We might be experiencing difficult economic times but Leeds firms are being offered a lifeline thanks to an innovative business club with a proven track record.

The Fruit Tree, a successful business growth club which is built on relationships and driven by its members, is now working its magic for businesses based in Leeds. The club started life in Doncaster last January and now connects more than 50 businesses from the town across two groups which meet fortnightly.

The Fruit Tree is now expanding into Leeds offering members the chance to support each other, build relationships in a relaxed environment and grow their business and contacts. Members share a light meal before a coaching session from an industry expert. Sessions cover both personal and business development topics such as online and offline marketing, customer service, sales skills, leadership, time management, business planning and PR.

Meetings wrap up with a "connect" session when members share knowledge, make and receive referrals and seek help when needed. Brian Butcher, an independent financial adviser who founded the The Fruit Tree, plans to introduce it across Yorkshire within the next five years following the Doncaster group's success.

Doncaster-based Brian describes The Fruit Tree as "an essential tool for business growth in difficult times. The Fruit Tree is based on the fact that good business is based on good relationships.

"Through building those relationships we are able to share knowledge, grow stronger and strengthen our businesses.  Politicians are constantly talking about the need to help small to medium businesses.

"It's been a very challenging time for SMEs over the past few years and this is a concept which the Doncaster business community has fully embraced. At The Fruit Tree we have a formula that is proven to work time and time again."

Anthony Temperton, Managing Director of Doncaster-based communications provider Kat Communications, attributes business worth £12,000 to The Fruit Tree.

"I've probably had more success with this group than any other networking organisation and that's because of the trust and philosophy of this group."

Facilities management firm Rejus joined The Fruit Tree shortly after it launched. Managing director Mathew Lynds said: "It's a great environment with a great bunch of people and the bottom line is we've got more money and more business as a result."

As The Fruit Tree blossoms in Leeds, Brian is so confident it will deliver success, he is offering a money back guarantee. Members who meet the criteria for Leadership Management Advisory Service funding (LMAS) can also recoup 50% of their membership fees making The Fruit Tree unbelievably cost effective at just £30pm in Leeds and £25 in Doncaster.

The next meeting in Leeds, which is set to welcome a wide range of businesses, takes place on November 1 at Shine business centre on Harehills Road. The session will be led by Simon Hartley, a sports psychologist and performance coach who helps top sports teams and athletes become world class. He will share his knowledge of how to build a winning mentality with members. To attend call 07799 067980 or visit www.thefruittree.co.uk.

You can follow The Fruit Tree on Twitter @TheFruitTree

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