68+ FREE networking events that should be on your radar in September 2026 See where conversations with likeminded people could lead you. Discover networking events happening in your area this September. Written by Isobel O'Sullivan Published on 1 September 2026 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. With summer winding down, there’s no better time to get back out there and start expanding your professional network. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft or develop a venture, it’s the perfect time to meet new people and see where a conversation can lead you.If stuffy meeting rooms aren’t your thing, you’re in luck – an increasing number of networking events are breaking away from the norm. From cosy co-working mornings and park walks to drag bingo, there are plenty of opportunities to network in a way that suits you this month.The best thing? You don’t even need to leave your local area to meet like-minded professionals. We’ve compiled a list of the best free networking events happening up and down the country so you can hit the ground running this September. Jump to your closest city: Free business events in London this month Free business events in Newcastle this month Free business events in Leeds this month Free business events in Sheffield this month Free business events in Manchester this month Free business events in Liverpool this month Free business events in Birmingham this month Free business events in Nottingham this month Free business events in Cambridge this month Free business events in Oxford this month Free business events in Bristol this month Free business events in Cardiff this month Free business events in Edinburgh this month Free business events in Glasgow this month Free business events in London this monthShe Scales: Female Founders Connection and Co-working at London NatWest Accelerator, London (2nd of September at 10 am): join NatWest’s monthly connection and co-working day for women building and growing businesses to meet other women, discuss business ideas, and see speaker Szilvia Kocsy. Open to female founders, non-binary founders, and allies. City Young Professionals (CYP) – Networking Event by the CYP Committee at The Anthologist, City of London (3rd of September at 5 pm): connect and exchange ideas with like-minded young professionals at this networking event. The event is welcome to those new to their industry, as well as those climbing the corporate ladder.Coffee Friday – UEL – Royal Docks Sustainability Centre by Grow London at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, Newham (4th of September at 10:00 am): Local Coffee Fridays welcomes London-based small business owners and entrepreneurs for a morning of friendly discussions and knowledge sharing – all washed down with your favourite blend. eCom Collab Club at ODEON Luxe West End, Leicester Square (9th of September at 8 am): discover how leaning plans turn BFCM pressure into profitable growth, and meet other small online business founders. Expect two panel discussions from industry experts, and networking times to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Islington Community Day by Allia at Better Space at 127 Farrington Road, Clerkenwell (10th of September at 10:00 am): Exchange ideas with entrepreneurs in your local area, and learn how the free entrepreneurship programme, Start Strong, can help turn your seed of an idea into a venture. THE BUILD CLUB by Bricks and Beer London at 88 Tiverton St. London (10th of September at 5:30 pm): join this informal get-together for professionals across the build environment, focusing on reducing the carbon impact of construction. Enjoy informal networking drinks, a live presentation from Lowie Bricks, followed by food, drinks, and good chat for the rest of the evening. AI Builders Monthly by AI Builders Club at Beyond the Tower, Old Street (10th of September at 6:00 pm): meet fellow AI nerds and learn about the latest insights into AI dev tools, Agent frameworks, RAG, vibe coding and more. Expect innovative AI demos from Silicon Valley leaders, informal networking, and an array of yummy pizza and snacks.C+W O’Brien Architects Networking Reception at The Castle pub in Angel, London. (16th of September at 5 pm): join the team from C+W O’Brien Architects for a laid-back evening of networking and discussion. The reception takes place during DCD Connect, bringing together the brightest minds in Europe’s data center ecosystem.Networking Event & Talk on Top Tips to Boost Your Digital Marketing at the George Meehan House and Harringey Register Office, Wood Green (24th of September at 11 am): this informal networking events invites business owners to learn about digital marketing from guest speaker, Rikesh Patroo. Before and after the talks, there will be plenty of time to network with experts in the field. Free business events in Newcastle this monthBetter Together Club by SM Body & Balance at Dottir Well-Being Centre, Victoria Road West, Hebburn (5th of September at 9 am): forget pitches and pressure, this relaxed monthly meet-up gives business owners the opportunity to share ideas and get honest feedback, set goals to stay accountable, and solve challenges together. Newcastle First – Business Networking at Flower Cafe Newcastle, Grainger Street (15th of September at 9:30 am): This informal networking event gives you a chance to meet other business owners and community champions in your area. It’s designed to help attendees share ideas and spark new collaborations. This event rotates around local independent cafes and venues; just buy