A business networking event saw hundreds donated to an essential ambulance charity.

Penrith Industrial Business Improvement District (BID) donated £600 to the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) last week.

This was during their second successful business networking event, called BID After Business, held at AST Signs.

The events, which happen every month, aim to encourage business owners and employees on the Penrith business parks (Gilwilly Industrial Estate, Penrith Industrial Estate and Eden Business Park) to come together and network and look around some of the businesses located there.

The November event was the second and was hosted by AST Signs, with a behind-the-scenes show around of the premises.

During the event, the team welcomed Tiffany Lew, a corporate fundraiser from GNAAS to learn more about the work of the charity.

GNAAS currently need to raise £7.7million a year to maintain this vital service, so Tiffany explained how the money donated by the Penrith Industrial BID would be used and how other businesses can get involved in any future fundraising.

The money was raised during the Penrith Industrial BID’s recent golf day, along with donations from AW Jenkinson.

The total amount was also matched by the BID to bring a final total of £600.

Andy Jones, chair of the Penrith Industrial BID, said: “What an insightful evening we had at our recent networking event – not only hearing about some great employment law insights but also getting to look around one of the largest businesses on the business parks.

“We welcomed several businesses along and we hope to develop these events even further in the future.

“It was also great to welcome GNAAS along and present them with our donation on behalf of all the businesses based on the business parks.”

The next BID After Business event will have a Christmas flavour and will take place on Thursday. December 8, at Greggs, on the Eden Business Park, with entertainment and some festive treats.