Building connection and community and reducing the isolation felt by many small business owners are at the heart of a new initiative from The Lighthouse Sidmouth.

The community interest company is launching monthly networking events, starting on Tuesday, February 25.

There are three themes running through the year:

1. Business book club, where people bring a book or article that they have found to be really useful in their business and share that experience with others present.

1. Tea and TED – this starts with watching a TED talk (or two if they are short) to inspire and educate and to spark discussion

1. After work drinks – one of the few things we miss from our employed days

There will also be plenty of time for people to network and get to know each other at every event.

"One of our key goals when we set up The Lighthouse is to build a community where self-employed people can gather to learn from each other, find mutual support and combat the isolation of working alone," said Cathy Debenham, co-founder of The Lighthouse. "Our mantra is that working for yourself, doesn't mean working by yourself!

"Everyone who starts in self-employment brings a basket of skills, but they probably also lack another basketful. By getting together and getting to know each other we find people we can collaborate with, learn from and do business with.

"It's important that we have this facility within the Sidmouth area – rather than having to travel further afield all the time."

In addition to the new networking events, The Lighthouse Sidmouth provides a shared workspace at 44 Mill Street, and runs a monthly masterclasses. To find out more click the red button below.