a coffee to support the host. South Tyneside Pledge – September Networking event by South Tyneside Pledge at One Trinity Green, South Shields (17th of September at 12 pm): come together after the summer break for a relaxed, friendly networking event. Catch up with fellow Pledge members, make new connections, and hear from guest speakers, followed by a networking lunch for continued conversation in an informal setting.Curious Bingo business networking by Gardiner Richardson & Curious Futures at Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne (17th of September at 5:30 pm): who says networking can’t be fun? Hosted by Curious Features Campfire, expect LGBTQIA+ musical bingo with fabulous drag callers and plenty of time to connect with fellow arts professionals. Gosforth Business Network by Uniquethinking at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth (24th of September at 9 am): meet up with local business owners for friendly discussions and a chance to grow your business. No pressure, just a relaxed space to share ideas and connect with like-minded business enthusiasts. Speed Networking by Dobson & Parnell at Dobson and Parnell, 21 Queen Street, Newcastle upon Tyne (30th of September at 9 am): meet business people from across the North East in a fast, fun event. Enjoy morning tea and coffee before pairing up for 3-minute pitches. When the hooter sounds, you’ll rotate to the next contact and pitch again, working your way round the room to make useful connections. Free business events in Leeds this monthThe New Monday: Creative Networking Leeds by The New Monday at Department Leeds Dock (1st of September at 9 am): this breakfast networking event gives attendees a chance to meet fellow creatives across TV, digital, and film over coffee and croissants. Chat with like-minded professionals and discover insider tips and practical information on emerging production sectors in an informal and friendly environment. FoodWise Leeds Breakfast Network by FoodWise Leeds at Rethink Food, Low Fields Avenue, Holbeck (9th of September at 8:30 am): start your day right with a morning of networking with professionals from education, health, local government, charities, and community organisations. Aimed at creating a more sustainable food system across leads, this event also provides an opportunity for attendees to hear from inspiring speakers and discover new ideas.Leeds Tech Leadership Event by Computer Futures Leeds at Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Leeds (10th of September at 5:30 pm): join for an evening of talks and discussions focused on AI adoption and innovation. Hear from speakers like Tim Bennett, Tom Pendriss, and Ant Morse, and network with fellow technology leaders and business founders.NatWest Accelerator: She Scales – Female Founders Connection and Co-working by Leeds NatWest Accelerator at NatWest Accelerator Leeds (16th of September at 10 am): this monthly She Scales connection and co-working day gives female founders a relaxed space to share ideas over a coffee. September’s theme is The Power of Your Story, exploring storytelling not just as a visibility tool but as a way to build authentic connections, trust and confidence. Get Connected | Leeds by Fiona Ibbetson and Fraser Anderson at Clockwise Leeds (17th of September at 10 am): this free, relaxed B2B meet-up for local businesses in Leeds and the surrounding area provides a relaxed environment to extend your network. Drop in any time, stay as long or as short as you like, no elevator pitch and no expectations — just tea, coffee and a chance to broaden your local business network. Venture.Community | Leeds Digital | StartUp Showcase | Experts | Networking at Avenue HQ, Leeds (23rd of September at 1 pm): expect panel chats with VCTs, exited founders, investors and advisers from Venture at this startup showcase. Open to anyone active in deep tech, climate, manufacturing, medical, academic, and compute tech, from pre-seed to Series A.NatWest Accelerator: She Scales – Fuelling Growth for Female Tech Founders by Leeds NatWest Accelerator at NatWest Accelerator Leeds (30th of September at 10 am): this special spin-off, as part of Leeds Digital Festival, brings together female founders from NatWest Accelerator Leeds and the University of York around the theme of growth, focus, and scaling in tech. Expect a talk by Rachel Swann, Founder of Rachel Swann Advisory Ltd.Nexus Connect: Failure is an Option by Nexus at Nexus, Leeds (30th of September at 4 pm): this panel and networking event, as part of Leeds Digital Festival 2026, gives you the chance to hear candid reflections from tech leaders, enjoy refreshments, and network with fellow professionals across a range of sectors. The event aims to remind attendees that success stories rarely follow a straight line. Free business events in Sheffield this monthThe Growth Company – Partner Networking Event – Sheffield by The Growth Company – Sheffield at St. James House, Sheffield City Centre (15th of September at 10 am): this partner networking morning brings together voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, health and wellbeing providers, employment and skills organisations, and public sector partners from across South Yorkshire. Open to existing partners or those new to the network. Property and Construction NetClimbing by Banner Jones Solicitors at The Climbing Works, Sheffield (18th of September at 10 am): who says networking has to happen over coffee? This netclimbing event for property and construction professionals welcomes beginners and seasoned climbers alike, with