IF there are such things as business evangelists, then Antz Network founder Jen Pemberton and her army of companies with a social conscience are prime examples.

Glaswegian Ms Pemberton is one of those driven people armed with charm and charisma to whom it is very difficult to say no.

And her sheer determination to spread the mantra of businesses growing and giving back to the community reaped rewards earlier this year when the Antz Network became the corporate social responsibility limb of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

That was in March when Antz took up residence in Commerce House in Bridgeman Place, Bolton.

The location has become one of two Antz Junction bases – the other is in Swinton – homes for businesses willing to buy into the organisation’s fundamental ethos.

And it is not just the minnows of the business are climbing aboard the army of Antz – BT, Asda, the hotel group Marriot, RBS , refurbished IT supplier Tier1, Docutech, and estate agent Miller Metcalfe, to name but a few, are on board.

These organisations are lining up alongside community interest companies like Box TV, Fostering Solutions, Bolton Business Ventures, Together Trust, Health Watch, the National Autistic Society, Speed of Sight, Safe Charity, the Adult Bolton Asperger’s Group (ABAS), Bolton Amber Alert System (BAAS), the Dyslexia and Literacy Advice and Support Service (DYLASS), the Teenage ASD and ADHD Group (TAAG), parents and carers support group Breaking Barriers and Bolton Parent Carer Consortium.

The rise of “Antz Army” since its launch in 2011 has been aided the influence from some key people, notably businessman and philanthropist Martin Ainscough and the chief executive of Greater Manchester Chamber Clive Memmott with whom Ms Pemberton was able to forge links.

“We have created an environment where businesses connect and grow,” said Ms Pemberton. “They do this because of their commitment to community and to people as individuals.”

One of Antz key areas of activity is breaking down barriers to work.

“We see it as our role to enable an employer to reach untapped talent, by working with the most marginalised people,” said Ms Pemberton.

“One of our achievements is that we’ve had ex-offenders talking to business leaders in the same room.

“We are specialising in getting to hard to reach communities, like long term mental health sufferers and people with hidden disabilities.”

Business space at Commerce House is by no means full, but more than 1,400 people have passed through its door in the last six months.

And Mr Pemberton is unashamedly picky about the organisations who come on board with Antz.

“Antz has 70 members throughout the whole of Greater Manchester,” she said. “We know we are not for everyone.

“It’s about a change of lifestyle of businesses. If you meet most business leaders and ask them what drives them, it’s not money – it’s being successful. We all need a bottom line.

“What motivates entrepreneurs are successful teams. We say success isn’t commercial, it’s community based.”

Antz is 100 per cent privately funded and it is a registered charity, but it still wants micro businesses and organisation to base themselves at Commercial House.

“We want them to move from the kitchen and the garage to Antz, grow and give back to the community.”

Meanwhile, member organisations of Antz will come together at the Marriott Renaissance in Deansgate, Manchester, for an inaugural ball on Friday, November 28.

More information about Antz Network and booking for the ball is available online at www.antznetwork.com/