are getting to know each other using a tactic normally employed on the Manhattan singles scene - speed dating!

The phenomenon, which is now taking off in the UK, gives people looking for love three minutes each with a procession of potential dates - long enough to find out if the chemistry is there, say organisers, who put interested people in touch with one another after the event.

Now the Wednesday Club, a Worcester-based businesswomen's group, and the Evesham Women in Business Club plan to share expertise, ideas and contacts using the same method at a meeting next week.

Called BUSInetworking, it will feature a session in which each woman will have three minutes to put her case in order to cut out time-wasting chit-chat and focus on the most important business issues.

The idea was the brainchild of Rachel Jones, founder of the Evesham Women in Business club, which is hosting the event.

"Rachel is keen to get the club more business-focused and therefore the idea of networking using a tried-and-tested format came to the fore," said Tricia Cavell, a member of the club.

"The idea is to network by using the 'speeding' idea of three minutes to talk to a lady about her business and then move on.

"Rachel and I share the same view that women's clubs can lose sight of business focus and by coming up with the idea of BUSInetworking we can maximise the time spent at meetings to really focus on business issues."

The business networking meeting will take the form of a garden party, and is due to take place at St Richards Hospice, Rose Hill, Worcester, on Wednesday, July 23, at 7pm.

There will be a bucks fizz reception, followed by an introduction to BUSInetworking, at 7.20pm.

The meeting will start at 7.30pm, and will be followed by a light supper. There will then be an opportunity to network further, by re-visiting those businesses that interest you, or can benefit or complement your own business.

New members to both clubs are always welcome, whether self-employed or employed.

To reserve a place, at a cost of £7, or for more information about becoming a member of the clubs, phone Rachel Jones on 01386 462572.