Marketing 14 min read

Top Business Networking Events in Staffordshire

We created a list of Networking events in Staffordshire in 2025 along with a few tips we've learned along the way, if you run a networking event in Staffordshire and would like it included, get in touch.

networking events in staffordshire

Networking Events in Staffordshire in 2025

Name: Grafters Super Groups

Type: Industry-Specific

Focus: Building and construction industry.

Membership Type: Limited to one business per profession to avoid overlap (exclusive seats).

Event Type: Structured networking meetings for trades, suppliers, and service providers in the construction sector.


Our experience

We visited the Crewe Grafters group and were impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and the variety of businesses in attendance, ranging from service providers to manufacturers. After such a positive experience, we’ve taken steps to join the newly forming Stafford group to continue growing our connections locally, whilst attending other locations which don’t have our seat locked out at.


Location/s

Stafford:

  • Venue: Stafford Castle Golf Club
  • Status: New group launch date: 23rd January 2025

Stoke-on-Trent:

  • Venue: Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Commerce House, Festival Park, ST1 5BE
  • Meeting Schedule: Fortnightly, with the next meeting on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 8:30 am to 9:45 am. Grafter’s Supergroups

Perfect for

  • Builders, contractors, and suppliers.
  • Architects, surveyors, and specialist trades.
  • Businesses offering services to the construction industry, e.g., legal, accounting, or marketing support.

Frequency

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the group. Structured meetings typically include introductions, presentations, and focused networking sessions.


Rules

  • Membership is exclusive: only one seat per professional category is allowed in each group.
  • Members are expected to attend regularly and actively provide referrals to others.
  • Structured meetings with time limits for pitches and 1-to-1s.

Cost of membership*

Annual Membership fees vary depending on the group but generally include:

  • One-Time Payment: £725 + VAT
  • Installment Plan: Three consecutive monthly payments of £255 each, totaling £765 + VAT

Booking URL

Stafford: contact Anthony Bedson: anthony@grafterssupergroups.co.uk

Stoke: https://www.grafterssupergroups.co.uk/stokebooking/


Social Links

LinkedIn: Grafters Super Groups

Meta: Grafters Networking

Name: Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Type: Business Networking

Focus: Supporting businesses across industries in Staffordshire, with nationwide opportunities available through the wider Chambers network.

Membership Type: Open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, including manufacturers, service providers, and local SMEs.

Event Type:

  • Networking events, training sessions, and business forums.
  • Tailored to local business needs, fostering connections and providing access to resources and expertise.

Our Experience

As members of Staffordshire Chambers we’ve attended many events, and have nothing but positive things to say. We’ve met lots of local businesses including professional services, manufacturers, and engineering companies and also been introduced to leaders of the local universities and colleges. We always come away from their events having met the right types of people and tend to learn a few things whilst there too.


Location/s

Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Commerce House, Festival Park, ST1 5BE.

Events occur regularly at various locations across Staffordshire, including:

  • Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club
  • Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce – ST1 5BE
  • The Dog and Doublet Inn – ST18 0PJ
  • The Stafford Arms – ST9 9JR
  • Beaconside Conference Centre – ST18 0BF
  • Field Head Farm – ST14 5JA
  • Trentham Monkey Forest – ST12 9HR
  • Stoke City, bet365 Stadium – ST4 4EG
  • Community Foundation – Philanthropy House – ST18 0LQ

Perfect For

  • Local SMEs and large businesses.
  • Entrepreneurs and startups looking to expand their networks.
  • Businesses offering B2B services, such as legal, accounting, marketing, or IT support.

Frequency

Regular events are held weekly, fortnightly, or monthly depending on the group and event type.

  • Weekly events include the “New Member Fridays”
  • Quarterly events include the “Moorlands Business Meet Up”

Rules

  • Open membership with no exclusivity rules—multiple businesses from the same sector can attend.
  • Active participation in events is encouraged.

