Connect South
Warm, unstuffy breakfast and lunch networking across the south of the county. Strong on referrals without the rigid structure.
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All things networking in Surrey
Surrey has one of the most active business communities in the country. Here's who runs the rooms — and how to get real value out of them.
Back by popular demand
The BiS BIG Networking event
Thu 15th April 2027, 08:30 till 12:00, at Holiday Inn, Guildford
- The largest collaborative networking event in Surrey.
- Open to businesses new to networking through to seasoned networkers.
- Networking partners included so far (with more coming soon): Connect South, Niche Networking, Surrey Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Ribbons Network, Athena Networking, Link Up Guildford, Surrey Hills Enterprises, Zoco Networking, Get Connected, Business Buzz.
More details and sign up coming in the new year.
Surrey's networking groups
Each of these networks runs regular meetings across the county. Their events appear in our calendar.
Link Up Guildford
Led by Rebecca Newenham, Link Up brings Guildford business owners together monthly for genuinely useful, low-pressure connections.
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FSB Surrey
The Federation of Small Businesses' Surrey arm — free member events, lobbying muscle and practical business support.
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BNI Surrey
Structured weekly referral networking. One seat per profession, measurable referrals, real commitment required.
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Ribbons Network
A supportive network championing women in business with relaxed, relationship-first meetings.
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Surrey Hills Enterprises
Led by Maggie Howell, connecting businesses rooted in the Surrey Hills — food, drink, tourism, crafts and rural enterprise.
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Surrey Event Professionals
The county's community for venues, suppliers and event organisers — meet-ups, showcases and shared opportunities.
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Surrey Wellbeing 250
Bringing together wellbeing practitioners and the employers who need them, with a focus on workplace health.
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Zoco Networking
Local, community-focused networking with a friendly membership model and regular in-person meets.
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Corporate Escape Club
For people who have left, or are leaving, corporate life to build their own thing. Peer support with real honesty.
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Network My Club
Networking hosted at sports clubs and stadia — memorable venues, relaxed format, senior-level rooms.
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Surrey Chambers of Commerce
The county's largest independent not-for-profit business support and networking organisation, connecting thousands of business people every year.
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Get Connected Networking
Friendly, free business networking across Surrey, built around simple social meetings that put relationship-building first.
First Friday Networking
Monthly free networking meetings across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire — relaxed, friendly and open to all business owners.
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Gatwick Diamond Networking
A long-established business membership community around Gatwick, championing local companies through connections, advocacy and events.
Visit websiteFifty tips
Getting networking right
- 1.Be clear who your ideal client is before you visit anything — the group has to contain them or know them.
- 2.Visit at least three groups twice each. A single meeting tells you about the day, not the group.
- 3.Check the seat policy: exclusive-category groups protect you, open groups give you volume.
- 4.Look at the room's average business size. Sole traders and 50-person firms buy very differently.
- 5.Count the referrals actually announced in the meeting, not the ones promised on the website.
- 6.Match the time of day to your energy and your diary — a 6:45am start you resent is money wasted.
- 7.Add up the true cost: membership, meeting fees, travel and the working hours you give up.
- 8.Ask two current members what they have won in the last twelve months. Listen for specifics.
- 9.Check how the group handles visitors. A group that looks after guests looks after members.
- 10.Commit for six months before you judge. Networking compounds; it almost never pays on week one.