Business networks are a valuable way to build your business and make contacts. There are a different ways to get involved from virtual networks via social media to face-to-face group meetings. As well as Chambers of Commerce, and regional branches of the FSB, there are a number of national and local network groups operating in the Marches.
Some are open to all businesses and some specialise in specific types of organisations such as creative, women-only or parents groups.
We’ve listed some business networks below, but please let us know of any others we can add to the list by emailing us from the Contact page.
The Professionals Partnership
The Professionals Partnership is a network group for professional and business services companies in Shropshire.
The purpose of the group is to share knowledge and to encourage collaboration for the economic benefit of all businesses who attend.
Quarterly breakfast meetings cost £20 and include a full English breakfast. Business categories range from Accountants to Website designers but all have a common interest in supplying professional business services.
Visit the Professionals Partnership website
WiRE
WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) is the only UK organisation working to promote, support and develop rural businesswomen.
It offers networking groups and an online community as well as specialist business advice and support.
Inspire Herefordshire
This networking group for women meets in a relaxed and friendly environment once a month. It is open to sole traders, home workers or employees of larger organisations.
Visit the Inspire Herefordshire website >
Telford Business Club
This is a monthly networking club, where you can pitch your business or service to other like minded business people in an relaxed environment.
Visit the Telford Business Club website >
The Best of
The Best of networks offer an online recommendation service for businesses as well as face-to-face gatherings. There are several in the Marches area including:
BNI
There are BNI groups meeting weekly across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. A referral based organisation, they allow one representative of a business speciality in each chapter and you must attend regularly.
Collaborative Networking
A relaxed and informal networking group where you can meet others and get to know each other. The aim is to help each other to grow our business we ask that you use these events to build relationships. Meetings are held once a month at The Hill Valley Hotel. These are held on the first Wednesday of the month between 10:00am & 12:00pm.
Visit the Collaborative Networking website
BizMums
BizMums is a supportive community of mums in business. We host monthly meetup groups across the UK – where your children are welcome – and provide online networking and training opportunities. Join us to connect, learn, grow and achieve!
Network With Style
The group aims to help women who are either established in business or just starting out to meet and network with other women in the same situation.
Visit Network With Style website
Herefordshire Means Business
Herefordshire Means Business works closely with local businesses organising networking events, training courses and offering all the services a business needs to run successfully.
Visit the Herefordshire Means Business website
Notton House Academy
Online Courses, Networking, Advertising & Outsourcing for Small Business Owners.
Visit the Notton House Academy website
Meres & Mosses Business Environment Network (MMBEN)
Meres & Mosses Business Environment brings together organisations from across the Meres and Mosses Nature Improvement area to share best practice and demonstrate their commitment to environmental best practice.
Visit the Meres & Mosses Business Environment Network website
Single Mums Business Network (SMBN)
The Single Mums Business Network (SMBN), is a National Network for Single Mums in Business. We have County Coordinators and monthly meetings in Herefordshire and Worcestershire as well as throughout the UK. Established in 2019 with annual awards and conference, this network has been created to dispel misconceptions and reduce stigma associated with single mums.
