A new business networking initiative launched on Tuesday by Manchester's Jewish Representative Council saw 70 businessmen and Jewish entrepreneurs gather.

The network offers monthly meetings, a business angel consultancy service and Dragon's Den-style pitch opportunities for start-ups.

Tuesday's meeting at Manchester Maccabi saw networking expert Will Kintish advise on using the latest techniques to bolster business contacts. It was also attended by the mayors of Bury and Salford.

Salford Mayor Cllr George Wilson said the project would benefit the wider community as well. "There was a multitude of people from architects, solicitors to bankers. JNet needs to be publicised more widely. I think lots of people will benefit."

Businesses development manager Ian Cowan, from south Manchester, said the group was different to other networking events. "Not many events will tell you about how to network and how to approach people. I've met a lot of community people here, some I haven't seen for a long time."

The next JNet meeting is on November 10 with guest speaker Peter Watson, MD of Business Link North West, a business advisory service.