NETWORKING, we are so often told, is a key skill when developing a business. It is also an activity which can lead to bucketloads of anxiety.

Choosing the right sort of group or event is the first hurdle then comes the terror of walking into a room full of strangers.

Then it’s striking up a conversation. Do you go for the straight sell or engage with something else first?

Networking can be a particular issue for women in business as so often events can be seem male-dominated.

And, according to Denise Walker, a senior corporate lawyer at Liverpool law firm Brabners Chaffe Street, attempts at forming women-only business networking groups often end up with something akin to a social club.

Ms Walker, along with Jean Ellis from accountancy firm DSG, is looking to change that.

Late last year they formed the Premier Ladies Club (PLC), which held its first meeting in the city centre in September.

PLC is invitation-only and is aimed at Merseyside’s senior female business people and professionals. It has about 20 members so far.

“We felt there was room for a women’s business club that looked at serious issues,” said Ms Walker.

“Too many groups – whether they are mixed or women-only – end up just being like social clubs where the topics of discussion are football, shoes or handbags.

“We think even the name emphasises the serious side – PLC.

“I don’t have a problem with male company and I’m not saying I’m in favour of segregation of men and women in business.

“But sometimes women feel more comfortable having the opportunity to network with other women.

“I think the economic downturn has changed the dynamic – people are becoming more aggressive and fighting for business more.

“When times were much better then people were happier to share the work around – but now that has changed.

“Sometimes, during times like this, the old boys network can come back into play.”

As well as networking PLC aims to have guest speakers at each event – both female and male.

Ms Ellis said: “We have a range of members so far – business owners, people from not-for-profit organisations, from banks and from professional firms.

“We are looking at people operating at a higher level in a business or organisation – we don’t want to expand it too quickly but we want it to evolve gradually.”

Ms Walker added: “We are going to be selective about the membership. At the moment we have around 20 and I think the ideal size of group for each event would be 20 to 30.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Premier Ladies Club can email Jean Ellis on jme@dsg.uk.com