The University of Brighton has relaunched its business collaboration network to boost innovation and growth among small and mediumsized enterprises.

Businesses in the Greater Brighton and Coast to Capital area can share problem solving experiences and develop business opportunities under the Profitnet scheme.

Profitnet brings owners and managers together once a month over a 14-month period to discuss challenges and to access resources and expertise from the University of Brighton, including student placements, training opportunities and other services.

Previous Profitnet members include Sonia Blizzard, founder of IT company Beaming, based in St Leonards, which has been one of the fastest-growing technology companies for the last three years.

Sonia said: “Profitnet was definitely the catalyst for many of the initiatives which have produced this growth.

“I wouldn’t have achieved this expansion without the encouragement and support of my Profitnet peers.”

Keith Pordum, managing director of Bon Appetit, based in Crawley, said: “My four year involvement with Profitnet was critical to the success of Bon Appetit.

“I strongly recommend Profitnet for any business that wants to grow to the next level.”

Profitnet groups will run across the Coast to Capital area including Newhaven and Brighton and in the Gatwick Diamond area.

Initial taster sessions will run in Newhaven for environmentally focused companies on May 8 and for all businesses in Manor Royal, Crawley, on June 5.

For more details call Roz Buchan on 01273 641037 or 07740 416214 or email profitnet@brighton.ac.uk.