We’ve all heard the saying, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

And with the business world being a male dominated arena for decades, sometimes building a network can feel like trying to convince the older kids at school to let you play.

It should come as no surprise then, that south Essex business women are setting up their own groups and support systems.

Forget the Masons, with their stuffy ways and somewhat odd customs. For 21st century women here in Leigh it’s all about connecting over cocktails.

Personal trainer Jemma Sedgewick (www.trulymadlyhealthy.com), 32, of Leigh, set up Connecting with Cocktails earlier this year – and last night I attended her second #CWCessex night, at Piggy Went To Market, in Leigh.

I was one of 60 women, who have their own business – some big and established and some just starting out – in attendance.

And, OMG, was it inspiring! I had no idea there were so many talented women living here. From Girl Friday Embroidery (www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GirlFridayEmbroidery) and Happy Girl illustrations (www.happygirlcards.etsy.com) to Black & Sigi jewellery (www.blackandsigi.com) and the Seashack (www.etsy.com/shop/theseashackdesigns) there were creative, professional and industrious ladies galore.

The only problem is I feel like I hardly spoke to anyone and time just went too fast. I guess the next #CWCessex gathering will help with that though…

PS I’m writing a feature on networks for business women in south Essex which will appear in the Echo newspaper in the next couple weeks. Do be sure to keep an eye out for it… www.echo-news.co.uk