Cost of Membership*

  • 1-5 Employees – £364 + VAT
  • 6-25 Employees – £536 + VAT
  • 26-50 Employees – £619 + VAT
  • 51-150 Employees – £864 + VAT
  • 151+ Employees – £1166 + VAT

Event fees may apply for non-members or specific sessions.


Booking URL


Social Links

Name: BNI Stafford & BNI Sir Stanley Matthews Chapter (Stoke)

Type: Business Networking

Focus: Structured, referral-focused networking designed to support businesses across industries, with opportunities to build trusted relationships locally and globally through BNI’s extensive network.

Membership Type: Exclusive membership model—one professional per sector per chapter. This ensures a collaborative environment where members can maximise referrals without internal competition.

Event Type

  • Weekly structured networking meetings focused on generating referrals and building partnerships.
  • Training sessions to enhance networking, communication, and business development skills.
  • Collaborative workshops and industry-specific discussions to address member needs.

Our Experience

This one wasn’t for us, it was a little too focused on BNI objectives to gain points in their system and I didn’t feel like the format worked so well for creating professional relationships. That doesn’t mean to say it’s bad, just that we weren’t a good fit with BNI. I believe BNI is more likely to provide success to established smaller businesses looking to grow their local network, as they’re more likely to be able to pass referrals both ways, rather than newer businesses who are still growing their own network.


Location/s

Staffordshire BNI Chapters:

  • BNI Stafford: Brocton Golf Club in Stafford
  • BNI Stoke: Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club

Meetings are held at accessible and professional venues across Staffordshire. Specific locations vary by chapter and are shared during the application process.


Perfect For

  • Professionals looking for a referral-based approach to business growth.
  • Established Local SMEs and sole traders who want to expand their client base.
  • Businesses offering B2B services such as legal, accounting, marketing, or IT support.
  • Entrepreneurs seeking accountability through a structured networking system.

Frequency

Weekly meetings are held for each chapter, typically lasting 90 minutes, with additional events and training sessions scheduled throughout the year.


Rules

  • Exclusive membership with one professional per sector per chapter.
  • Active participation in meetings and referrals is required.
  • High standards of professionalism and accountability.

Cost of Membership

Membership costs include an annual fee plus a one-time application fee (details provided during the application process). Event fees may apply for additional training or visitor events and can vary based on region:

Membership fees*
  • 1 year: £958.80
  • 2 years: £1678.80
  • 5 years: £3838.80
  • BNI North Wales: £894

Booking URL

BNI Stafford: https://bnistafford.co.uk/

BNI Stoke: https://bnistaffordshire.co.uk/staffordshire-britannia-bni-(stoke-on-trent)/en-GB/index

For more information or to join a chapter: BNI Global Website


Social Links

BNI Stafford:

Stay connected:

Name: NetworkIn Stafford

Type: Business Networking

Focus: Empowering businesses across Staffordshire through structured referral networking, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.

Membership Type: Exclusive, seat-based membership—only one business per profession is allowed within each group, ensuring a collaborative, non-competitive environment for members.

Event Type:

  • Structured weekly meetings to share referrals and build professional relationships.
  • Training sessions focused on business development and personal growth.
  • Social and collaborative events to strengthen team spirit and connections.
  • Guest days to introduce potential members to the NetworkIN approach.

Our Experience

I’ve only visited this group once at Staffordshire University in Stafford and was met by a very friendly group of people, although I didn’t feel like the relationships I could forge were any better than I had at BNI so I decided to move on and keep looking for larger networking groups with more senior members of businesses in attendance.


Location/s

NetworkIN groups meet at various venues across Staffordshire, offering flexibility and accessibility. Locations include:

  • Alsager: Wilbraham Arms – Sandbach Rd N, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 2AX
  • Stoke: Hilton Double Tree – Etruria Hall Festival Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BQ
  • Stafford: The Moat House Hotel – Lower Penkridge Rd, Acton Trussell, Stafford ST17 0RJ
  • Uttoxeter: Field Head Farm – Field Head Farm, Combridge Lane, Uttoxeter, ST14 5JA
  • Staffordshire Moorlands: Daisybank House – 17-19 Leek Road, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1JE

Specific venues vary by group and are communicated during the onboarding process.


