A THOUGHTFUL business coach has launched a free group in an effort to support businesses coming out of the Covid pandemic.

Retail footfall in the UK fell by 16.8 per cent in September from two years prior, according to the British Retail Consortium.

In what has been a tough time for some businesses, Corinna Stringer has launched a new networking group.

Corinna is an “empowerment and success” coach, property investor, public speaker and author.

She offers coaching on motivation and mindset to business owners to help them not only improve their work, but also improve themselves.

The 39-year-old has also now set up the Maldon Network Group to help all kinds of businesses in the area connect, from independent high street shops to self-employed trades.

She aims to give them a much-needed boost after the coronavirus pandemic.

The group will hold free networking events for these bosses to come together in an informal gathering and network, share ideas and support each another.

Speaking about why she made the group free, Corinna said: “I don’t want to make money off of businesses which are already struggling.”

The Facebook page formed for the new group already has 39 members.

Corinna co-founded the group with Jamie Andrews.

The 40-year-old – who also lives in Maldon – is an independent distributor with Utility Warehouse as well as being a family man with two young children and a fiancee.

He said: “Utility Warehouse are a discount club and just help people save."

The pair’s first networking event launches next Wednesday (November 3) at 7pm and is set to run every two weeks at the 185 Bar in Maldon High Street.

The pub was formerly known as the Warwick Arms, and with its new name and revamped look its owners hope to make it one of the top places to go in Maldon.

It opened early this summer and Corinna hopes the launch of the networking events will also bring attention to the bar.

Looking forward, Corinna wants to organise speakers to come to future events and give advice to business owners.

Anyone who has a business in Maldon or the surrounding area and would like to join the Maldon Network Group can do visit facebook.com/groups/maldonnetworkgroup.