70 FREE business networking events in November you need to know about

Free business events in London this November

Working parents might feel that there’s no option for them to  network with a little one in tow. But they likely haven’t heard of Parents In Business, a (kid-friendly) coffee event for mums and dads, grandparents, step-parents, and any business owner with an idea to benefit families. It takes place at two locations South and North of the Thames:

• Glyndon Community Centre on 19 Nov at 10:00am
• St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre on 21 Nov at 11:00am

Other free London business events in November include:

• Creative Planning Session for Women at Mayfair Place (6 Nov at 6pm) promises an alternative to ‘boring’ business planning. Meet ambitious, like-minded women who are getting their venture off the ground, and take time for creative thinking.
• Investors + Innovators Meetup at Abel + Imray (7 Nov at 6pm) an opportunity for business founders and investors in the biotech and medtech space to interact over informal drinks. Plus – bring a friend! Two people are permitted per organisation.
• The Diverse Business Summit at County Hall (15 Nov at 8:30am) arranged by Lloyds Bank, an exclusive platform to connect with diversity leaders, departmental heads, and changemakers who are pioneering DEI in their supply chains.
• The Cost of Workplace Ageism at The RSA (25 Nov at 6pm) a panel discussion on the impact that ageism in hiring and employment can have on workplaces – and the financial opportunities that could be created by addressing the issue.
• TALiNT Partners Tech Forum at Haymarket Hotel (21 Nov at 9:30am) a workshop combining expert presentations with panel debate and roundtable discussions, for advice on how tech, marketing and sales leaders can improve hiring.
• EdTech Together at The Wellington by Blue Orchid Hotels (28 Nov at 6pm) an educational evening for founders in the EdTech space. Hosted by tech leader, Dr. Pauldy Otermans, the event will focus on the intersection between AI and education.
• LDN Tech Morning at BrainStation (28 Nov at 8am) a chance to hear from seasoned tech entrepreneurs about how they broke into the industry, plus free coffee. Mingle with fellow founders hoping to turn their tech venture into a reality.

Free business events in Newcastle this November

Easily the hottest ticket in Geordie town this month is to the North East Expo at Newcastle Racecourse. Over 1,000 delegates per sector are set to attend, making this the region’s largest business showcase of top talent and innovative ideas.

Taking place on 14 Nov at 10:30am, over 160 companies will exhibit, but if you’ve missed the boat on booking a business stand, there is also a packed programme of over 15+ seminars and workshops, plus breakfast networking at 9am.

Other free Newcastle business events in November include:

• PLATFORM at The Beacon of Light (1 Nov at 9am) is a new, monthly event for 2024 from the organisers of Founders’ Friday. Start with a free coffee, stay for the show and tell, and end with a fireside chat with an inspirational guest speaker.
• Inclusion Forum North East at Newcastle Cathedral (5 Nov at 10am) an event focused on inclusive recruitment, reflecting on and exploring some of the best practice hiring approaches for equal opportunities in the north east and beyond.
• Demystifying Artificial Intelligence at The Catalyst (6 Nov at 3pm) everyone’s talking about the advantages that AI offers businesses. But what actually are they? Find out how to harness the latest technologies to supercharge your new business.
• CyberFirst North East Conference at The Catalyst (18 Nov at 9am) is a chance for educators, teachers, and industry professionals to discuss all things cybersecurity.

