Patrick founded INE in September 2005 recognising the opportunity for "independent, insightful and friendly business networking evenings and a forum for local business people". There was a gap in the market for such a company, since the majority of networking events were run by chambers of commerce and business support organisations, most of which tend only to be open to members and approach a subject from angles not necessarily ideally suited to the business community.

Patrick is a fervent supporter of young entrepreneurs, particularly teenage entrepreneurs, and is an ambassador to Make Your Mark, a CBI-backed initiative run by Enterprise Insight that champions the cause of entrepreneurship amongst those aged 15-21. In addition to Patrick's work with Intelligent Networking Events and his voluntary work with Make Your Mark, he has made frequent appearances in the media. These appearances include:

· BBC2 Working Lunch
· BBC Radio 4's "PM" Programme
· BBC Radio Essex "Breakfast" programme
· CityAM, London's free business newspaper
· Daily Express & Sunday Express
· Daily Telegraph
· Evening Standard
· Financial Times
· Independent on Sunday
· More4 News, the daily news programme of Channel 4's digital television station
· Startups.co.uk, the number one online startup business resource
· Various provincial publications

Patrick is keen to promote Make Your Mark and bring issues for young entrepreneurs into the public domain. If you would like to speak with Patrick regarding a media opportunity, please call him on 08450 506266 or email press@getnetworking.co.uk