Connects Network Meeting - Stoke-on-Trent - August 2025
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Connects Network Meeting - Stoke-on-Trent - August 2025

Open and informal local business networking in Staffordshire

By Connects Network Meeting

Date and time

Location

Genr8 Smithfield Works

Broad Street Hanley ST1 4EU United Kingdom

Agenda

10:00 AM

Arrival and Check In

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

10:30 AM

Welcome and Introduction

Peter Herbert

James Thornhill

Russell Coppock

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

10:40 AM - 11:15 AM

60 Second Presentations

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 pr...

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Coffee Break

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.

11:30 AM

Guest Speaker

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

11:45 AM

Q & A

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

11:50 AM

Open Networking

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

About this event

    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.Whether you're a local entrepreneur, business owner or organisation, all are welcome to our network meeting, and there are no fees to attend: the meetings are free thanks in part to generous support from the team at the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Improvement District. So be sure to bring your business cards and share the event with others who might be interested.

    We’re delighted to welcome Darren J Brookes from The Foundry C.I.C. team as our guest speaker—a growing social enterprise with a clear and timely mission: to support men and boys in finding purpose, building resilience, and forming real, lasting connections.

    Launched in 2025, The Foundry has quickly established itself as a vital presence in the local community. Through accessible, down-to-earth initiatives—like their Men & Boys Walk & Talk events at Tittesworth Reservoir—they’re creating safe spaces for honest conversation, emotional wellbeing, and peer support. Their work tackles isolation and encourages strength through vulnerability, helping people connect not just with others, but with themselves.

    The Foundry is a powerful example of how community-led action can create meaningful change. We’re excited to hear more about their journey, the impact they’re having, and what’s next for this values-driven organisation.

    • Welcome: A warm welcome to all attendees.
    • 60-second Presentations: An opportunity to youerself and your work.
    • Break: Recharge with a short break and a cup of tea and coffee.
    • Guest Speaker: Hear from this month's guest speaker
    • Q & A: The floor opens for questions and comments.
    • Networking: Time for informal conversations and connections among participants.

    More information about Connects: www.connectsnetwork.co.uk

    More information about City Centre BID: www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk

    More information about The Foundry CIC: https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

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    Connects Network Meeting
    FreeAug 7 · 10:30 GMT+1