Let’s get something straight from the off: I’m not your 6am-coffee-chugging-elevator-pitching-networking-ninja. If a room is too loud, too pushy, or too full of jargon, I’m out.
So, when I returned to Leicester in 2021, I knew that throwing myself into the local networking scene would result in some uncomfortable conversations until I found the rooms I felt most comfortable in. Slowly but surely, I found my networking home/s. Events that felt genuine, friendly, and dare I say it – fun? These are the ones I keep going back to. Or, in some cases, the ones I fully intend to return to soon (you’ll see what I mean).
1. Business Buzz Leicester
This was the first event I attended when I moved back, and I can still remember the relief of walking into a space that didn’t make me want to curl into the fetal position as soon as I left.
It’s got just enough structure to keep things flowing without being rigid. And more importantly, it’s friendly. Genuinely friendly. I’ve made some brilliant business connections here, and some even better friendships. It’s the kind of place where people remember your name, your business, and the fact that you dramatically ripped up your business card a year ago and declared the business closed forever. (Let’s forget about that bit.)
2. Business Buzz Market Harborough
Same format as Leicester, same laid-back vibe, but based in Harborough.
Host Adrian Croft deserves a shoutout here. He’s grown this event from just six of us in a room to regular turnouts of 40+. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s welcoming, well-run, and if you’ve never networked before, this is one of the easiest places to start. Just turn up, grab a cuppa, and you’ll be chatting to a friendly face before you realise.
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3. Market Harborough Business Network
This one’s a little different—an independent, not-for-profit network made up of people who genuinely care about the local community.
It’s informal, warm, and moves around different venues each month, which keeps things fresh. There’s structure (which I always appreciate), but it never loses its personality. If you’re put off by stuffy, overly polished events, this will feel like a breath of fresh air.
4. Walkie Talkie Wednesday
Before I start, a quick note to the wonderful host, Jo Clayton: If you’re reading this- yes, I know I haven’t been this year. But I promise it’s not because I don’t love the event. It’s just… well, it’s at 8:30am and there’s a hill involved. And you know me and mornings.
That said, Walkie Talkie Wednesday is exactly what it sounds like: a relaxed, sociable walk at Bradgate Park with a bunch of good people. No awkward intros, no suits. Just fresh air, informal chat, a fun structure that ensures you get to spend a good amount of time with four or five people, and usually a coffee and cake afterwards (which, let’s be honest, is the real reason we’re all there).
It’s a free, simple way to build relationships that doesn’t feel like networking, and that’s what makes it work.
5. SCUBA (South Charnwood United Business Alliance)
A bit of a curveball, this one. It’s a quarterly event held at South Charnwood High School and attended by the school’s business ambassadors from (I think) years 12 and 13.
SCUBA is about more than just meeting other business owners—it’s about giving something back. You get to talk to young people about your work, share your experiences, and maybe even light a spark of curiosity in someone who’s never considered entrepreneurship before. It’s feel-good, purpose-driven, and always worth the time.
Honourable Mentions
- Business Buzz Lutterworth – Relatively new, but it’s got the same friendly DNA as the other Buzz events.
- Network Blaby – Local, easygoing, and full of familiar faces.
- Ashby Connect – I haven’t been for a while, but it’s always been welcoming and community-focused. The food is good, too.
A Final Word (And a Disclaimer)
These are just my personal favourites. If you’re looking for hard-sell power lunches and speed pitching, these probably aren’t for you. I like conversations over coffee, not cold calls in disguise. (For clarity, I’m also not being paid by anyone to promote these events.)
If you’re looking to build real connections, in real places, with real people, Leicestershire’s networking scene has more to offer than you might think. Want to explore even more options? I maintain a list of Networking Events in Leicester & Leicestershire on this very blog! There really is something for everyone, so make sure you check it out.
See you at the next one (unless it starts before 10am).
