Watford businesses were encouraged to embrace social networking by an expert speaker at a chamber of commerce meeting this morning.

The networking breakfast, at Bushey Hall Golf Club, was attended by 20 or so business leaders looking to increase their profile and pick up a few much-needed marketing tips.

The Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce hosted the event as part of its autumn programme to develop business links in the town.

Sanjay Purohit, inward investment manager at the chamber, explained: “We want to see the business community grow and remain vibrant in Watford.

“It is difficult in today’s markets so it is important we have these networking events – it is good for the economy.”

Guests at this morning’s meeting listened to Grant Leboff, a highly regarded marketing and sales expert who has featured in the Daily Telegraph, The Independent, and the Financial Times.

During his talk, the CEO gave advice on using social networking sites, like Twitter and Facebook, more effectively as a business.

Bambi Newport, of Scott Associates Estate Management travelled from Newbery, in Berkshire, to attend the meeting.

She said: “This is a big and very active chamber so it is attractive to us. It is good for us to come up here and see different people – it is always better to do business with people you have met face to face and we have gained a lot of business in Watford through these ventures.”

Chief Executive of the chamber, Roger Gagan, said he feels the local economy is boosted by encouraging business networking in the town.

He said: “These meetings are very important – we can bring expert speakers in to actively educate our businesses. Gone are the days when you can wait for the phone to ring.

“To be successful in this climate, you need to go out looking for business and these events show ways of doing that.”