As a business owner, running a business can be a lonely activity. Local business networking is a great way to meet other local business owners and to develop relationships with them.
We try to attend a variety of different events across the Berkshire area during the month. If you are looking to network with other local businesses, then below is a list of our favourite Berkshire networking events. Hopefully, we may even see you at one of them.
BNI Bracknell
BNI Majestic is a brand new chapter launching in the Bracknell area, and as it’s a new group there are seats available. The group meets every Tuesday at 9:30am – a civilised time that won’t require an early alarm.
BNI is built around one simple idea: members actively refer business to each other. With chapters across Berkshire and beyond, joining a BNI group connects you to a structured, proven referral network and being part of a startup chapter means you get to help shape the culture from the ground up, with no category yet taken in your profession.
If you’d like to see it in action before committing to anything, visitors are always welcome. Drop me a message and I’ll send over the details.
Omni Business Development Network
Omni Business Development Network started out as a traditional networking group but recently has started to focus on education as well as networking. Each meeting has a business focus, education slot or business challenge.
There are two groups in Berkshire which meet on alternative Wednesday. The Bracknell groups meet at The Foxes Den, Binfield whilst the Reading group meets at the Holiday Inn Reading South.
They also have nearby groups in Camberley, Guildford and Basingstoke.
Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses is a membership organisation which provides support and advice to its members.
It also organises networking events both in person and online which are open to both members and non-members.
They have a number of meeting across the area including Reading, Bracknell and Windsor.
Royal Borough Of Windsor and Maidenhead Council
My Royal Borough is designed to support businesses based in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It is a free service offered by RBWM Council.
They hold regular networking events which are held at locations across the borough. Past locations have included Ascot Racecourse, Windsor & Eton Brewery and MyWorkSpot Maidenhead.
These events are always well attended and have a wide mixture of local businesses.
Metro Bank Get Connected
These networking events are held as a collaboration between Metro Bank and Get Ahead. They are held at Metro Bank locations across the area.
There is no set format to these free meetings, simply turn up and start talking to other business owners.
The local one in Berkshire is held at Metro Bank, Broad Street, Reading. Other local ones are held at Metro Banks in Basingstoke and Guildford.
Gordon's School Business Breakfast
This networking event is the exception as it is just over the border in West End, Surrey. It is held in the Sports Hub Cafe at Gordon’s School.
The attendees are a mixture of business owners that have an association with the school and other local businesses.
It is held on the second Friday of every month and has a hearty breakfast included in the admission fee.
Woodley Business Club
Woodley Business Club is an independent networking group based in Woodley, just outside Reading. It was started to support business based in and around the Woodley area.
They operate both online and in-person – two months online followed by an in-person meeting. The online meeting will have a guest speaker. A great mix of independent businesses.
Other Networking Groups
These six groups are the groups that we regularly attend but there are other networking and membership groups in the area such as Entrepreneurs Circle and Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Another good source for looking up events is Eventbrite. This is a good place to look for local and specialist meetups.
Hope to bump into you at an event soon.