Free business events in Leeds this November

• Empowering Black Entrepreneurs at The Terrace (5 Nov at 2pm) successful Black entrepreneurs from West Yorkshire come together to offer their insights into how to make it as a Black founder in Leeds, hosted by Lloyds Bank.
• Leeds FinTech Forum at Platform (5 Nov at 10:45am) fintechs were the hottest name in startups five years ago. But you’ll need more than a bunch of cash to succeed now, as this event discussing the lifecycle of a fintech aims to show.
• National HealthTech Series at 1 Wellington Place (6 Nov at 8:15am) open to all professionals from across the UK healthcare sector. This event includes five roundtables discussing zeitgeisty topics from sustainability to mental health.
• Clean Growth Fund Roadshow at Barclays Eagle Labs Leeds (12 Nov at 9am) a pitching event hosted by a VC firm that invests in cleantech businesses. Early-stage innovators with disruptive climate technology are invited to come along.
• Start Up Day 2024: Business Book at Leeds Central Library (19 Nov at 5pm) personal development coach Ros Jones hosts this networking event-cum book club, where entrepreneurs can learn about the best business books for new founders.
• Leeds Entrepreneurs Social Group at The Decanter (26 Nov at 7pm) a no-pressure, friendly networking group where businesses can be themselves – and (potentially) win a bottle of champers at the end of the night.

Free business events in Sheffield this November

• Empower Your Business Mindset at Electric Works (22 Nov at 10am) with a name like that, who wouldn’t want to join? Find out more about building a resilient mindset as an entrepreneur at this event hosted by a real-life hypnotherapist.
• Brand Storytelling for Social Enterprises at Showroom Cinema (26 Nov at 3pm) your business story can be your most powerful asset – particularly for purposeful businesses. Attend this session to learn about brand storytelling.
• South Yorkshire Entrepreneur Quiz Night at Kommune (28 Nov at 6pm) thought thinking of a business name was hard? Try coming up with a quiz team name. Come along to the vibrant Kommune food hall for tasty treats and testing questions.

Free business events in Manchester this November

• University of Manchester Scale-Up Forum at Bright Building (6 Nov at 4pm) a peer-to-peer network for ambitious entrepreneurs to discuss scale-up related  topics. This time, you’ll learn how to build and implement an ESG strategy.
• HR – Labour Government Changes Seminar at Rain Bar (7 Nov at 3pm) the new government has brought in a wealth of HR changes including the new Employment Rights Bill. Learn about what it means for people teams in this engaging discussion.
• Think Big: Start Small at Business & IP Centre (19 Nov at 10am) presented by Eric McBean, a seasoned entrepreneur, this workshop will help develop your big idea by starting small, explaining how to maximise resources.
• Centre for Innovation Showcase at GM Digital Security Hub (21 Nov at 6pm) a new monthly event with an Apprentice-style format. Five entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch their idea to an audience of friendly business guests.
• Females of the Future at No.1 Spinningfields (21 Nov at 5:30pm) are you a woman hoping to launch a successful career in recruitment? This event will give you the know-how (and the connections) to get there. Free food and drink supplied.
• Greater Manchester Lunchtime Networking – Virtual (10 Nov at 12pm) who said networking lunches had to be in-person? Remote workers can log on and forge new connections during their lunch break in this quick hour-long session.

Free business events in Liverpool this November

This November, the Liverpool AI Summit will be taking place at Estuary Commerce Park in Speke (5 Nov at 1pm). Tech enthusiasts, doomsayers, and AI business leaders will all be in attendance as the Scousers gather for drinks, nibbles, and a chance to chat through their concerns about, and experiences with, Artificial Intelligence.

Other free Liverpool business events in November include:

• Code Nation X-Change at Barclays Eagle Labs Liverpool (7 Nov at 4:30pm) escape from work an hour early and chat to technology leaders about how to build the skills and workforce required to supercharge your tech venture.
• People, Planet, Pint™ Meetup at Arts Bar Baltic (7 Nov at 5:30pm) this month, the community hub for local artists will provide a relaxed meeting spot for local business owners to meet and share ideas over a tray of cocktails.
• Charity Networking Event at Clockwork Offices (13 Nov at 9:30am) a place for businesses to rub shoulders with non-profits to discuss how entrepreneurs can improve their social impact, against the backdrop of Albert Docks.
• Women in Tech Monthly Coffee Morning at Arts Bar Baltic (9 Nov at 11am) another networking event at Arts Bar Baltic, this time women-exclusive and swapping cocktails for coffee (although an espresso martini surely wouldn’t feel amiss?).

