A NEW 'lifestyle planner' social media platform has been launched by a Bromsgrove entrepreneur.

Ch!tzo, the brainchild of Richard Gwatkin, allows users to list, plan and find things to do through a search facility that lists social activities and events spanning the UK.

He says he created the innovative platform to put the ‘social’ back into social media, after recognising that advances in technology have changed how people interact and engage with one another.

Richard, founder and CEO of Ch!tzo, said: “We really believe that we have filled a gap in the market that enables people to successfully list, find and increase footfall for events and other social activities.

“A lot of smaller businesses and solopreneurs don’t have the marketing spend available for a large promotion and struggle to get their activities found. Ch!tzo solves that, while helping users find something to do.

“We all know what it’s like to struggle in finding suitable activities for the kids or when you are visiting a new location during a city break.

"We are, therefore, hopeful that both listers and users will quickly see the benefit as the platform grows.”

Ch!tzo has been designed with two types of people in mind - the public (people looking to find some inspiration for a social activity, event or day out) and listers (people or businesses who want their events, activities or places to be found).

For more information, visit www.chitzo.com, www.facebook.com/chitzolife or www.linkedin.com/company/chitzo

Ch!tzo has already received backing from multiple investors and has a dedicated team supporting its continued growth and development.

Richard added: “The whole team have been fantastic.

"To bring Ch!tzo this far in such a short space of time is a massive achievement, where we now have a great product and an engaging brand, with the whole team excited to push on to the next phase.”