An innovative Solihull 'buddying' scheme is going great guns, just six months after it was launched.

The scheme is designed to ensure that new members are made to feel welcome at the Chamber, and involves members of the organisation's executive committee teaming up with the new recruits and giving them helpful support and guidance.

Already, more than 20 new members have signed up for the scheme - among them is Steve Cooke, from promotional product distributor Cre8tive Brand Ideas, who said: "My buddy helped us to consider the different types of marketing that might have the most success for our particular sector.

"When starting out in business it is really helpful to have your own 'Dragon' on board, someone who has been there and done it.

"Our buddy has given up his time on several occasions to come and talk with us and is always e-mailing us with new contacts and new ideas."

Also keen on the buddy scheme is Janet Down, of Chelmsley Wood based charity Solihull Life Opportunities, who said: "My buddy was really helpful in giving me advice from her own line of specialism and using her networks to find out information about areas that were not in her line of work."

Another new Chamber recruit is Fiona Harrison, marketing director of web TV production company 247.TV. 

She too has become a fan of the buddy scheme, and said: "It's helpful to have someone who knows about the different Chamber groups and meetings to direct me towards the ones best suited for our business - it makes the Chamber service more personal."

Jane Jackson, director of Solihull Chamber, said there was no doubt that the 'buddy' scheme had become a major success.

"The feedback we have had from new members is that the buddying programme has been a great way for them to find their way around the Chamber," she said.

"Not only that, we're told by our new members that the buddies have given them a huge amount of practical and useful support for their businesses."