LEIGH Centurions' Micky Higham was the star guest at the launch of a business networking event last week.

The 38-year-old mingled with members of the Business for Breakfast meeting at The Greyhound Hotel on Warrington Road in Leigh on Friday.

He spoke about the link between sport and business as a commercial partnership and achieving success in a competitive world.

Micky said: “There are many similarities: preparation, competition, winning, losing, passion, hard work – there’s no doubt we can learn from each other. "And I always love talking to successful business people to hear their stories and find out what motivated them, and so on.

“But what I have learnt from this meeting is that there is a lot of great business people in Leigh, all very ambitious to be successful and to serve the local community.

"It was also great to hear so much enthusiasm for rugby league, and in particular the Centurions.”

The network group will meet every two weeks on Fridays from 6.45am to 9am, which includes breakfast.

Adam Vause from Express IT Group, the driving force behind the new group said: “It was an awesome meeting, and having Micky there added a real buzz to the room; he’s a top guy, and we really appreciate his support.

“It was a fantastic turn out from the local business community, proving to me the enthusiasm to support each other, make connections, share knowledge and experience, and ultimately do business with each other.

“Off the back of our first meeting, we’re looking to encourage more local business owners to get involved with us."

Managing director of the BforB franchise nationwide Mel Fisher was one of the business leaders that went to the meeting.

She said: “It was a fantastic meeting, and I thoroughly congratulate Adam and his team for making the launch so successful.

“It’s always exciting when a new BforB group is launched around the country.

"But when a first meeting is as good as this, and seeing the enthusiasm of all those gathered there, tells me we are on to a winner

"There’s clearly a thriving and dynamic business community in and around Leigh, which is great news.”

For more information about attending the BforB meeting on April 5 which costs £10 including breakfast, or future meetings, email Linda Tongue at lt@expressit.group or contact 01942 604222.