58 free business networking events this May With warmer weather on the way, it’s the perfect time to get out and connect. Here are 58 free UK networking events to help grow your network this summer. Written by Emily Clark Published on 30 April 2025 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: Emily Clark Writer Direct to your inbox Sign up to the Startups Weekly Newsletter Stay informed on the top business stories with Startups.co.uk’s weekly email newsletter SUBSCRIBE As April’s weather has proved, summer is well and truly underway. And May not only promises some sunny spells and better weather, but plenty of networking opportunities for businesses.From casual meetups to big gatherings, there are plenty of networking events happening across the UK — whether you’re looking to find new clients, team up with other businesses, or just want to chat with like-minded people.Here are 58 free business networking events that you should keep an eye on this month. Jump to your closest city: Free business events in London this May Free business events in Newcastle this May Free business events in Leeds this May Free business events in Sheffield this May Free business events in Manchester this May Free business events in Liverpool this May Free business events in Birmingham this May Free business events in Nottingham this May Free business events in Cambridge this May Free business events in Oxford this May Free business events in Bristol this May Free business events in Cardiff this May Free business events in Glasgow this May Free business events in London this MayBusiness Networking Event at St Nicholas Shopping Centre (1st May at 6:30pm): a great opportunity to expand your network and get inspired from guest speakers, plus try your luck at the raffle. Free refreshments are provided.StartUp ‘n Founders After Hours at The Candlemaker (1st May at 6:30pm): a simple networking event where business owners and founders can unwind with a drink, while connecting with like-minded individuals to share ideas, insights and opportunities in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.Soho Business Networking at 21Soho (6th May at 5:00pm): at one of London’s most exquisite boutique bars, this free event gives you the chance to mix and mingle with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals, all while enjoying curated cocktails, relaxed vibes and meaningful conversations that could spark your next big idea.eCom Collab Club at Odeon Luxe West End (7th May at 8:00am): a monthly networking event specifically for ecommerce businesses to expand their network and learn from a panel of experts. This month’s topic is about enhancing your brand’s messaging and reducing friction in the customer checkout process.NatWest Accelerator Female Founder Network at NatWest Moorgate (7th May at 10:00am): an informal networking event for female founders to connect, collaborate and learn from the experiences of fellow business owners and professionals. Tea and coffee are provided.Meet your business match: business speed dating at Bird & Blend Tea Co. (8th May at 6:00pm): looking for a business partner but don’t know where to start? Then this free event could be just what you’re looking for. Not only does it offer a networking opportunity, but your ticket also includes 15-minute sessions with expert advisers, tailored advice (e.g. marketing, sales and finance) and practical takeaways you can implement for your next move.London Startups and Small Business Networking at Triton Square Work Cafe Santander (9th May at 10:00am): see yourself as a go-getter and serious action-taker? Then this free event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals from various industries to share ideas and push your business goals forward.Start Up Wandsworth Coffee Mornings at Putney Library (12th May at 10:30am): a casual and informal event where entrepreneurs can connect over a cup of coffee and share business ideas – ideal if you’re after a cosy and relaxed setting.Women in Business with the Havering Chamber of Commerce at Slug & Lettuce Romford (14th May at 6:00pm): another event designed for female founders, this free event offers plenty of opportunities to network with other business owners, as well as learn from a panel of speakers. Complimentary welcome drink is provided.The Connect2Collab Forum at Spaces (15th May at 6:45pm): describing itself as “not just another networking event”, the Connect2Collab forum event promises a fun and vibrant evening where business owners can not only grow their network but also gain practical strategies to launch, manage or scale their business. Also includes a guest speaker with tips on building effective business and marketing strategies.Grow With Intent: A Networking Event to Build and Scale Your Business at Triton Square Work