The answer is they are all members of the world's largest business networking organisation.

Business Network International (BNI) has 103,000 members worldwide, spread across 37 countries. Within each country, the organisation is divided into chapters.

Hartlepool has its own chapter called the Warriors. Members gather every Tuesday for a breakfast meeting at the Grand Hotel.

Friendship and the chance to swap business referalls is important to BNI members.

But the real focus is always on generating business which is why the meetings start at 7am and run to a strict agenda - closing at 8.30am.

Chapter member and past chairman Peter Troy said: "Givers gain is the cornerstone on which we have built a successful business referral organisation both worldwide and here in Hartlepool. It simply means that if you give me business, I will want to give you business."

"Uniquely, each chapter is allowed to have only one member from each trade or profession, so we are keen to welcome visitors from a diverse range of businesses – there is always room for trades and professions not already represented."

BNI membership is not dependent upon owning a suit. Enquiries from plasterers and plumbers are just as welcome as those from bank managers and architects, said Peter.

He added: "At our regular visitors' day, which is held on the first Tuesday of the month, prospective members are able to get a feel for the way in which the chapter works and see just how much difference this type of networking can make to business success.

"Hopefully, they will also appreciate the good humour and friendly atmosphere which is characteristic of our meetings"

The Warriors chapter has already generated 393 qualified business leads for its members so far this year. And figures released by Business Network International reveal that 5.5 m referrals were exchanged worldwide last year.

The total monetary value of business gained from those referrals is put at $2.2 billion.

For details of the next visitors' day, or just more information about BNI, contact membership co-ordinator Tracy Skinner on (01429) 233903 or 07896 436381.