The Mansfield 2020 team had a cause to celebrate with a record number of new members joining in the first quarter of 2014.

At its monthly breakfast meeting at the Civic Centre in Mansfield, Richard Dearden, CEO of NBV Enterprise Solutions, updated members on NBV’s current range of products and services.

Since 2007, NBV has helped over 750 business start-ups in the district and continues to work closely with Mansfield 2020 supporting regeneration projects in the area.

NBV is also a member of the Invest Ashfield and Mansfield Ambassadors’ Club, and supports Ashfield District Council with a scheme to help start-up businesses access grant funding to occupy vacant shops or market stalls.

Commenting on the success of Mansfield 2020, chairman Irvin Robinson said: “We are delighted to be the hub that brings everything together, and the energy in our breakfast meetings is truly inspiring. The future is positive.”

More than 100 members attended the early-morning meeting, which was sponsored by New Leaf, a free stop smoking service that operates across Nottinghamshire.

The event opened by acknowledging the award winners of the Mansfield 2020 Business Awards 2014, and winners of the annual MLP and Mansfield 2020 Short Story Competition, which was entered by local students.

The presentations began with New Leaf’s Cluster Lead, Helen Shrives, who informed the group of the personal, and commercial, cost of smoking.

Brian Stopford, of Stopford Associates, delivered a jargon-free briefing around this year’s budget and how it will affect the business community.

Richard Dearden updated on the range of business support and funding options offered by NBV.

Commenting on how delighted he was to see this award-winning business club increase in popularity and welcome new members, Richard said: “I always enjoy attending networking events to catch up with local contacts and get to know new friends within the business community.

“I was delighted to be asked to present at the recent meeting as I believe it’s important for individuals to keep up-to-date with the support services in their area and be invited to explore new ways to grow, or strengthen, their current venture. This support is where NBV comes in.

“We are here to support Mansfield and Ashfield’s business community and help individuals and business owner’s to start and grow a successful business in the area.”

The next breakfast meeting is on 29th May. For further information contact Caroline Cox on 01623 422010 or email [email protected]