WHEN keen networker Lizz Riley met other women in business it became apparent that there was no specific networking group for busy mums.

So, the Bolton health and wellness business owner decided to start her own group called Mums in Business. And, rather than just meet up in a hotel, she opted to combine networking with walking in the countryside for a “netwalking” group that is already proving popular.

“When we all chatted, it became apparent that there wasn’t a specific group where we could have a natter about the issues we face as parents while also making business connections,” explained Lizz, mother of two girls.

“I wanted to make it different from traditional network meetings and incorporate some exercise into it – again, something us mums don’t always make enough time for.”

Now, the group of business mums meet once a month at different scenic locations around Lancashire. “We walk for an hour,” added Lizz, ”so not only do we get our exercise but we also get some fresh air which is great for people like us who work from home.”

Dogs are welcome on these walks “and the walks start at around 10am so we all have time to drop the children off at school and for us to be back in the office for the afternoon to focus on our work.”

After their walk, the mums meet in a local coffee shop, get to know each other and pass business referrals to each other.

“There is a big emphasis on building relationships,” said Lizz. “Being a mum is hard and being in business is hard. So we’ve combined the two to make it easier.”

One participant, virtual PA Julia Page said: “As a busy business owner and mum, being able to get some proper exercise and take my dog out for a good walk while doing some business networking with other like-minded business ladies is multi-tasking at its best.”

The “netwalks” are free with the only cost involved what participants buy in the coffee shop. Mums can book online through eventbrite or can simply email Lizz on lizzriley@gmail.com