Perfect For

  • Established SMEs and entrepreneurs seeking a structured, results-driven networking environment.
  • Businesses looking to give and receive quality referrals.
  • Professionals offering B2B services such as marketing, legal, finance, or IT.

Frequency

Fortnightly with additional events and training sessions scheduled throughout the year.


Rules

  • Exclusive membership with one business per profession per group.
  • Active participation in meetings and referrals is required.
  • Members are encouraged to meet outside of the main group to build stronger connections.

Cost of Membership

Annual Membership costs include:

  • Monthly: £55+ VAT
  • Single Payment £560+ VAT

Booking URL

For more details or to join a group: https://www.networkin.uk/teams/staffordshire-teams/


Social Links

Stay connected:

Name: Ladies Who Latte

Type: Business Networking

Focus: Empowering and supporting women in business through free, informal networking meetings across the UK and abroad. Ladies Who Latte provides a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and inspire each other in a relaxed environment.

Membership Type: Open to all women in business, regardless of industry or experience level. There are no membership fees or formal registration processes; simply attend a meeting to become part of the community. LTL also offers an online platform offering articles, tips, and advice from experienced businesswomen, providing continuous learning and inspiration.

Event Type: Over 100 free meetings every month where women can gather, grab a coffee, and network without the constraints of formal agendas or speakers.


Our Experience

We haven’t had the chance to attend any meetings yet, but our SEO Exec has shown interest in becoming a “Lady Who Lattes” and might give it a try in the near future.


Location/s

Meetings are held at various venues across the UK and internationally, including cafes, golf clubs, and community centres. Some notable locations include:

  • Burton: The Old Baker’s Cottage Vintage Tea and Coffee Shop Duffield Ln, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent DE13 8SH, UK
  • Lichfield & Tamworth: The Strawberry Cabin, Manor Farm, Watling St, Tamworth B78 3DF
  • Dudley: Bridgnorth Rd, Wombourne, Swindon, Dudley DY3 4PU

For a comprehensive list of meeting locations and times, visit the Ladies Who Latte Meetings Map.


Perfect For

  • Women entrepreneurs and business owners seeking a supportive networking environment.
  • Professionals looking to expand their business connections and opportunities.
  • Individuals new to networking who prefer a relaxed, informal setting.
  • Women seeking inspiration, motivation, and practical advice from peers.

Frequency

Meetings are typically held monthly, with each group setting its own schedule. It’s advisable to check the specific meeting dates and times for your local group on the Meetings Calendar.


Rules

  • No Membership Fees: Attendance is free; participants only need to cover the cost of their own refreshments.
  • No Formal Agenda: Meetings are unstructured, allowing for organic conversations and networking.
  • Open to All Women: Regardless of business size, industry, or experience level.
  • Supportive Environment: Encouraging collaboration, sharing, and mutual support among members.

Cost of Membership

There are no membership fees or meeting charges. Attendees are simply responsible for purchasing their own drinks or refreshments during the meetings.


Booking URL

No prior booking is required to attend meetings. For more information and to find a local group, visit the Ladies Who Latte Website.


Social Links

Stay connected and informed:

 

 


 

Getting Networking right!

 

Know what you want…

Networking can be one of the most powerful tools in your professional toolkit, but to make the most of it, you need a clear plan. Before attending any event, take a moment to define your goals. Are you looking for potential clients? Partnerships? Perhaps you’re scouting suppliers or simply seeking inspiration from like-minded professionals.

Staffordshire offers a diverse range of networking opportunities, from informal coffee mornings to structured referral groups. Each event caters to different needs, so knowing what you want to achieve will help you choose the right one.

