Business networking provides a unified voice across the local business community, offering a chance to share ideas, opportunities, and experience.
Bringing like-minded individuals together can be a cost-effective way of generating new business and promoting your own, creating a network of connections across the local area.
Across the wider East Grinstead area, there are plenty of networking groups and events available, and here are a select few…
East Grinstead Business Association
The East Grinstead Business Association (EGBA) acts to serve its members interests and represent their views across the East Grinstead area. Working to resolve issues involving local authorities, providing training for members, and running regular varied events, EGBA is open to representatives of both commercial and trading entities in the local area.
With regular meetings held, there are many opportunities to mingle with the EGBA; drink and meets occur monthly at La Farola, and buzz meetings happen at various locations such as Chartham Park and Blond McIndoe Research Centre. Take a look at the EGBA website for more information.
BNI – Meridian Chapter
Across North Sussex and South Surrey, Meridian BNI has grown from seven founders in 2004, to more than thirty members today, and has twice been awarded the accolade of Sussex’s top performing chapter. BNI describe joining their network as “like having dozens of sales people working for you because all the other members carry copies of your card with them”; last year, BNI members passed more than 2.7 million referrals worldwide.
The Meridian Chapter meets every Friday morning over breakfast at the Felbridge Hotel in East Grinstead, and new members are always welcome. Places fill up quickly in this popular chapter, so to find out how you can join, visit their website.
4Networking
4Networking is a relaxed and friendly group, priding themselves on ‘a complete lack of pretension and ‘cufflinks’’. Every 4Networking breakfast meeting involves three ten minute appointments with members of your choice, allowing you to build relationships with those appropriate and most beneficial to your business.
The East Grinstead group meets every Thursday at the East Grinstead Sports and Country Club, from 8am until 10am. To join this business breakfast, register on the 4Networking website.
Premise Business Networking
The Premise Business Networking group is a local network, bringing together opportunities and education for businesses around the East Grinstead area. With the ideal of keeping costs as low as possible and focusing on current affairs in the town, Premise Business Networking asks its members to host events and to sometimes take part in a training night in order to share expertise.
Meetings are generally held every other week at a time that is suitable for every member, and encourages use of businesses within the group. To enquire about joining Premise Business Networking, visit their website.
VillageCow
Taking their name from the age old custom of gathering around the village cow to share news and gossip, VillageCow network is about making the most of ‘your town’. By restricting members to local people only, in order to maintain a focus on East Grinstead and those who live there.
The VillageCow network focuses on its website as a source of information, with listings, events, and businesses updated regularly. However, they also hold networking events such as lunch meetings at the Dorset Arms – take a look at their website for details.