Supporting Business, Building Community

Connects is a friendly and informal with an emphasis on simply getting to know local business owners, charities, entrepreneurs, and artists. It’s completely free with no need to pass referrals.

Connects Network has grown into a key part of the local business landscape delivering informal, welcoming events that foster genuine connections and support local enterprise.

Founded in 2024 by Peter Herbert, managing director of PH Production Services Ltd, and Russell Coppock, technical director of PH Production Services Ltd, has been running for well over a decade, bringing people together to promote the many positive aspects of the local community in Staffordshire.

We create a friendly and relaxed meeting environment where there’s no pressure to pass referrals, concentrating on facilitating lasting relationships and collaborations. As you get to know other attendees, referrals naturally happen and you’ll come away from each meeting with valuable, lasting contacts and a strong sense of our community.

There are no restriction on how many attendees from a certain sector, and sessions are open to all Staffordshire-based artists, entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations to meet and enjoy the session’s guest speaker.

We invite speakers to each meeting to share positive stories and important information with attendees, and you can find a list of our previous guest speakers here. 

Our meetings typically follow this format:

• 10.00: Check-in and networking
• 10.30: Welcome: A warm welcome to all attendees.
• 10.40: 60-second Presentations: An opportunity to introduce yourself and your work.
• 11.00: Break: Recharge with a short break and a cup of tea and coffee.
• 11.15: Guest Speaker: Hear from this session’s guest speaker
• 11.30: Q & A: The floor opens for questions and comments.
• 11.40: Networking: Time for informal conversations and connections among participants.
• 12.00: Official end of session, but attendees are encouraged to stay and chat.

After the meeting, we send out a contact sheet with everyone who attended, so there won’t be any missed connections. All you need to do is grab a cup of tea or coffee and start chatting!