Bright, young professionals from Coventry and Warwickshire have come together to form a networking group. Young and new professionals from the property, legal, finance and business services sectors have formed the Coventry and Warwickshire First banner.

The CWFYP first event was held at Escape Bar - formerly the old fire station - in Coventry city centre where more than 100 people attended.

A steering committee has been formed and is already planning future events.

The committee were delighted with the turnout to the first event and the inaugural chair person Gary Foster, of Yorkshire Bank, said: "There was a great response to this, our launch meeting, and we look forward to building on that."

"Our aim is to bring young professionals together from across Coventry and Warwickshire, meeting and networking in this way on a regular basis."

"These business sectors are becoming increasingly important to the economy in this region and that is why it is crucial to ensure future leaders in these sectors come together."

Coventry and Warwickshire First was formed by Coventry City Council in 2005 but is now a stand-alone, self-funding group.

The council does, however, remain a key player in Coventry First and is represented on the steering committee for the Young Professionals Group.

Jade Mosey, winner of Coventry and Warwickshires FirstPro Young Professional of the Year award, from Coventry City Council, said: "It is crucial that we foster the areas future professionals and we are delighted to be part of this Young Professionals Group. As a young professional myself I am committed to the city and am very excited about its future success."