Have You Tried These Business Networking Ideas in Exeter?
Are you starting a new business venture in Exeter? Are you looking to grow your client base and brand? Then business networking is a crucial part of the process.
In today's fast-paced business world, networking has become essential to building and growing a successful enterprise. The benefits of business networking are countless. It is a powerful tool that can help you expand your professional connections, increase your brand awareness, and drive your business growth. Whether you are a startup or a well-established company, networking can provide you with the opportunities and resources you need to take your business to the next level.
The great news is that Exeter's business scene is buzzing. You'll find plenty of events and groups that cater to your niche. But with so many options, figuring out where to spend your valuable time and resources can be daunting.
When we moved our corporate photography business back to Exeter from the East Midlands we did some research and came up with this comprehensive list of different groups for you to explore.
We have tried some, but not all. So have a look, assess your options and decide which ones are right for you.
Exeter Chamber
Exeter Chamber is the region’s leading independent business membership organisation. We have found the Chamber fun, easy to engage with and focussed on business. unlike other Chambers we have been part of, the team take a light touch approach. This means that events are based on members needs and not simply to support the Chamber.
What Types of Activity?
There are a range of different networking events. Such as mornings for coffee in the city and afternoons for something stronger. Briefings, conferences, meals, parties, awards...to name a few!
How Much Does It Cost?
There are different levels of membership. The Basic level is £185 per year. Membership is for the business, which means that any colleague can go.
Notes
- All members get listed in the members directory. This is great for getting found, as well as for your website SEO.
- The Chamber is active in campaigning and making changes across the Exeter Area. There is a strong link to Exeter Science park.
- Other local Chamber groups meet up with the Exeter members from time to time. These meet-ups further broaden your networking potential.
The Rabbit Hole
The 'Rabbit Hole' is a co-working space in the Centre of Exeter. In fact, it is our building! The Hole has a professional and relaxed atmosphere. You never know who will be there so networking is varied.
What Types of Activity?
This is a great place to work, and much calmer than a coffee shop. There are a range of work spaces and breakout areas. The Hole has vending machines for snacks, games, a kitchen area plus a Nespresso Machine. Facilities also include storage space for your bike or car and even a shower.
There are also events run at the Rabbit Hole, and you can book the room for your events too. These are usually after normal business hours.
How Much Does It Cost?
A hot desk for a day is only £15, but you can also book a desk on a monthly basis.
Notes
- The space is 'exclusive access' - so you need a referral from an existing member.
Jelly South West
Louise at Jelly South West offers free not-for-profit informal coworking events. If you are a freelancer, start-up, home worker or small/micro business owner then come along. Bring your laptop and work, chat and collaborate with other small business owners.
Jelly’s differ from normal business networking. The aim is not to find new clients or to sell yourself or your business. It is about meeting up with like-minded people to work together in a different environment. To exchange help and advice, and maybe come up with a new idea to collaborate on. It is a way of removing isolation and building a business community.
What Types of Activity?
There is a monthly event at the Generator on the Quay in Exeter. Jelly also organises charity events. An example would be the event at Hotel Du Vin in Exeter, raising funds for Unicef: 'Children In Ukraine.'
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no cost. Yep - it's free!
Notes
- Louise works as a volunteer for Jelly South West - and the team of Ambassadors do so likewise.
Link
The Business Network (Exeter)
The name says it all! The Business Network is a national organisation that runs local a group. The Exeter branch has been up and running for over 30 years.
Traditionally the Business Network runs face-to-face events. Like many since the pandemic, they also now host very successful (and often free) online events.
The Exeter team see themselves as 'connectors' between local members. This works a treat - especially as you have your own dedicated 'Network Host'.
What Types of Activity?
Real and virtual networking is the backbone of this organisation. Some of the face to face events are at great venues - such as Exeter Racecourse and the new Courtyard Hotel. There are also monthly seminars and offers available to members nationwide.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is an annual membership fee. Then you pay-as-you-go. Online events are often free, and the face-to-face fee is currently from £42.
Notes
- When visiting the Courtyard Hotel - make sure you pay for your parking (it is not obvious that you have to pay)
The Institute of Directors (South West)
If you want to connect with directors only then the IOD is worth a look. there is not a specific Exeter branch - the IOD works regionally. The IOD regional head office is in Bristol.
Unlike the Chamber, the IOD membership is for an individual. So, if you want different colleagues to go they would need to each have a membership.
The reason is that the IOD offers a wide range of training, accreditation and support. In the Midlands I was a member for many years and attended so many training sessions I even helped deliver some! For many years I was an 'Event Partner' of the IOD. Which meant I was their national event photographer. I covered events, conferences etc.
The networking is different than a chamber of BNI. It is more about supporting each other than getting leads.
What Types of Activity?
The IOD offer networking, lunches, talks, seminars, conferences, awards etc. There is a wide suite of training on offer for directors, as well as an information service and legal support. The training is called the IOD academy.
You can access discounted insurance, health cover, and even home insurance too. You also have access to each regional working space as well as offers travel costs.
How Much Does It Cost?
There are different tiers of membership, starting at £37 per month. Student membership is only £79 a year.
Notes
- Take advantage of the information service - free data for your business
BBX
BBX is a wider platform that offers to connect you to other businesses. When a customer signs up with you they take a 'success fee'. The phrase they use is 'win win'. I have not been to any of the BBX business breakfast events. But they do offer a hearty meal for only £8!
What Types of Activity?
The BBX is a membership organisation that includes lunches, breakfasts, dinners. Not everything is food based - they do karting, zoom meetings, trade shows and have loads of member offers.
How Much Does It Cost?
The basic membership is £150 for the year, £50 of which goes to charity. Events then have a low entry fee - from free upwards.
Notes
The Exeter breakfast is fortnightly on a Tuesday at the Courtyard (see my note above on parking).
Your Partnerships
The tagline of Your Partnerships is 'Networking that grows business'. So right from the word go you know they have your growth at heart. Based in Cornwall Your Partnerships covers the South West (plus a bit). The events they hold are across the South West, but members come from all corners of the UK and beyond.
What Types of Activity?
There are a wealth of face to face and online networking events. Every month the partnership put on almost 200 opportunities to network. There are also 'activities' (from golf to laser-shooting) plus business workshops.
There is an online directory - to be found by members and also adding valuable SEO to your website.
How Much Does It Cost?
The basic membership is £12.50 per month and gives access to all online events. The good stuff kicks in at £25 per month and goes up from there.
Notes
Membership is for an organisation, so any colleague can network. At the £120 per month tier you have four seats at every event.
BNI City Wall
Perhaps the best known of all networking organisations is the BNI. the local chapter meets at Winslade Manor, Clyst St Mary. With over £0.5m of business in the last year you could say that it is a successful group! As with all chapters the basis is a commitment to meet and refer.
What Types of Activity?
The weekly chapter meeting is on a Wednesday first thing in the morning. There is a training program and members have access to exclusive resources.
How Much Does It Cost?
The basic membership fee is upwards of £500. Each breakfast meeting is then about £10-15 per go. You can pay the membership in instalments.
Notes
- Membership is for a person, but you can sub.
Sterling
Sterling offer a virtual breakfast for businesses across Devon. Like other organisations Sterling has a one seat policy - so only one seat per business type.
What Types of Activity?
The weekly virtual breakfast over Zoom from 6:45am to 8:30am.
How Much Does It Cost?
An initial visit is about £8. Annual membership is £359. Then there is a monthly meeting fee of £12 for the virtual group.
Notes
- There is an application process for new members
- You provide your own coffee