An independent business network in Wymondham is celebrating its first birthday this week.The Wymondham Independent Network (WIN) was started by Alan Carpenter, a Wymondham-based computer specialist, and 12 months on has more than 20 local businesses regularly attending and over 80 on its register.

An independent business network in Wymondham is celebrating its first birthday this week.

The Wymondham Independent Network (WIN) was started by Alan Carpenter, a Wymondham-based computer specialist, and 12 months on has more than 20 local businesses regularly attending and over 80 on its register.

WIN meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Hill House Hotel (formerly Abbey Hotel) for breakfast at 7.30am.

The purpose is to encourage local inter-trading between businesses and to raise awareness of local products and services available.

WIN is a not-for-profit organisation, charging only £5 per person per meeting to cover breakfast costs.

The meeting takes the form of an introduction of each business and a main speaker, usually one of the group who talks on their specialist subject.

Businesses vary from office equipment suppliers to locksmiths, telemarketers to lawncare specialists.

Any Wymondham business is welcome to attend, there are no membership or other fees.

WIN also welcomes businesses from the surrounding villages.