Over a thousand local businesses reap benefit of FREE networking events across the North East

Local businesses are taking advantage of a series of free local networking events that have been launched across the North East. The events are designed to support the local business community, enabling them to make invaluable business contacts and problem solve with like minded businesses in a “free and relaxed” environment.

Over the past 10 years Business Northumberland have delivered two popular monthly networking events, Informal Friday and #LoveHexham held at Pleased to Meet You, Morpeth and The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham respectively. Although both events continue to be extremely popular for regular attendees and new businesses, Business Northumberland noticed there was a lack of networking opportunities for businesses in some of the more rural areas of Northumberland.

The Northumberland Networking events were launched and are now held in at various locations across Northumberland, most notably Ashington, Alnwick, Berwick, Blyth, Cramlington, Ponteland & Cramlington. The events have been designed to provide a friendly and professional space for businesses to grow and nurture their business networks, often in rural locations where networking opportunities are more sparse.

Delivered by Business Northumberland who have delivered over 70 networking events since the programmes launch in 2019. The team have welcomed over 1,300 delegates through the doors of venues across the North East.

Business Northumberland provides support to small and medium enterprises across the North East who are looking to sustain and grow their business online. The fully funded support programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Advance Northumberland, so there is no cost to eligible businesses when accessing the support.

Since their launch the networking events have amassed a good following with a wide range of business industries in attendance. From accountants to fire walking experts, all of whom have built valuable working relationships to help bridge and build the Northumberland business community.

The Business Northumberland programme also work closely with other delivery programmes in the area to help support businesses. Including a joint event with Digital Business Pipeline (Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley) being held at Newcastle University Business School on Thursday 4^th May 2023.

Lucy Evermore, Programme Manager for Business Northumberland said “One of the most rewarding parts of delivering these events is seeing businesses partner up and solve problems together. We support a lot of sole traders and micro SMEs, it can be quite isolating, so we hope to provide them with the support and knowledge that they aren’t alone”.

The networking events allow for businesses of any size and any location to meet the Business Northumberland team to hear more about their support as well as other business support offerings available to them.

Each networking event welcomes a guest speaker from a business to talk to attendees about their business/services.

Despite the Business Northumberland programme coming to an end in June 2023, networking events are still delivering and continue to be popular.

To find out more information and to register please got to:

www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk or contact the Business Northumberland team at business@advancenorthumberland.co.uk