CONNECT. CONVERSE. COLLABORATE.

Do you have a question about the Business Network? Our FAQs may help you find the answer.

Find out everything you need to know about our events and membership

If you are not familiar with the Business Network, please take a few moments to learn a little about how we operate by looking through our frequently asked questions (FAQs). Some of the answers should help you get the very best from your networking activity.

Effective networking is an essential tool in growing your business, but remember, it can also provide you with a valuable group of contacts who can provide you with answers and solutions to issues your business may face from time to time. The contacts you make are also a great source of topical knowledge and information, helping you stay up-to-date with the latest business thinking.

If you have a question that isn’t yet answered on this page please contact us and let us know.

No, in fact, we encourage you to come along and experience an event first. Then you can ensure it is a format that you find comfortable and an audience that is relevant to you.

Yes, the events are based around our long-standing lunch-time format. The events includes a 2-course lunch with coffee and refreshment drinks, so a payment is required to cover this cost. Currently, in Manchester, the cost is £55.00 including vat for non-members. You can book and pay using Worldpay via our booking page.

To book for the next available event please use the ‘Book Events’ tab and complete the booking form. Once completed, click the ‘Book Now’ button and you will be taken to a Worldpay payment page to pay by credit card. If you would like more details of all future events listed, and have the choice of booking from any of the next three events, then please use the ‘Events and Seminars’ page and select the date that suites you most.

No, we don’t spectify a dress code. Smart casuel is adopted by most attendees.

Most events consist of a pre-lunch seminar, followed by the networking lunch itself. So an event would run as follows:

  • 10.00 – 10.30. Registration, refreshments and networking for pre-lunch seminar
  • 10.30 – 11.45. Seminar
  • 11.45 – 12.30. Registration, refreshments and networking for networking lunch
  • 12.30 – 14.00. Round-table lunch served.
  • 14.00. Event ends.

We encourage business owners and directors to attend – anyone who is aware of what their business needs and is in a position to influence purchasing.

  • I would suggest that you try and attend both the seminar and the lunch element of the event. The seminars, delivered by members of The Business Network, are a great way to remain informed and current. They also offer an opportunity to engage and network with a slightly smaller group.
  • Come along ready to look for ways you can be assistance to others. By being prepared to ask questions, and actively listen and engage with the answers, you will be able to establish and build authentic connections. Establishing a reciprocal relationship is essential to successful networking – it will provide a network of ‘solution providers’, not only for your business, but also for your clients.
  • You would also benefit from having a clear idea of the services and solutions your company provides. And perhaps, rather that having a ‘sales-pitch’ prepared, telling stories of how you have helped clients in the past may be a more effective approach.

Yes, I also host events in London and Exeter. You can book using the following links.

Business networking in London

Business networking in Exeter

To find out more about membership, call Helen Bennett on
0161 823 1384 or email helen@business-network.co.uk

View our events calendar >

What our
members and
visitors say...

Back in 2009, I realised I should really look to expand my business contacts by joining a local networking group. To do this, I decided to shortlist a number of various different groups from around the area, try them all out, and make a decision on which one suited my requirements best. So it was that during the first few months of 2010 I attended a selection of breakfast, lunch, and evening events, and out of the 5 shorltisted groups I found the Business Network to be by far and away the most suitable for my requirements. The size of the group was an immediate attraction; to be given the opportunity to meet and network with over 100 business people at each event was something the other groups simply couldn't match. Also, I felt the structure of each event to be far more effective; allowing the opportunity for both formal and informal networking. Overall, the quality of the attendees, the organisers' warm welcome and the friendly atmosphere made it a very easy decision to make. I joined The Business Network early in 2010 and have recently renewed my membership. I would have no hesitation in recommending The Business Network to anyone looking to grow their network of quality business connections.
Liam Ahern
I-COM International Ltd
Please can you publicly thank Paul Giness for his referral which has led us to winning the refurbishment project for Vileda?s UK head office.
Matt Jackson
UK Workspace Limited
I enjoyed the event yesterday, you seem to be able to produce the right combination of people being both friendly and business orientated. Thanks.
Colin Cameron
Mutech Limited
See more testimonials

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Benefit from our monthly seminars

Our networking events incorporate seminars from experts that offer current knowledge and insights on a broad range of topics.

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The offers generously provided by our members are open to all visitors to this site – so follow this link for further details.


Mr R Bennett & Mrs H Bennett (Partners), 481 Chester Road, Manchester, M16 9HF. T 0161 823 1384
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