The University of Bath in Swindon is to host a new networking group for local businesswomen, set up by polar explorer and motivational expert Sue Stockdale.

The group will give female business owners, and women wanting inspiration and information on starting or growing a business, the opportunity to meet other like-minded women in a friendly and supportive environment.

The Swindon network is new territory for Ms Stockdale's motivation company Mission Possible, which last year received the Prowess Flagship Award for best practice in business women's networks.

Ms Stockdale has been a tutor on the University's Women into Enterprise training programme for three years and believes that networking is vital to help women sustain enthusiasm for business ventures and to help find new customers and suppliers.

"When you embark on the journey of running a business, you need the motivation to keep going," said Ms Stockdale.

"Being part of a network of like-minded women helps you to feel less alone and gives you fresh perspective on your business. We know this is vital to success because many women entrepreneurs tell us so."

The group will meet monthly on a Monday lunchtime at the Univer-sity's Business Hub and crèche facilities will be available. Marc Braddock, assistant director of the University's Business Hub, said: "The network will be a valuable support and resource for women in business.

"It will give them easy access to business contacts in a range of sectors and the opportunity to share learning, experiences and grow in confidence.

"It's a welcome addition to the services we already offer to support the students on our Women into Enterprise programme."

Ms Stockdale is a businesswoman, author and adventurer and specialises in motivating individuals and groups.

In 1996 she became the first British woman to walk to the magnetic north pole.

Membership to the network costs £130 a year which gives a package of features including interactive teleclasses on business topics, accessed from home over the phone.

Speakers include Nicola Cairncross, the UK's leading wealth coach, and Janey Lee Grace, BBC Radio 2 presenter and author of Imperfectly Natural Woman.

For information on joining the network contact Mission Possible on 01367 244855 or email info@missionpossible.co.uk.

The next Women into Enterprise course starts at the Oakfield campus in September.

It will run through to July 2008, with weekly morning or evening sessions.

For more information call the Business Hub on 01793 328776.