MONTHLY business breakfasts have been launched to increase links between Colchester companies.

Mimosa in Colchester Business Park was packed for the first Quality Square business breakfast, organised by Green Square communications and solicitors Fisher Jones & Greenwood.

Tony Fisher, senior partner at the solicitors, said the purpose was to improve the links in the business community and with institutions like Essex University.

He said: “We are hoping it will be the beginning of a constructive debate on the development of the town centre for the businesses who operate here and the people who visit.”

After enjoying a full English breakfasts guests will be treated to a talk.

The first was from Professor David Crawford, Essex University’s head of business partnerships.

He first gave an overview of the university’s three campuses and the research work carried out including robotics and the internet, and how the Knowledge Gateway is progressing.

Professor Crawford also talked about ways to ensure town centres stay prosperous.

He highlighted the success of Business Improvement Districts - where businesses agree to pay an annual rate which is pooled and spent on town centre projects - in other towns and cities across the country.

An attempt to set one up in Colchester, which would have seen £4 million invested over five years, was overwhelmingly rejected in November 2007.

* The next business breakfast is at Mimosa on Wednesday, June 27 from 7.30am to 9.30am.

Advance booking, costing £20, is essential on phepburn@qsfjg.co.uk