Networking in Cumbria

You own a business, you are a human, you want more business, this requires meeting other humans. But where will you find other professional humans in one of England’s most sparsely populated counties? Hanging about pubs and touting along the M6 service stations probably isn’t going to work, but finding the very best networking events will! Believe us, Cumbria is awash with ace people, businesses and plenty of juicy networking events to sink your business teeth into. Last year we created this list about where you should be networking, but things have moved on since then so here’s our new list of the best networking events happening in Cumbria right now…

1. LA23NET

Probably the most relaxed but well attended networking in the county. LA23NET specialises in attracting influential business leaders not just as speakers but as attendees too. Its monthly meetings take place at weird and wonderful ever changing venues (even train carriages), and the £16+VAT ticket (usual price) includes networking, food and complimentary bar. Big names such as Warburtons, James Cropper Plc, Lakeland Arts, Carlisle Airport and many more have topped the bill so if you like the unexpected and up to the minute networking with lots of others, then LA23NET is for you, here’s what’s up next.

2. British Energy Cluster Business Club.

This private-sector run membership club takes place at Energus in Workington and is a well-attended group making real waves for businesses in West Cumbria. Whether you’re a West Coaster or not, it’s definitely worth the effort getting out there.

3. The Brewery Business Club.

This membership club not only has insightful networking events but your membership also gives you advertising at Brewery Cinema and Theatre, and free tickets to events. Great to use yourself, but equally a lovely way to thank a team member or client.

4. The Family Business Network Insight Events.

If you are a family run business (or love working with them) these sessions are a no-brainer. Brilliant behind the scenes events take place at other family businesses premises and the sessions are recognised for their warmth and open approach. Sign up to the mailing list to find out their upcoming events, if you run a family business you’d be mad not to.

5. Lakeland Businesswomen Network.

Female entrepreneurs unite in a friendly group whose warm approach openly welcomes new members. Monthly meetings usually welcome a speaker from the group in a variety of venues. It’s extremely reasonably priced as your annual £50 membership not only gives you access to each month’s events but also a wide range of additional benefits too. You can find out more above.

6. Carlisle Ambassadors

Whether you’re based in Cumbria’s capital or not, you should definitely be making connections there. The city has reinvented itself in recent years and is a city full of opportunity with real pride in what it has to offer. Usually held quarterly, ambassador events attract upwards of 200 people and is a great place to start meeting professional people.

7. North West Insider Breakfast. 

Sadly these don’t come to Cumbria as often as we’d like but when they do they are worth getting up early for. They tend to attract top drawer speakers and a strong contingent of regional as well as county wide business people, great for widening your network. There’s also breakfast.

8. The Young Professionals.

Kendal’s Slate bar takes a pounding from this lively group which encourages the younger generation of professionals to get involved in networking and to do business with each other. Whilst the focus is on the future heads of business, it welcomes everyone no matter your age. It’s organised by Georgina Smith so tap her up above to find out more.

9. Sam Ashdown’s – Success At Marketing Club (SAM Club).

Run by marketing guru and award-winning estate agent, Samantha Ashdown of AshdownJones; each monthly Windermere based event focuses on a different marketing area. From Facebook advertising, to PR (courtesy of FLOCK), through to building your Instagram. The sessions concentrate on giving practical takeaways for your business and are well respected for that reason.

10. Cumbriashare

A new kid on the block and full of great plans to connect Cumbrian businesses. Cumbriashare is an online networking and connection making platform rather than ‘real world’ networking events but none-the-less useful for it thanks to features like the ‘Current Tenders’ list and the directory of other local businesses.

11. The Huddle

Run by local business owner Claire McLean, The Huddle takes place in lovely Carlisle. You can either drop in for the events you like or take one of their membership packages. The Huddle is a learning and networking event that brings together small, medium and large organisations and works through common topics and issues facing business owners.

Cumbria Network Events at their best

With that little list, networking in Cumbria should be cinch so update your LinkedIn profile, grab your business cards and get out there. Our words of advice; remember that networking isn’t about seeking new business, it’s about making connections with people. Don’t get weird and desperate when you go networking, take the events and the people as you find them, chat with people normally and don’t go in ‘for the kill’ until you have established a meaningful connection.

Here at LA23NET we think networking should be fun, because no matter the brand name over the door it’s still people making things happen and people like things that make them smile. This is why there’s gin at LA23NET. We hope to see you at our next event but whether LA23NET is for you or not, Cumbria is a wonderful place to live work and do business, you’re bound to find a networking event that suits your style. We’re always open to hearing about more brilliant networking events around us, so let us know who we should be including next time! Get in touch.

Sign up to the LA23NET mailing list, and you know, get involved!

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