THREE entrepreneurs who were childhood pals have rekindled their friendship by pitching their businesses into a unique networking alliance.

Phil Sofield, aged 39, Steve Thompson and Martin Dickson, both 36, were playground buddies at Lostock Primary School in Bolton.

Mr Sofield owns Four Recruitment, specialising in placing people into the financial and human resources sectors, while Mr Thompson’s business Forward Role does similar for the marketing world.

Mr Dickson’s firm, Arena Creative, specialising in brand and design, completes the trio, which are now part of the Forge Network, although the three business will continue to be separate entities.

“We would often meet up at various stag events, when mutual friends got married, as often happens with old school pals,” said Mr Thompson.

“And because we work in complementary businesses, we would often interact with the same clients.”

Mr Dickson added: “We came up with an idea to pass each other leads.

“We also thought it would be good for the clients to know they were dealing with trusted and reputable organis ations.”

Mr Sofield added: “Our strength will be dealing with small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as that we are ourselves.

“There are massive organisations doing what we all do, but we strongly believe there is an advantage for local companies in dealing with us in Bolton and surrounding areas.

“People know who they are dealing with and can speak directly to us and meet us, where applicable.”

The three men say The Forge Network will be ideal for organising larger events of mutual benefit, such as corporate visits to Chester Races, and golf days, and they are also planning to jointly organise charity events.

Mr Dickson, who only recently moved his business from the USN Bolton Arena into its new Chorley New Road, Horwich, headquarters said the three businesses were already starting the reap the rewards of The Forge Network.