plenty of opportunity to have fun, and talk business between routes. Sustainability Netwalking: September by Sheffield Social Enterprise Network at South Street Kitchen, Sheffield (22nd of September at 9:15 am): swap the boardroom for the great outdoors. This event mixes networking with a 2-3 mile stroll around the city, touching on sustainable business ideas, wellbeing and ethical practice along the way, before rounding off with coffee and further chat at a nearby cafe. Entrepreneur’s Breakfast: Purpose as a Competitive Advantage by Venture Community at Pennine Five Campus, Sheffield City Centre (24th of September at 8:30 am): make business connections for lunch at this clubhouse for founder-on-founder conversations. Learn what it takes to create a values-driven business, and receive advice on what happens when the reality of running a business hits. Culture Club: Networking for Sheffield’s arts and culture sector by Culture Sheffield at Harmony Works, Sheffield City Centre (24th of September at 5:30 pm): this quarterly get-together for the city’s arts, culture and heritage crowd offers informal networking activities and a drop-in weaving session from Common Threads. You can also enjoy food from the Open Kitchen Social Club, a free drink, and a surprise music performance, The Butterfly Effect Business Club – Women’s Netwalking Event by The Butterfly Effect Business Club at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield (25th of September at 9:30 am): join a refreshing, empowering netwalk exclusively for female business owners through Sheffield’s greenery. Swap the boardroom for the great outdoors, share business ideas with like-minded women, and combine networking with a bit of wellness. Free business events in Manchester this monthMorning Mixer by Manchester NatWest Accelerator at NatWest Accelerator Manchester Hub (1st of September at 10 am): this monthly mixer offers a chance to pause, recharge, and connect with founders, business leaders, and ecosystem allies over complimentary Nespresso coffee. Expect a relaxed space with fun activities that change each time, from Coffee Roulette to Walk and Talk.NeuroNetwork MCR Business Networking September by NeuroNetwork MCR at Manchester Central Library, Manchester (2nd of September at 1 pm): a supportive space created solely for neurodivergent small business owners. No pressure to mask your Autism, ADHD, or other traits here, just a safe space to connect, share ideas, and talk through the unique challenges of running a business alongside people who understand. HR Breakfast Club September 2026 by Kuits Solicitors at Kuits Solicitors, Manchester (10th of September at 8:30 am): this quarterly HR networking session tackles what happens “when home walks into the workplace.” Kuits’ employment team will be joined by family law specialists to discuss supporting employees through divorce, financial difficulty or caring responsibilities while protecting the business.GMECN Network Event by GMECN at St Thomas Centre, Manchester (14th of September at 10 am): half a day of networking, learning, and collaboration for Global Majority communities. The event involves breakout sessions to build your capacity, an info exchange, free lunch, and updates on local, regional, and national news relevant to the community.Creatives Mixer by Cultureword at SEESAW, Manchester (18th of September at 6:30 pm): this relaxed mixer for writers, digital artists and curious creatives gives attendees an opportunity to tap into Manchester’s creative scene. Alongside time to socialise in the cosy SEESAW bar, there’ll be an announcement about MERGE, and a chat with artist Lisa Mattocks about working across different art forms.Manchester DM #13 – Digital Marketing Event by Manchester DM at WPP Manchester (24th of September at 5:30 pm): the thirteenth instalment of this free digital marketing meet-up offers free pizza, drinks, and talks from industry speakers, including Hallam’s Dan McCartney on how audiences are reclaiming the internet from AI. Free business events in Liverpool this monthWired Together Business Breakfast at Warrington Youth Zone, Warrington (9th of September at 8 am): connect with fellow professionals, Wired Together members, and local business supporters over a full English breakfast, while hearing an inspiring talk from Andy Reid MBE on resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity.South Liverpool Business Forum – Autumn Event by Business Support Service, Liverpool City Council at Liverpool Hope University (10th of September at 8:30 am): a large quarterly gathering hosted by Liverpool City Council. Catch a panel discussion from South Liverpool’s professional services firms, all alongside networking and a business support marketplace showcasing services on offer in the area. Social Enterprise Breakfast Network Event by Third Sector Sensei CIC at the Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot (10th of September at 9:30 am): join local social entrepreneurs, businesses, and community organisations for a morning of networking, conversation, and knowledge sharing. The event provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people working to create positive social impact, exchange ideas, and build new connections.LCR Combined Authority Business Exchange by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority at No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool (21st of September at 12 pm): Forget the sit-down conference format, this one’s built around open networking, a finger food lunch, and live “60 Second Spotlight” pitch draws, where