Ok, so here’s the idea: take a group of entrepreneurs, put them round a table, give each one an hour centre stage to talk about the challenges they’re facing and let others offer them solutions. It sounds simple, but attending such a gathering last week turned out to be one of the most inspiring events I’ve ever been to.

I was cordially invited to have lunch with the attendees of the first of what will now become a monthly brainstorming event run by two successful entrepreneurs, founder of bespoke tailor Dress2Kill James Hibbert and Charlie Gordon Lennox, founder of the Keyholding Co. I was even allowed to sit in on one of the presentations, from James Knight, founder of Lawyers’ Direct. Sadly we can't disclose the details but when I caught up with him over lunch straight after he was adamant that hearing the ideas of his peers, some who had gone through a similar situation in the past, had given him plenty of food for thought.

Hibbert himself, who was first up on the day, told me he had actually reconsidered a major strategic step that he was literally poised to take after those around the table agreed that it might not be the best move for his business right now.

When you’re so busy running a business you often don’t have time to look up and take stock in this way, Hibbert said, yet they all agreed that finding the time was well worth it. Seeking counsel from your fellow entrepreneurs is an excellent sanity check and having fresh insight can often make you notice previously hidden opportunities.

Following the resounding success of the first event, Hibbert and Gordon Lennox will be making it a monthly fixture. They are also hoping to generate support and fresh mentors for a new initiative they’re running with KidsCo, helping underprivileged kids hone their entrepreneurial skills. Watch this space for more info on this and how you can get involved.