There are dozens of networking groups around the county and many firms attend one or more to help generate business and raise awareness. But a recent initiative dedicated to helping businesses grow and keep spending within the community is becoming a fast-growing phenomenon.

The Oxfordshire Project was set up by Witney-based self-employed professional photographer Ben Molyneux.

He said: “It was designed to be more than just networking. The idea was to start a movement of people supporting independent traders, thinking about their purchases and buying locally.

“As result they will inject money into the local economy. As part of it, networking is a way of putting the message across to businesses.

“Do we want to live in another clone town? Or would we rather have something a little special, where independent business can flourish and compete?”

One initiative has been the creation of the ‘Oxfordshire Project pound’. Businesses can accumulate pounds through attendance at meetings to the point where 50 ‘pounds’ is equivalent to one hour of another member’s time in whatever expertise is required.

As well as businesses, the Oxfordshire Project tries to support local authors such as Jo Eames, artists including Catherine Jeff and bands such as Borderville, flagging up their work on its website.

The networking events have been very successful with 40 different businesses attending meetings in Witney while groups have also been started in Bicester and Cumnor. One new business a day is signing up.

Support for the project is also building through social media. Its Facebook group has more than 130 members and they can promote their services to each other. It also has more than 750 Twitter followers and a 70-strong LinkedIn group for members to keep in touch and offer updates.

Mr Molyneux added: “What we are trying to do is devise a data base and give special offers from independent businesses.

“We are sending out newsletters. It is a way of linking businesses and tapping into their expertise and allowing them to connect with the general public.

“We aim to be a new rallying point for people who feel passionate about putting their county and their environment first. The Oxfordshire Project is creating a forum to share views, raise issues and encourage collaboration.”

Another initiative now being promoted by the group is to offer a young entrepreneur just starting out in business a mentoring programme using the expertise of the membership.

The individual needs to be aged between 17 and 22 and will benefit from the input of experts including accountant Louise Brown and graphic designer Dave Watson along with Mr Molyneux.

They will offer advice on starting a business, how to arrange finance, marketing, branding and social media, giving a total of 15 hours of tuition.

The chosen applicant will also receive 100 Oxfordshire Project Pounds that can be spent within the group on whatever area they feel they most need.

A platform will also be provided to promote their blog via the Oxfordshire Project website and on social media as they progress through a year in business.

Mr Molyneux said: “Our members will select the business/entrepreneur we feel we can assist the most. We are looking for potential, ethical business practise and a sound environmental policy.”

Businesses which have benefited from the group include Children's Pamper Parties run by Combe-based Karen Paine who joined the Oxford Project at its inception and is now in a position to pass on what she has learned.

She said: “I found the people really supportive and I have used some of the services.”

Witney-based Mr Watson added: “It is a really good networking place and I am getting business from it. It allows me to get a grip on what is going on in the local business community.

“The Facebook group is a good place to throw out an issue and it becomes an open forum for debate and collaboration. Everyone helps each other.”

The Oxfordshire Project is growing all the time and Mr Molyneux, who admits to dedicating half of his working week to it, feels it is still only just getting started.

He said: “We need to support Oxfordshire’s economy, community and culture and we can do that by working together and keeping more money in the county.” ib n The closing date for applications to become the Oxfordshire Project Young Entrepreneur is Sunday, July 1 at 12pm. For details and an application form visit the website: www.oxfordshireproject.co.uk