East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds is the guest speaker at the First Friday Petersfield business networking lunch today (Friday).

It takes place between midday and 2pm at The Folly Upstairs.

The format is an informal networking occasion with a home-cooked lunch, followed by the speaker. The cost is £22.50 and booking is essential at first-friday.org

A spokesman said: “It’s good company, good food and a great opportunity to grow your network.

“The format of First Friday gives us time to catch up with people we know, time to make new introductions, and to start meaningful conversations.

“When we sit for lunch those conversations develop as we enjoy the wonderful food at the Folly – they cater for vegan, GF and other needs – and opportunities present themselves.

“After lunch we welcome Mr Hinds who has served as minister of state for prisons, parole and probation since October 2022, prior to which he served as minister of state for security and borders, and secretary of state for education from 2018 to 2019.

“As a regular speaker at First Friday, Damian’s usual approach is to give us an update on current affairs and then open himself up to questions from the floor, so come prepared for an insight into British politics in the wake of the local elections, and a jolly good lunch.”

First Friday has been running for more than 20 years, organised on a not-for-profit basis by local small businesses.

Around 20 to 30 businesses usually attend each meeting.