If you’re running a business in Oxfordshire, it’s important to develop relationships with other local businesses. After all, networking is key to business success. Fortunately, there are plenty of business networking groups in Oxfordshire that can help you make valuable connections.
Here are five of the best business networking groups in Oxfordshire:
1. Opendoorz
Opendoorz is a premium networking group with a strong presence in Oxfordshire. With nine groups and over 100 members, Opendoorz has quickly become one of the leading business networking groups in the county.
Members are typically growing medium-sized business owners, entrepreneurs, and consultants. Through the bi-monthly meetings, Opendoorz offers members the opportunity to promote their businesses, pass opportunities, share advice, and make valuable connections.
Cathy Dunbabin and Sonia Kearns launched Opendoorz business networking in January 2011. Behind the company is a wealth of business and networking experience from the two founders. The founding duo believe that the networking arena has evolved. The emphasis should be targeted, focused and valuable. Opendoorz is pioneering that shift in approach.
The MGroup partner, Peter Smith, is a member of the Opendoorz community and a strong advocate for the benefit of the group.
2. Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organisation in the region, representing over 5,000 businesses of all sizes across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
The Chamber offers a range of networking opportunities for members, including regular breakfast meetings, evening events, and an annual awards ceremony. There are also sector-specific networking groups, which provide a great way to connect with businesses in your industry.
Membership of the Chamber starts at £280 per year, making it one of the more expensive networking options in Oxfordshire. However, members can take advantage of a range of benefits, including access to training and networking events, discounts on business services, and promotion through the Chamber’s website and social media channels.
The MGroup partner, Peter Smith, is a regular participant in these networking events and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
3. Juice by Witney Networking
Juice is a relatively new networking group founded in 2012. The group meets monthly for breakfast at the Witney Lakes Resort in Witney, making it one of the most convenient networking options for businesses in West Oxfordshire.
At each meeting, attendees have the opportunity to give a 60-second elevator pitch about their business. There’s also time for informal networking and the opportunity to connect with businesses in a range of industries.
Membership of Juice by Witney Networking is free, making it an ideal option for small businesses and startups. However, there is a £15 charge for non-members who wish to attend individual meetings.
The MGroup partner, Darren Green, is an active participant in Juice events, believing strongly in the group’s initiatives.
4. Business Networking International (BNI) Cotswolds
BNI is a global networking organisation with chapters in countries all over the world, including the UK. BNI Cotswolds is one of the largest groups in the region, with over 70 members representing businesses of all sizes.
As part of the broader BNI group, members have access to online resources, training, and networking opportunities both locally and internationally. In this region, the group meets weekly for breakfast at Cotswold Gateway Hotel, giving members the chance to give a presentation about their business and network with other attendees.
We aren’t entirely sure of BNI’s membership fees. Memberships are approved through an application process, but some events should be open to non-members.
5. Oxford Business Community Network (OBCN)
The Oxford Business Community Network (OBCN) is a membership organisation that connects businesses in Oxfordshire with each other and with the local community. The group holds regular networking events, including breakfast meetings, evening drinks, and informal coffee meetups.
Members are made up of businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to large corporates and startups. Membership options reflect the vast size and scope of these members.
OBCNs “Core” membership option has a £50 joining fee and is then £25 per month, giving businesses the opportunity to add on extras as they desire. This Core membership gives access to all events, as well as a website listing, guest blog post, social media engagement, training and networking opportunities and community project participation.
Out of the Box Events
While we typically work with and network with businesses in the traditional professional spheres, Oxfordshire has many more networking and learning events open to those seeking something out of the box.
Startup and tech events are hosted by a variety of groups in Oxford, including the Business and IP Centre Oxfordshire, which hosts the Startup Huddle and an interesting array of events related to technology and digital marketing.
Businesses seeking extra knowledge on new technology and the digital platforms necessary to operate in the 2020s will appreciate what Business and IP Centre Oxfordshire have on the calendar.
There are also plenty of networking opportunities for women in business. Groups like Oxfordshire Women in Business Networking host events and offers membership for women to present their businesses and build networks with other women in business.
Membership fees for WIBN are £240. Alternatively, those who simply wish to network can pay a £14 monthly fee to attend the meetings.
Meet Your People
Oxfordshire is full of networking and business events, making it feel a bit overwhelming to find the one you’re looking for. The best way to get started is simply by attending a few of the events that look most interesting or relevant to you and your business goals.
Ultimately, community matters. In a region like Oxfordshire, where professionals support one another, the value of finding groups aligned to your values can be an exponential boost to your business.
For more insights on how to grow your business, check out The MGroup blog or contact us for all your business accounting needs.