Cafe Santander (21st May at 11:00am): with this event, you’re not just expected to speak with anyone. Instead, upon arrival, you’ll be asked who you’re interested in meeting specifically, and the team will connect you with the right people. Also includes a panel of expert guest speakers. Free business events in Newcastle this MayNo Suit Club Business Networking at The Alchemist (1st May at 6:00pm): as the name suggests, this won’t be a formal, black tie networking event. Instead, the No Suit Club aims to bring local businesses together in a fun and informal setting. Plus, there’s the flashy and Instagrammable Alchemist cocktails to look forward to as well.North East Expo – Spring 2025 at Newcastle Racecourse (8th May at 9:30am): a fun and vibrant event that doesn’t just offer networking opportunities, but also a programme of 15+ seminars, workshops and an exhibition to inspire and educate founders of all stages.Chamber Connect: Newcastle at Cosy Dove (14th May at 10:00am): with no fixed agenda, Chamber Connect offers an easy-going, drop-in event where local business owners can meet up. The team’s engagement managers will also be there to introduce you to other members and help you get connected.The After Work Club at Victor’s (22nd May at 4:30pm): offers the opportunity to rewind after a long day’s work while networking with others without the usual pressure and formalities. Free business events in Leeds this MayConnect & Collaborate X Entrepreneur Social Network at Clockwise Leeds (6th May at 10:00am): a casual networking event that aims to offer business owners the opportunity to meet mentors, future employees and industry experts.Leeds North Business Networking Event – Business Over Breakfast at Toby Carvery Chapel Allerton (8th May at 8:00am): held every two weeks on a Thursday morning, this event offers the chance to meet fellow business owners in the local area, with breakfast included. If you can’t make this date, there’s another event being held on 22nd May at the same time.Small99’s People Planet Pints at The Canary (8th May at 6:00pm) describes itself as a space where everyone can feel comfortable learning about sustainability and sharing their ideas – and of course, drinking a nice cold one.Leeds Business Thursdays at Fibre Leeds (22nd May at 5:30pm): specifically designed for LGBT+ businesses, Leeds Business Thursdays offers an unstructured, casual get together where entrepreneurs can create new connections to support in their business’s journey. Free business events in Sheffield this MaySW LAC Business Networking Event at Halifax Hall Hotel (7th May at 6:00pm): a free event for retail businesses with a physical store. Provided by the South West local Area Committee, businesses can network with others, learn from industry professionals and find new growth opportunities. Complimentary food and drink are provided. Also available on 28th May at The Dale Sports Bar.Small99’s People Planet Pints at Triple Point Brewery (8th May at 6:00pm) a networking event for people who care about sustainability – and want to share a pint with their fellow green-fingered founders.Free Island Business Networking Spring Social at All Bar One (8th May at 7:30pm): held annually every spring, this is a relaxed and informal event with no business pitches, speakers or structure – just casual networking while enjoying a range of food and drink.Woodseats Business Networking at datamills (13th May at 10:00am): a simple networking event, offering businesses the opportunity to meet likeminded individuals, share ideas and learn from one another. Coffee and cake are provided. Free business events in Manchester this MaySouth Manchester Business Association (SMBA) Networking at Oxford Road Cafe (7th May at 7:00am): the SMBA aims to offer a supportive environment through its weekly morning networking events – whether you’re starting a business or already an established enterprise. Future events for this month include the 14th, 21st and 28th of May.Startup Activator: Founder Meetup at Manchester Tech Incubator (8th May at 9:30am): this free event is open to tech startups, with no agenda or structure – just the opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs within the local area.North Manchester Business Network Meeting at Arbeta (8th May at 2:00pm): with a focus on “regeneration in Manchester”, entrepreneurs are welcome to attend to network with like-minded individuals and gain insights from experts from the Strangeways, Holt Town and Moston Lane areas. