More than 300 women attended the inception in Belfast last night of Network Northern Ireland, a new organisation for women in business.

The group, which aims to promote, support and develop the position of women in business, already operates in the Republic where Network Ireland has in excess of 850 members in 11 regional branches.

"We felt the timing was right in Northern Ireland for such an initiative and tonight's large turn out has proved that," said the vice-president of Network Northern Ireland, Ms June McKeown. Sponsored by Bank of Ireland, the network will invite keynote speakers to monthly meetings and educational seminars.

The women in attendance last night were drawn from both the public and private sector, with some running their own businesses. The legal, political and finance professions were also represented. The keynote speaker at the launch was Mr Gerry McGinn, chief executive of Bank of Ireland, Northern Ireland.