Free business events in Birmingham this November

This month, local Brummy business owners should visit the Birmingham Business Expo at St Andrew’s Stadium (14 Nov at 10am) for a chance to meet and mingle with 400 Midlands-based new businesses.

As well as perusing the stands to see what disruptive ideas have been born in the Black Country this decade, there will also be free seminars and workshops to bolster your business knowledge. Don’t forget to pre-register!

• Employer Branding: Attracting Top Talent at iCentrum (7 Nov at 2pm) led by Tara Attfield-Tomes, this workshop is designed for PR professionals struggling to hire top talent in the age of AI-led marketing.
• Grosvenor House Business Club at Grosvenor House (7 Nov at 5pm) described as a “sophisticated” networking event with both drinks and hors d’oeuvres, this is a formal after-work session for entrepreneurs who like the finer things in life.
• Brummies Networking at Grosvenors Casino (12 Nov at 11am) in contrast to the above, a networking session for ‘stripped-back’ conversations fuelled by free teas and coffees. No need to impress; just turn up and meet with local, friendly founders.
• Birmingham Face/Face Speed Networking at Crowne Plaza (20 Nov at 9:30am) daunted by the idea of networking? Throw yourself in at the deep end with this super quick meet and mingle (get elevator pitch ready with our guide).
• STEAMhouse Christmas Marketplace at STEAMhouse (21 Nov at 5pm) retailers can shop and support over 70 independent local artists, makers, and creatives at this festive Christmas market, to find local suppliers (and Santa hats) for your business.
• Breakfast Networking Event at Curzon Building (27 Nov at 8:30am) love coffee? This event has free coffee not once, but twice, plus plenty of guest speakers with helpful advice on how to transform your business with digital solutions.

Free business events in Nottingham this November

• Investment Readiness at Dryden Enterprise Centre (15 Nov at 10am) is the ultimate funding workshop for Notts business owners. Discover the many finance streams available for firms, delivered by Nottingham’s Angel Investor Network.

Free business events in Cambridge this November

• Tax Tips for Cambridge Entrepreneurs at NatWest Cambridge Petty Cury (5 Nov at 10am) a day of learning about tax should sound dull, but this event offers plenty of opportunities to socialise and ask questions without fear of feeling silly.
• Intellectual Property – Trinity Bradfield Talks at Winstanley Lecture Theatre (5 Nov at 5:30pm) one in a series of talks organised by the University of Cambridge, this session will teach SMEs all they need to know about Intellectual Property (IP).
• Empowering Women in Social Entrepreneurship at The Diamond (9 Nov at 9:30am) a networking event for women who want to change the world. Come for the free lunch, stay for the inspirational talks and valuable business connections.
• Go Meet Cambridge at Nine Hills Road (19 Nov at 11am) is a regular in-house event that this month features business coach James Hems who will discuss recognition, and how businesses can use awards and rewards to grow.
• RAREfest24 at Guildhall, Market Hill (23 Nov at 10am) a healthtech expo specifically designed to showcase the weird and wonderful businesses coming out of Cambridge. Meet leading researchers, tech innovators, treatment pioneers.
• Founders Live Cambridge at Mills & Reeve (28 Nov at 5:30pm) is a fun-filled evening of networking for business enthusiasts. Five business owners are invited to pitch their ideas in 99 seconds and be judged by a panel of experts and peers.
• You can also become a Cambridge student for an hour by signing up to the many free lectures and talks available on the University of Cambridge event website. 

