About Us

The group consists mainly of small business owners although we welcome women who are employed by a business rather than being the owner.

Our meetings are always lively, informative, supportive and professional with business being passed and ideas being shared. They follow a different format from month to month; however, always include the opportunity for members and visitors to complete their 60 second presentations. This is to ensure that we can find out more about each person’s business, the contacts they are looking to make and businesses they want to connect with. We also include a business support section - as mainly self-employed businesses it is a great forum in which to raise, share and solve common business experiences.

The connect Team

One of our members works for The Pathways Project – Connect’s nominated charity. Pathway offer support to victims of domestic violence and their families. The group is passionate about the cause and we will continue to fundraise and offer our services as often as we can.

Referrals for business are passed to one another using a referral slip system. Members are given the opportunity to have a longer 10 minute slot on a rota basis, and visiting speakers/trainers are booked every quarter to look at aspects of personal and professional development.

Time is set aside to discuss aspects of business which members may be having difficulties with or where they need some support.

One of the key aims of the group is to offer support to members – after all, most people running a business have problems from time to time but don’t always have someone to talk them through with.

Membership

Only one representative from each industry/profession can become a member of connect. This ensures that other members are not put in a difficult position when passing work on to one another.

We meet the first Friday of each month (unless that falls on a public holiday), 9.45am for a 10.00am start until around 12.00, followed by a buffet lunch.

There is an annual fee of £100 to join the group, to be paid in advance. A monthly meeting fee of £12 for members, £15 for visitors must also be paid. This covers lunch and room hire.

Visitors are allowed to visit twice. If they would like to attend further meetings then they must take up membership if a place is available.

If you want to find out more, get in touch.