Preston’s first online virtual networking club will launch in the city this Friday.

Preston Online Networking Club for Small Business Owners (PONCSBO) was founded by Preston sisters Anneen Carlisle, 45, and Kate Burt, 36.

The pair, from Fulwood, run a vibrant international community group called Rejuvenate Life, with its membership spanning from the UK to Australia and Canada – to name a few.

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After two years of building their online presence, whilst keeping a foot in Preston’s traditional networking scene, the sisters are now bringing Rejuvenate Life closer to home to benefit Preston business owners.

Members will have access to the online community, regular virtual networking sessions through video conferencing and monthly live guest speaks.

They will also be granted access to a unique initiative called Business Perks where members can win products and services of other businesses within the club.

Membership starts from just £10 per month.

Anneen has been a nurse for over 26 years at Royal Preston Hospital and Kate has been a lawyer for over a decade, now working with a National law firm compliance company.

Anneen, from Fulwood, said: “We know how to bring people together and we know how to run a good party.

“Virtual networking parties work surprisingly well, it’s like virtual speed dating for business.”

Kate, also from Fulwood, continued: “The community that develops within a well run online group really accelerates the ‘know, like and trust’ factor which is crucial for the growth of any business.”

Doors open on Friday 18 May and there is already a queue of business owners forming.

The first intake of members is said to be capped to ensure that the community is properly nurtured and engaged.

You can follow PONCSBO on Facebook.

Will you be joining the PONCSBO group? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below