We are a not-for-profit, relaxed and informal networking opportunity facilitated by number of local business owners who enjoy bringing people together and promoting the many positive aspects of local community.
Established in 2014, Connects tours the venues and projects of the town, connecting businesses, organisations, artists and entrepreneurs.
Join fellow Staffordshire artists, entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations in Hanley for an extra networking opportunity, supported by the City Centre BID and Smithfield Works.
Friendly and Informal Networking
Sign up for our newsletter below or visit our Facebook page for more information. We have built a wonderful, resourceful community through Connects and want to encourage everyone to reach out and support each other.
What makes us different
Networking
Enjoy a couple of hours of open networking together with the opportunity to have the floor for 60 seconds to promote your business, charity or event to the group.
Refreshments
Enjoy a coffee or other hot drink when you arrive whilst you indulge in a little open networking and listen to the latest guest speaker. with something positive to share.
Not for Profit
Our meetings are operated on a not-for-profit basis, Currently there is no cost to attend thanks to generous support from Newcastle-under-Lyme BID.
Relaxed environment
We promote a relaxed, informal meeting with no pressure to pass referrals. We know this will happen anyway as you get to know the other people who regularly attend our meetings.
Guest Speaker
‘Positive about our community’ We carefully choose our guest speakers to inform us about success stories, interesting projects and events that are happening on our doorstep.
No Annual Fee
There is no annual fee or joining fee to attend a connects meeting. Connects welcomes all local entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations.
Guest Speakers
‘Positive about our community’ We carefully choose our guest speakers to inform us about success stories, interesting projects and events that are happening on our doorstep. Here are a selection of previous guest speakers. Please contact us if you would like to be a guest speaker and have something positive to share.
Alastair Machin | Chaffin & Ravenscliffe
Alastair Machin is a founder and CEO focused on building businesses that deliver efficiency, growth, and long-term value for clients and communities. Through Chaffinch, he provides end-to-end information management solutions, helping organisations securely store, shred, scan, and automate documents to simplify compliance, reduce costs, and support growth.
John Webbe | Emmaus North Staffordshire
John Webbe is the Executive Lead (CEO) at Emmaus North Staffordshire which has grown from a small steering group in 2016 to the leading charity tackling ‘furniture poverty’ in North Staffordshire, with a focus on addressing child bed poverty which affects many thousands of local children across Stoke-on-Trent.
Holly Johnson & Eve Travis | The Block
Holly Johnson and Eve Travis are local artists and collaborators behind The Block, an art collective based in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Holly, founder of HoJo Hattery, is a self-taught felt hat maker who blends traditional techniques with modern design. Eve is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans performance, sculpture, and wearable art, often exploring themes of identity and gender.
We would love to hear from you, please feel free to get in touch
