DELEGATES from businesses across Hertfordshire rubbed shoulders during a lavish network meeting held at a luxury car dealership in Hatfield.

Porsche Centre Hatfield hosted a business network meeting organised by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, as more than 100 professionals mingled among a selection of the company’s finest and most stylish vehicles.

The event coincided with the 25th anniversary of Porsche’s presence in Hatfield – which the firm celebrated by giving away a free Porsche driving experience at Silverstone for one lucky attendee.

Porsche first came to Hatfield as Chariots of St Albans in 1986.

It has been based at its �6.7m site in Hatfield Avenue, Hatfield Business Park, since 2006.

Charles Tennant, general manager of Porsche Retail Group, said: “We’re just delighted to host this event here.

“We’ve had an excellent attendance – all kinds of industry are being represented here.

“It’s an opportunity for Porsche Centre Hatfield to engage with our local business community, and it gives us a greater presence, and lets them know that we’re pretty damned nice people!”

Chamber chief executive Tim Hutchings added: “We’re delighted to be here.

“To have a company with a name like Porsche decide to locate in this part of the world is a real sign of confidence in our economy.”