a random business card is pulled from a box and the lucky winner gets a minute with the mic to promote their business, share opportunities or look for collaborators. Free business events in Birmingham this monthJoin Biggest Community | Investors & Founders | Birmingham | Online at Colmore Row, Birmingham (3rd of September at 12:00 pm): connect with investors and founders in this networking session run by the Tablon platform. Introduce yourself and your business, explore fundraising and partnership opportunities, and expand your network with fellow early-stage and growing businesses. Connecting Businesses and Charities: Lunch and Learn at Birmingham LGBT Centre, Birmingham (9th of September at 12:30 pm): Join businesses, community organisations and stakeholders for a lunch and learn exploring how social value and CSR can strengthen local communities. Enjoy guest speeches, presentations, and networking over lunch.Launch Pad: Networking for Birmingham Businesses at the Library of Birmingham, Broad Street (16th of September at 5:00 pm): this interactive evening of networking for Birmingham’s business community gives founders and professionals a relaxed space to connect. Expect dynamic speakers, engaging activities, and plenty of time to mingle and share ideas.Black Country Professionals Network Event – 17th September 2026 at the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley (17th of September at 8:00 am): meet professionals and businesses from across the region over hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, tea and coffee (yum!). This session also features a talk from Debra McDermott of Sandwell College.THE BUILD CLUB_Birmingham at Lane7 The Bullring, Birmingham (24th of September at 5:30 pm): over stuffy networking events? Then this relaxed, drop-in-anytime get-together for professionals across the built environment, from designers and contractors to developers and funders, will be perfect for you. Enjoy informal networking, games, and drinks, with a short talk around 7:30-8pm before the evening flows back into conversation late into the night. Free business events in Nottingham this monthTHE BUILD CLUB_Bricks, Beer and Quiz Nottingham at ARC Space, Nottingham (3rd of September at 5:30 pm): a relaxed evening bringing together professionals from across the built environment for drinks, a short brick presentation, and an informal industry quiz. You can also sample beers from Liquid Light alongside bricks and materials from Michelmersh and RGB, with food, drinks, and conversation continuing through the evening. Coalesco Monthly Business Networking Lunch at Beeston Fields Golf Club, Beeston (8th of September at 11:00 am): a free monthly lunch for local business owners and professionals to mingle, share ideas, and build relationships over food. This month’s guest speakers cover inheritance tax planning for business owners and practical ways to protect your business from fraud.KuKu Connect Nottinghamshire Business Networking at Nōshi at Nōshi Restaurants, Nottingham (9th of September at 6:00 pm): take an evening off with this relaxed, no-pitch networking event at one of the city’s newest dining spots. Sample an exclusive preview of Nōshi’s Christmas menu while meeting fellow entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business professionals.LaGrange – Business Launch Event at Nottingham city centre (17th of September at 6:00 pm): the in-person launch of LaGrange for businesses seeking more clarity, revenue, and freedom gives attendees a chance to connect with fellow business leaders. You can also hear from the founders in a panel discussion and learn about the workshops and growth opportunities on offer. Free business events in Cambridge this monthCreative Conversations: Cambridge at Panton Arms, Cambridge (7th of September at 7:00 pm): this intimate networking event bridges local creative talent with businesses looking to collaborate. This month’s session, supported by Adobe, focuses on LinkedIn network growth with a community spotlight talk and a hands-on skill-up workshop. Note: the event is capped at 30 attendees, so register now if you’re interested. Climate Tech Club – September 2026 at St John’s College, Cambridge (29th of September at 4:00 pm): a monthly networking event from Cambridge Cleantech bringing together climate tech doers and enablers to connect, learn, and spark innovation, hosted at one of Cambridges colleagues. Free business events in Oxford this monthOxford Data Meetup – September – with Speakers and Networking at the Business and Intellectual Property Centre Oxfordshire (BIPC), Westgate (10th of September at 6:00 pm): dive into the world of data with two talks: Samantha Roberts on getting value from your data stack without mastering every tool, and Chris Sharpe on the quirks of geospatial data. Talks are followed by a data news roundup and networking that continues at a local pub.Startup Huddle Oxford Networking at Oxford Centre for Innovation, Oxford (17th of September at 6:00 pm): billed as the world’s largest monthly startup networking event, watch two preselected startups pitch their journey so far, followed by Q&A and feedback. There’s also plenty of time to network with Oxfordshire’s entrepreneurial community over hot and cold refreshments.Who’s Who in Events Oxford at Oxford Playhouse, Oxford (18th of September at 2:30 pm): the Autumn edition of this events and hospitality networking group, features coffee, cakes, a talk on how AI is affecting events and hospitality from Marnie Wells, and a full showround of the Playhouse.Ladies in Property – Oxford – September Event at Treatz, Headington (25th of September at 8:30 am): this relaxed morning meet-up caters to women shaping the property world. Guest speaker Siobhan Brookes, co-founder of Folan Brookes, will cover concessionary purchases for landlords and how 100% mortgages work for tenants, followed by an open Q&A over coffee.OxProp NextGen Networking Event at The Perch at The Cellar Room, The Perch, Binsey (24th of September at 5:30 pm): an evening connecting graduates and established professionals across Oxfordshire’s property and built environment sector. It offers a relaxed setting to meet new people and hear what others in the sector are working on. Free business events in Bristol this monthShe Scales: Women Founder Networking at NatWest Accelerator, Redcliffe, Bristol (2nd of September at 11:00 am): a monthly moment for female founders to pause, connect and recharge. This monthly catch-up with female founders and Bobbi-Jo O’Gilvie is an honest, interactive look at staying connected to your identity and well-being while building a business.Finance Leaders Lunch: Driving Digital Transformation in the South West by Xledger UK at Watershed, Bristol (3rd of September at 11:30 am): connect with finance leaders and professionals from across the South West over lunch and networking, while exploring how digital transformation can improve finance operations.Bristol AI Shed: Practical AI for You and Your Business at Watershed, Bristol (30th of September at 9:00 am): a demo-and-networking morning for Bristol professionals curious about practical AI applications. Expect a talk from fast-growing SaaS PostHog among the lineup, with tea, coffee, and breakfast included. Free business events in Cardiff this monthPropNet Cardiff by Propnet Cardiff at Flight Club Cardiff, Cardiff (3rd of September at 5 pm): join property and construction professionals for a relaxed evening of networking and relationship-building. Meet developers, investors, funders, surveyors, architects, agents, legal professionals, contractors, and other industry specialists to discuss trends across the property sector.Doo:zie Cardiff – Late Summer Drinks & Networking by doo:zie_creative community at The Dead Canary, Cardiff (9th of September at 5:30 pm): join Cardiff’s creative community for a relaxed evening of drinks, networking, and conversation. Meet fellow creatives across Cardiff’s creative industries in an informal social setting.Talks on Tap at Tiny Rebel Cardiff, Cardiff (10th of September at 6 pm): join fellow professionals for an informal evening of talks, networking, and conversation over drinks. The event offers an opportunity to hear from engaging speakers, meet fellow professionals, and exchange ideas in a relaxed settingProperty Professionals Netwalking in Cardiff (11th of September at 8:30 am): take a stroll with fellow property professionals for a relaxed morning of networking and conversation. The event provides an informal opportunity to meet people working across the property sector, exchange ideas, and build new professional connections while getting some fresh air. Free business events in Edinburgh this monthTech Tuesday by the Edinburgh Royal Bank Accelerator (8th of September at 10 am): join for a morning of discussions about business tech, be it AI, no-code, or anything else you think the community might be interested in. There’s also a guest speaker which will provide a deep dive on a specialist tech subject.September 2026 E2N Networking Event at Hotel Indigo Edinburgh (9th of September at 4 pm): meet other professionals and grow your network at this E2N networking event. Work on building your pipeline before Christmas and enjoy a drink while you’re at it.ENUSECS Get Connected by ENUSEC at Fountainbridge Fox (24th of September at 7 pm): meet fellow students and members of the ENUSECS community at this relaxed networking event. Chat all things career opportunities and mentorship, and enjoy part of the £1,000 bar tab. Free business events in Glasgow this monthConnecting Places: Scotland’s Land, Property and Location Innovators (7th of September at 2 pm): join for an afternoon exploring innovation across Scotland’s land, property and location sectors. Connect with innovators and industry leaders, share ideas, and discover how location data and technology are shaping the future of these industries.eBay Business Seller Meetup Glasgow September Edition by eBay at Premier Inn Glasgow (10th of September at 6 pm): meet fellow eBay business sellers and connect with entrepreneurs building and growing their online businesses. Share experiences, pick up practical tips, and discover new ways to grow your eBay store.Founders’ Fizzy Friday by Strategem and Shepherd and Wedderburn at The Corset Club, Glasgow (11th of September at 5 pm): raise a glass to Glasgow Tech Week at this relaxed and informal networking event for founders, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. No pitches or presentations expected, just fizz, good conversation with meet like-minded people from Glasgow’s tech, digital, and creative community. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Tags News and Features Written by: Isobel O'Sullivan News Editor Isobel O'Sullivan is a News Editor at Startups.co.uk with over five years of experience covering business and technology news. Since studying Digital Anthropology at University College London, she’s written for Tech.co, Expert Market, and Eco Experts, using her expertise to distil complex topics, and has had her work linked to in leading publications like the Financial Times and The Guardian.