….and who you want to speak to

Networking success often hinges on engaging with the right people. In Staffordshire’s networking scene, you’ll find professionals from all industries: marketing, manufacturing, legal, IT, and more. The key is to identify who can help you achieve your goals. You’d be right in thinking that not everyone at these events is a potential customer, but there’s likely people there with similar customers or who work closely with your potential customers and may, in time, refer to you.

Do your research!

Research attendees or member lists when possible. Many networking groups, such as Staffordshire Chambers, share details about their events and participants in advance. For less formal settings, prepare an elevator pitch tailored to your target audience so you can introduce yourself confidently. Identify key people that you’d like to make time for and at the event:

  • Don’t rush to speak to everyone—quality over quantity is crucial.
  • Don’t oversell, networking works because of relationships and trust, it’s not an instant selling opportunity, but a way to connect with people who know people in business in your location or industry.
  • Listen actively. Often, you’ll find unexpected connections or insights by simply paying attention to others’ needs.
  • Be ready to exchange details with key contacts and follow up after the event, and follow up with them afterwards!

Networking in Staffordshire is as much about building relationships as it is about growing your business. When you know what you want and who you want to speak to, you’ll be well on your way to making meaningful connections that drive results. So remember:

 

“Networking isn’t about instant sales; it’s about building meaningful relationships.”

 


 

Getting prepared for a networking event

a pile of business cards focused on digital defined marketings card

1. Have Your Business Cards Ready

A classic yet essential tool, your business card is often the first impression you leave behind. Ensure your cards are professional, up-to-date, and include key contact information like your name, business name, role, and website. Don’t forget to keep a stack easily accessible during the event.

2. Perfect Your 60-Second Pitch

Craft a concise, engaging introduction that highlights who you are, what you do, and the value you bring. Focus on:

  • Your name and role.
  • Your business’s unique selling point.
  • A call to action or invitation to connect further.

Practice your pitch until it feels natural—it’s your chance to make a memorable first impression.


Networking isn’t just about the meetings

1. Master the Follow-Up and 1-to-1 Meetings

Networking doesn’t end when the event does. The real value lies in following up:

  • Send a personalised message or email within 24–48 hours to thank your new connections and suggest a 1-to-1 meeting.
  • Use 1-to-1s to build stronger relationships, dive deeper into shared goals, and explore potential collaborations.
  • Keep track of who you’ve met and set reminders to check in periodically.

2. Be Evergreen: Stay Visible Beyond the Event

Networking is a long-term strategy, not just a single meeting. Maintain visibility and nurture relationships by:

  • Engaging with contacts on LinkedIn or other social platforms.
  • Sharing valuable insights or updates that keep you on their radar.
  • Attending events regularly to reinforce your presence in the networking community.

By staying connected and proactive, you’ll ensure that your relationships continue to grow and lead to future opportunities.

3. Showcase your business, take on a presentation

Some networking meetings have seminars, webinars or simple 10 minute presentations to tell everyone about who and what you are, these are a great way early on to get in front of everyone to introduce yourself, and your business and quickly and concisely tell people why you are someone they should be talking to. Sometimes these extras are free, sometimes you may need to contribute as “a sponsor” for that meeting to do this, but regardless, if you want to tell 50+ business people “Hey, I’m here and we help…” rather than waiting for months to have done the rounds and organically met everyone, this is the perfect way to achieve that!

4. Collaborate and partner

Growing your business isn’t only about your own business, it can often mean that you need to collaborate and/or partner with similar businesses to help your clients achieve their goals, here at Digital Defined Marketing, we too met several partners at networking events and from time to time we work together on projects which require different skillsets which means the client’s are getting the best results from the right people with the right skills whilst we’re being more cost-efficient with our time.


 

More places to find events and networking in Staffordshire:

*All prices were accurate at the time of publication but may vary depending on your business’s specific circumstances.

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