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at Sandbar (29th May at 6pm): a friendly meetup for green-fingered entrepreneurs to connect. Located in the gorgeous Sandbar, which, I can vouch for, sells stellar sourdough pizzas. Now, who’s getting the first round? Free business events in Liverpool this MayLCR Combined Authority B2B Networking Event at Mann Island (8th May at 12:00pm): as well as networking opportunities, business owners and entrepreneurs can also discover new finance sources available. Also offers the opportunity for 5-minute elevator pitches.FUEL Liverpool 2025 at Nova Scotia (16th May at 9:00am): an innovative event for growing startups and scaleups. Includes networking and a panel of experts from a variety of industries. It also offers a masterclass on raising funding, recruitment, marketing and product export, which you will have to sign up for separately.Liverpool Business Show at Goodison Park (22nd May at 10:00am): with around 60 companies exhibiting, the Liverpool Business Show promises a packed programme of eight seminars and workshops, network opportunities and an exhibition for ambitious professionals looking to grow their business.Liverpool Business Expo 2025 at Aintree Racecourse (23rd May at 9:00am): considered the city’s top B2B event, Liverpool Business Expo brings together 100+ exhibitors and over 1,800 visitors – making it an ideal opportunity for businesses to network with others and promote their brand.Back to Business Networking Event at Clockwise Offices (28th May at 9:30am): offers networking in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re looking for new clients, busines partners or just want to meet other entrepreneurs. Also includes guest speakers and free pastries.May Connect and Collaborate at The Municipal Hotel and Spa (28th May at 10:00am): a free networking event with no agenda or schedule, allowing businesses to meet fellow entrepreneurs, build collaboration and expand their network.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at The Botanical Gardens (15th May at 5:30pm): what better way to network than over a drink in the gorgeous botanical gardens? A relaxed event for Scousers who care about planets and, you guessed it, pints. Free business events in Birmingham this MayBrummies Networking at Grosvenor Casino (13th May at 11:00am): this event offers pure networking through and through, meaning no speeches, presentations or pitches involved. Plus, with no membership fees or any hidden costs, it’s a great way for new businesses to get themselves out there and find meaningful connections.HUSTLE Birmingham Entrepreneur Networking at O Bar (22nd May at 6:00pm): whether you’re running a business full-time or as a side hustle, this event offers no-pressure, informal networking opportunities from one of Birmingham’s top cocktail bars.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at The Warehouse (22nd May at 6:30pm): an eco-conscious networking group run by volunteers, this month’s meetup takes place at the Birmingham Friends of the Earth environmental community hub. Free business events in Nottingham this MayNottingham Lunch Networking with 4N at Holly Tree Farm (6th May at 12:00pm): Nottingham Lunch Networking is held every month – starting off with 40-second pitches, followed by networking with a free brunch, before concluding with 10-minute one-to-one sessions with fellow entrepreneurs.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at Broadway Cinema – Mezz Bar (6th May at 6:00pm) is a local meetup for founders who care about the environment and want to save it over a nice cold pint from the historic Broadway Cinema.Small99’s People, Planet Pastry at Broadway Café Bar (8th May at 10:30am) is the sober sister of the People, Planet, Pints event. This month’s meet-up takes place at the wholesome Broadway Cafe in Nottingham city centre. Free business events in Cambridge this MaySmall99’s People, Planet, Pints at Salisbury Arms (1st May at 5:30pm) a sustainable networking event run by volunteers. Pop down to your local meetup to find out more about what’s going on locally and how you can get involved.Women in business – new era at Cambridge Central Library (9th May at 11:00am): as well as networking opportunities, this event also provides female founders with workshops on cyber security and how to protect themselves against cyber attacks. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, but you’ll need to bring your own lunch. Free business events in Oxford this MayLunch & Learn: AI-Driven Marketing at St Gils (8th May at 12:00pm): Valentina Dalpozzo, Head of Product and Operations at ClickZ Media will offer her expertise on AI marketing, including how AI is changing content and brand strategy, generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Jasper and DALLE) in content creation, and more. Networking will follow, and tea and coffee are provided.Lunch & Learn: From Zero to One – How to Start a Startup at St Giles (15th May at 12:00pm): an opportunity for new businesses to get their idea off the ground. Guest speaker Chris Morton will share his insights into how to turn a business idea into a product/service, and what to focus on when starting out. Networking will follow, and tea and coffee are provided.Startup Huddle – networking event at Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) (15th May at 6:00pm): one of the UK’s largest monthly networking events, BIPC’s Startup Huddle is held every third Thursday of the month. The event starts with two pre-selected startups presenting their business journey so far, followed by a quick Q&A session and networking. Hot and cold refreshments are provided.