Free business events in Oxford this November

• OxLEP Women in Business Gathering at BIPC Oxfordshire (13 Nov at 9:30am) a morning coffee session for women founders to trade biscuits and eat business cards (or the other way around). Attendees must be registered with Companies House.
• The Marketing Meetup IRL at Grassroots (16 Nov at 6pm) the Marketing Meetup’s description uses the word ‘chilled’ three times. It promises laid-back drinks, friendly chatting, and a stress-free environment for PR and marketing experts to network.
• Start-up Huddle at Business & IP Centre, Oxford Westgate Library (21 Nov at 6pm) invites two participants to present their business, followed by a Q&A and mingling time, during which attendees can trade local knowledge, tips, and insights.
• Entrepreneurs should also check out the University of Oxford’s free public lectures for business tips and talks from the experts.

Free business events in Bristol this November

While the rest of the country winds down its networking in November, Bristol has given its entrepreneurs a packed schedule. Among others, founders can attend three back-to-back intensive business workshops at Bristol Central Library as part of the city’s ‘Ready, Steady, Grow’ series. The series is led by local experts, and covers fundamental topics such as:

• Content creation workshop (4 Nov at 10am)
• Paid advertising workshop (4 Nov at 1pm)
• Bookkeeping workshop (11 Nov at 10am)
• Sales workshop (13 Nov at 10am)

Other free Bristol business events in November include:

• South West Founders at Runway East (6 Nov at 6pm) is a monthly meet-up for people based in the South West who have been, are, or want to be tech startup founders. Meet up, share ideas, and walk the tech runway in no time.
• Freelance Mum Netwalk at Greville Smyth Park (12 Nov at 11:30am) mums who freelance are invited to come along for a day out in the fresh air, away from the deafening hum of your email inbox. All routes are buggy friendly!
• Firewalls & French Toast at Arnolfini Café Bar (22 Nov at 10am) where better to discuss what it’s like to be a woman in tech than in a tasty Bristol coffee shop? Enjoy a tasty brunch while you chat to fellow female firewall experts.
• Tech Talent Breakfast Meetup at Engine Shed (26 Nov at 8:30am) a regular, and informal, meet-up for anyone based in the Bath or Bristol tech sector to talk about tech talent over a cappuccino and an almond croissant.

Free business events in Cardiff this November

• Innovators Uncensored – Startup Social at The Welsh House (7 Nov at 6pm) an evening for founders to discuss everything they’re really thinking about the business world, for open and transparent conversations with each other.
• Startup Workshop for F&B Firms at Cardiff Met University (13 Nov at 10am) a knowledge-building event for food and beverage startups, starting with a tasty networking appetiser, followed by a main course Q&A with industry experts.

Free business events in Edinburgh this November

The Edinburgh Business Show takes place on 6 Nov at 10am at Tynecastle Park. Attended by a mix of big names and small startups, it will include four guest speaker slots. Special shout out to the brilliantly named ‘Is your business plan total b*llocks?’ at 12:45pm.

Other free Edinburgh business events in November include:

• Funding at RBS Accelerator (6 Nov at 10am) a practical workshop hosted by RBS accelerator for SMEs wanting to learn more about the funding landscape from real-life entrepreneurs who have been there, done that.
• Ecommerce Symposium at International Conference Centre (21 Nov at 9:30am) a must-attend for organisations wanting to optimise their ecommerce channels. Featuring presentations, panel discussions, and of course, networking.

Free business events in Glasgow this November

• 8 Networking Coffee Morning at The Alchemist (13 Nov at 9:30am) a tight-knit business club with a strict ‘don’t come, you’re out’ policy. If you’re visiting an 8 networking session for the first time, you’ll be able to attend for free.
• CENSIS Technology Summit 2024 (14 Nov at 9am) do you work in the Internet of Things (IoT)? Described as Scotland’s premier event, all IoT nerds are invited to network, trade ideas, and discuss the future of the sector.
• People Planet Pastry at Collabor8te (15 Nov at 9am) it’s Friday morning, so why would you stay cooped up in the office when you could join the UK’s favourite croissant-catered networking event? Flaky pastries, not people, are encouraged.