History

Profitnet was developed out of a 10-year research programme at the University of Brighton. In 1997 the Centre for Research in Innovation Management (CENTRIM) identified the key principles needed to run successful business support networks. This was put into practice with the first Profitnet group, in Hastings, on the south coast of England.

The pilot was so successful, with 96 per cent of participants expressing complete satisfaction, that the approach was developed and expanded to include different locations and industries, types of companies and business activities.

Since then, Profitnet has expanded across south-east England and has supported nearly 500 members. Profitnet groups have also been set up in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and Donegal in Ireland. Now there are plans to expand the programme further in the UK and internationally with interest already established in Brazil and Sweden.