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at The Victoria (8th May at 5:00pm) a sustainable networking group run by Ruth, founding member of OXygen, a purpose-led design agency focusing on accessibility and sustainability in digital design. Free business events in Bristol this MayCIAT Coffee Club – May Meet-Up at Clayton Hotel (12th May at 11:00am): a monthly informal gathering where businesses of all stages – whether at the beginning or already established – can grab a coffee while sharing ideas and connecting with each other in a relaxed and supportive space.Clean Growth Fund Roadshow at EQ Bristol (13th May at 5:00pm): an evening drinks reception where sustainability startups can network with investors, industry experts, and like-minded founders. There is also a morning pitching session from 9:30am, but businesses will have to apply for this separately.Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting at Ruby Jeans The Parade Cafe & Restaurant (13th May at 6:30pm): held on the second Tuesday of every month, the Entrepreneurs Circle is a great way for businesses to connect with others, plus gain valuable insights from its featured content sessions on practical marketing tactics.Bristol Start-Up Social, Innovators Uncensored at Bambalan (14th May at 6:00pm): Innovators Uncensored’s event brings startups, founders and business enthusiasts together in a casual and relaxed setting. Starts with an hour-long speech from guest speaker Darren Morton, followed by networking. Food and drink are provided.FREE Networking In Person for Women in Business at Mercure Bristol North the Grange Hotel (30th May at 10:00am): a monthly gathering where women in business can meet up to network with other founders, find new clients and seek collaboration opportunities. Free business events in Cardiff this MayLaptop Friday at Wales Millennium Centre (2nd May at 9:00am): a laid-back weekly meetup where freelancers and entrepreneurs can get their work done, bounce around ideas and connect with other business owners. Other available dates include the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th of May.In Person Business Networking at The Maltings (6th May at 9:30am): a free event held every first Tuesday of the month, allowing businesses to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and explore potential partnership opportunities. Businesses at all stages are welcome.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at Zerodegrees Microbrewery Restaurant Cardiff (14 May at 5:30pm): a networking group for founders who care about the environment and want to eat pizza, drink pints, and talk about the planet. Free business events in Glasgow this MayGlasgow’s Entrepreneurial Edge at The Western Club (12th May at 9:00am): presented by Glasgow’s Business Leadership Network, entrepreneurs are welcome to explore current and future business prospects at this free networking event. Also includes a panel of experts from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Glasgow Innovation District.8 Business Networking Coffee Morning at The Alchemist (21st May at 9:30am): this lively coffee morning offers an open and friendly space to meet fellow entrepreneurs, share ideas and kickstart your day with great conversations. There’s also a prize draw – so you might just leave with more than new connections.Expo Scotland Business Show at Hampden Park (29th May at 10:00am): as with the Liverpool Business Show, Expo Scotland offers a full day of seminars, workshops and networking – perfect for professionals looking to level up their business and make valuable connections.Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at Malone’s Irish Bar (15th May at 6:00pm) Glasweigan entrepreneurs who care about the environment can head to this gorgeous Irish pub to chat about all things green. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Tags News and Features Written by: Emily Clark Writer With over 3 years expertise in Fintech, Emily has first hand experience of both startup culture and creating a diverse range of creative and technical content. As Startups Writer, her news articles and topical pieces cover the small business landscape and keep our SME audience up to date on everything they need to know.