FAQ | Talk Business UK

FAQ.

why join
Talk Business Networking?

By becoming a member of Talk Business UK Networking, you are joining a networking business which has 15 years of experience in fostering meaningful business connections. We have watched how people network best over this time!

Unlike large, noisy networking events, Talk Business focuses on targeted, high-quality networking where you can be heard! We host many sector specific networking events, where small groups of people, within affiliated businesses, get together in a relaxed setting and can really get to know each other and understand the service being offered. Have you ever left a networking event with over 70 in the room and realised you only spoke to a handful of them, and probably people you already knew?

Our ethos centres on connecting people around a table, over delicious food, and creating a relaxed and friendly environment where everyone has the time and space to engage in real conversations and build lasting business relationships. People do business with people they know and trust.

There are no 'rules' other than to BE THERE. We provide the environment for you to connect with others...the rest is up to you! We give you the opportunity to TALK BUSINESS!

what are Sector specific networking events?

Our sector-specific networking events are tailored gatherings that bring together professionals and businesses within the same industry, along with affiliated businesses that complement your sector. These focused events create a powerful networking environment where you can connect with like-minded peers, potential collaborators, and valuable partners who truly understand your industry’s needs and challenges. By honing in on relevant connections, you’ll be able to build relationships that can directly benefit your business, foster growth, and expand your influence within your field.

how do you join an UNO Networking group?

Joining an UNO networking group is simple and highly beneficial. Our single-seat networking meetings are held every two weeks in various locations across the region, where each participant holds an exclusive spot representing their industry. To keep your seat, consistent attendance is required, and if you can’t make it, you’re encouraged to send a replacement or visitor. Contact us to check if your industry seat is available in your preferred group. Can’t find one nearby? We can help you start a new group in your area and grow your network even further!

can Charities get involved with Talk Business?

We warmly welcome charities to get involved with Talk Business networking! Charities are invited to attend our networking events and can even hold the dedicated charity seat within our UNO networking groups.

At our monthly BIG Breakfast Networking event, we provide a charity the opportunity to give a short presentation, allowing them to share their mission and connect with local businesses. Additionally, we frequently organize fundraisers to support a chosen charity, helping make a meaningful impact in our community.

why is there an additional meeting fee for each event I want to attend?

At Talk Business, there is a small additional meeting fee for each event because we believe in supporting our host venues fairly. We don’t expect venues to provide their space for free or at a discount; it’s part of our ethos to "pay our way" and contribute to the hospitality sector.

Unlike other groups, we don’t ask for prepayment for a year’s worth of events, which keeps costs flexible and manageable if you’re unable to attend a meeting. (This excludes our UNO Networking, which has its own structure.)

how many events can I attend before I have to join as a member?

We offer a 'try-before-you-buy' session before deciding if Talk Business is the right fit for you. We completely understand that you’d want to experience our networking and see the value it offers firsthand. However, we do have to limit these visits for non-members to keep things fair for those who have committed to an annual membership.

After that, if you enjoy the events, we’d be thrilled to have you officially join the Talk Business community and enjoy all the benefits of membership at all our events across the region!

how can I get the most out of my annual membership?

Talk Business Networking provides you with the facility to meet people and connect with business. The rest is up to you. Below are a few pointers to what makes for successful networking:

Attend as many events as possible to maximize your networking opportunities and visibility.
Set clear goals before each event—consider what you want to gain from attending.
Prepare your introduction in advance to make a memorable first impression.
Be authentic and genuine in your interactions to build trust and rapport.
Schedule one-on-one meetings with members you’d like to connect with outside of events.
Listen actively to others and take time to understand their businesses.
Bring business cards and flyers to ensure people remember you after the event.
Consider giving a short presentation with visuals to showcase your expertise and engage the members.