Connects Network Meeting - Stoke-on-Trent - June  2026

Connects Network Meeting

Open and informal local business networking in Staffordshire

Genr8 Smithfield Works

Connects is a not-for-profit, relaxed and informal networking opportunity facilitated by number of local business owners in the Staffordshire area who enjoy bringing people together and promoting the many positive aspects of local community.Each month, we carefully choose our guest speakers who have success stories, interesting projects and events to share that are happening on our doorstep.Guest SpeakerJoin HR Consultant and Founder of <a href="https://www.peoplepolicyco.co.uk/" title="https://www.peoplepolicyco.co.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">People Policy Co</a>, Stefanie Ward, for a practical session breaking down the key employment law changes now in force, what is coming next, and what employers should be doing now to protect their business.Stefanie is an experienced HR professional with over a decade of experience helping organisations manage people risk, strengthen compliance, and implement practical HR systems that work in the real world. As Founder of People Policy Co, she specialises in helping small businesses access affordable, practical HR compliance solutions without the need for expensive ongoing retainers.The session will cover:<ul><li>Day-one Statutory Sick Pay changes</li><li>New day-one family leave rights</li><li>National Minimum Wage increases and payroll impact</li><li>Increased employer obligations around harassment prevention</li><li>Tribunal claim windows doubling from 3 to 6 months</li><li>New unfair dismissal rules coming in 2027</li><li>Practical steps employers should take now to stay compliant and reduce risk</li></ul>Attendees will leave with straightforward actions they can take immediately to protect their business and avoid expensive mistakes.What to expect during the meeting<ul><li>Welcome: A warm welcome to all attendees.</li><li>60-second Presentations: An opportunity to yourself and your work.</li><li>Break: Recharge with a short break and a cup of tea and coffee.</li><li>Guest Speaker: Hear from this session's guest speaker</li><li>Q &amp; A: The floor opens for questions and comments.</li><li>Networking: Time for informal conversations and connections among participants.</li></ul>This session is made possible in part by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID and Smithfield Works.More information about People Policy Co: <a href="https://www.peoplepolicyco.co.uk/" title="https://www.peoplepolicyco.co.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.peoplepolicyco.co.uk/</a>More information about Connects: <a href="http://www.connectsnetwork.co.uk" title="http://www.connectsnetwork.co.uk" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.connectsnetwork.co.uk</a>More information about City Centre BID: <a href="https://www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk" title="https://www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk</a>More information about Smithfield Works: <a href="https://smithfield-works.com/" title="https://smithfield-works.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">smithfield-works.com/</a>

Agenda

Time to get checked-in and settled with a brew before the meeting starts. Take the time to meet the team and fellow attendees

Arrival and Check In

A warm welcome! Find out a little more about who we are, what we do and why we do it.

Welcome and Introduction

Your chance to have the floor for a no-pressure 60 seconds: tell us about yourself, your business or organisation, or who your looking to connect with. The 60 seconds are not mandatory, but it's a proven way to quickly make lasting local links in the community.

60 Second Presentations

Someone's presentation got your attention? Recharge your drink and introduce yourself. Need an introduction? Just as a member of the team: we're always happy to help.

Coffee Break

Hear from this session's guest speaker. Learn about the latest local projects and events happening on our doorstep. 

Guest Speaker 

Have something on your mind that you'd like to ask the speaker? Nows the time!

Q & A

Carry on the conversation and make more local links. Feel free to stay on and keep networking!

Open Networking

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Connects Network Meeting - Stoke-on-Trent - June 2026

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Connects Network Meeting - Stoke-on-Trent - June 2026

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