Face-to-face networking is more useful than virtual meetings, according to 96 per cent of UK business women surveyed by B.Hive Business Clubs and Regus.

The two companies carried out the research as part of the first anniversary of B.Hive clubs – which are lounges and business centres geared to women for networking and meeting clients.

B.Hive founder Lynne Franks, said:  “Though women in business value social media, they don’t consider the online world an adequate substitute for real-life contact with their peers, and real-life places and opportunities to meet. On this first anniversary of B.Hive, I’m delighted that our business lounges are providing the UK’s business women with the networking opportunities and the professional, inspirational spaces that can help them advance their businesses.”

The B.Hive research also highlighted another problem - although 60 per cent of women in the survey work mainly at home, only 7 per cent tend to hold meetings there. The majority meet in coffee shops and similar locations. B.Hive says that it enables home-based and mobile workers to avoid such problems, offering them access to meeting space.

Celia Donne, regional director at Regus, added, “Dramatic increases in the number of home and mobile workers, as well as the thousands of women who register a new company each year, are creating a greater than ever need for flexible workspace. B.Hive offers an alternative, where professional women can receive their emails, make calls and meet with their customers.”

B.Hive currently has meeting spaces in London, Bristol and Manchester.