STOKE CITY will showcase the excellent opportunities for companies to achieve important goals in a football environment when a Business Networking Launch is held at the Britannia Stadium tonight.

The event offers a chance for key decision-makers to see the considerable benefits of 'mixing business with pleasure' as City demonstrate that the Britannia Stadium experience is Premier League in every sense.

The Networking Launch will not only put the stadium's facilities under the spotlight, it will also enable the Club to introduce the new City Business Membership which provides many benefits for companies and individuals.

City are looking to build upon the success of City Business which was introduced in the first season in the Premier League in 2008-09 to provide business people with a chance to network and promote their companies.

More than 150 businesses which have supported the Club through advertising, sponsorship or hospitality have joined the organisation and have enjoyed the benefits of networking opportunities and other packages.

The theme is 'mixing business with pleasure' and its growing influence has been boosted further by the recruitment of Staffordshire Media and Staffordshire University as business partners, both of whom will make presentations tonight when attendees will be able to view the corporate areas and discuss the range of opportunities for match day hospitality, non- match day events and other business packages.

"Football provides a stimulating environment in which businesses can achieve important objectives and can gain substantial returns from their investment in a range of commercial opportunities," explained City's Head of Commercial Andrew Billingham.

"There are many instances already of companies and individuals reaping huge benefits from using Premier League football at the Britannia Stadium as a platform on which to promote themselves to clients or colleagues in a number of beneficial ways.

"The Club endeavours to achieve the highest standards in everything we do, and like our fans, we also aim to shout louder than our competitors."

He added: "The introduction of the Membership scheme across all people who engage with Stoke City in different ways, whether they be supporters, corporate clients or just users of the Britannia Stadium, is a crucial part of moving the Club forward.

"It will allow us to build closer links with Members and enable us to add value to what people get from their association. I am sure those who become City Business Gold Members or who upgrade to Platinum Business Member will see the value of doing so."

The Networking Launch takes place at the Britannia Stadium between 6.00pm and 9.00pm where a buffet and drinks will be served, and anyone interested in attending can contact Matt Joy on 01782 592286 for further information.