60+ FREE business events you won’t want to miss in August 2025

Schools may be out for summer, but business doesn’t stop, and neither does networking. Here are 63 events across the UK to look out for in August.

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Summer’s here, but while it may be holiday season for some, for business professionals and entrepreneurs, August is a great time for networking

Even if you’re between working and spending time with the kids, due to the long school break, there are still plenty of networking opportunities at this time of year. 

Whether you’re looking to make new connections, explore potential collaborations or just get inspired, we’ve rounded up 63 free business events happening near you this August.

Free business events in London this month

coworking space London

  • Coffee & Yap at SoLo Craft Fair Shop (1st August at 10:30am): a chance for entrepreneurs and business owners to step out of their everyday work and connect with others, share ideas, and grow their network over a coffee.
  • Founders Running Club at Inner Circle & York Bridge (2nd August at 9:30am): the Founders Running Club is all about mixing networking with running, offering the perfect opportunity to meet fellow founders and grow your business circle, while getting some exercise in. Also running on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th of August.
  • HUSTLE London Canary Wharf London Entrepreneur Networking at The George, 114 Glengall Grove (5th August at 5:00pm): a monthly, relaxed meetup that offers the chance to meet potential mentors, employees, and advisers. Also being held at Liverpool Street on the 12th and Soho on the 19th. For over 25s only.
  • Born or made in Brixton at 3Space International House (6th August at 8:30am): a free event open to all founders and business owners based in Brixton, whether you’re a sole trader, non-profit business or fully-fledged entrepreneur. A good opportunity to meet others and share challenges in your business journey.
  • The Local Business Circle at Swiss Cottage Library (6th August at 6:00pm): advertising itself as “not your usual boring networking event”, Impact Agency is holding a free monthly meet-up that offers networking with a focus on authenticity and personal growth, including mentoring and advice for any new or current business owners.
  • Push-Pull-Pitch at London Weightlifting: Strength & Conditioning (9th August at 10:00am): combining networking with weight lifting, this casual meetup ditches the traditional boardroom for barbells, where founders, operators, and investors can connect while getting some exercise in. Followed by coffee and chilled conversations.
  • NatWest Accelerator Female Founder Networking at NatWest Moorgate (13th August at 10:00am): an event dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs, offering the opportunity to meet fellow founders, build connections, and learn from the experience of others. Tea and coffee are provided.
  • Rich Forever Network Summer Networking Meetup at Lucy Wong (13th August at 6:00pm): a relaxed and informal in-person event where local entrepreneurs can meet others, share their business ideas and build genuine relationships.
  • Ecommerce Founders – Breakfast with Juice at The Ministry (15th August at 8:30am): an opportunity for those in ecommerce businesses to connect with like-minded individuals in the industry, as well as share ideas and find collaboration opportunities. Juice and croissants are provided.
  • Tech Startup Networking London – Series A/Venture Capital Networking Event at Archer Street Soho (19th August at 4:00pm): an event specifically for tech startups to meet potential business partners, clients and angel investors. Also includes talks from guest speakers on raising from venture capitalists, peer-to-peer feedback on MVPs and starting your market strategy. For over 25s only. Smart dress required.
  • London Liverpool Street – Ladies Who Latte at Paradise Green (21st August at 10:00am): another good opportunity for female founders who are looking to connect, share stories, and support each other. It’s a low-key get-together over coffee, great conversation and fresh ideas.
  • Inclusive Women’s Network Event at Aberdeen Group plc (21st August at 6:00pm): while run by the Inclusive Women’s Network (IWN), this free event is open to all genders from all industries, regardless of experience, level or sector. Also includes two female guest speakers who will share their business journey.
  • Business Networking at Waterhouse Square (26th August at 6:30pm): a free event open to everyone – whether you’re just starting a business or have been an entrepreneur for years. A great chance to swap ideas, share experiences and connect with people who truly get it.
  • Start Up Greenwich Coffee Mornings at Woolwich Centre Library (27th August at 10:30am): held on the last Wednesday of every month, Start Up Greenwich offers an open and welcoming space for business owners and entrepreneurs to network, share their business journey and find solutions to any problems they may have.
  • London Startups and Small Business Networking Event at Triton Square Work Cafe Santander (29th August at 10:00am): hosted by the ProductivityBears community, this free event brings together good vibes, great people and plenty of ideas. Expect a morning of networking, collaboration and inspiration.

Free business events in Newcastle this month

Newcastle

  • Motivation Monday: Coffee, Connection & Kickstart at The Lumen, Floor 4 (4th August at 9:30am): if you need to start your week with some fresh motivation, then this free event is just the ticket. With a warm and welcoming environment, Motivation Monday kicks off with informal networking over tea or coffee, before starting the goal-sharing circle, where participants can share what they hope to achieve in the week. Also offers a free coworking space up until 5pm.
  • Great Park Business Networking Event at Great Park Community Centre (6th August at 7:00pm): an informal get-together that’s all about open and transparent networking, with no pitches or presentations involved – just simple networking with the opportunity to meet local business owners and share ideas.
  • HUSTLE Newcastle Entrepreneur Networking Event at All Bar One Newcastle (28th August at 5:00pm): much like in London, HUSTLE’s Newcastle event brings a relaxed, social vibe that makes it easy for founders and business owners to connect with mentors, advisers and potential partners.

Free business events in Leeds this month

Leeds city

  • Connect and Collaborate at Clockwise Leeds (5th August at 10:00am): expect a relaxed and informal morning where entrepreneurs can meet like-minded professionals and explore new collaboration opportunities. Refreshments and pastries are provided, and you’ll also receive a free day pass for Clockwise Leeds’ fully-equipped coworking space.
  • Networking for founders, creators, freelancers + rebels at The Canary (19th August at 6:00pm): created for young entrepreneurs, this meetup offers a chance to connect with peers, explore growth opportunities and get practical guidance for navigating the business world.
  • Entrepreneur Social Networking at The Decanter (26th August at 5:00pm): a casual event for business owners and entrepreneurs to network and find opportunities for business funding, gain new clients, and take their venture to the next level.

Free business events in Sheffield this month

uk best cities work

  • Sheffield Young Professionals x Kapital at Wellington Street (7th August at 5:30pm): held by the Sheffield Young Professionals – a community for local entrepreneurs in their 20s/30s – this free social event is a great opportunity to build connections, practice networking skills and learn from others in your industry. Students are also welcome.
  • Sheffield Business Networking – Business Colab at The Hope Centre (21st August at 12pm): a monthly networking event where entrepreneurs can drop in at any time between 12-2pm to network and expand their business circle. Also offers the chance to speak with a local development manager to discuss rentable office spaces. Refreshments are provided.
  • Entrepreneurs Circle – Business Networking Meeting at Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria (21st August at 6:00pm): a free event with a fixed agenda, starting from introductions and moving onto latest successes and new strategies, before finishing off with an “Entrepreneur of the Month” award and open networking at the end.

Business Sheffield also holds several workshops and webinars throughout the year. Upcoming workshops for August include:

Free business events in Manchester this month

  • Business Networking Through Golf at Sale Golf Club (1st August at 8:30am): MHFA Training UK is hosting a free event that mixes networking with a round of golf, giving entrepreneurs the chance to build new relationships, connect with familiar faces and grow their network. Bacon sandwiches (or dietary alternatives) and coffee are provided.
  • Summer Social & Networking for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs at St Thomas Centre (6th August at 4pm): a free and informal event catered towards neurodivergent founders and entrepreneurs. Offers both networking opportunities and an open mic session to discuss any announcements or updates related to your business.
  • Pitch Manchester – Showcase Your Business & Network with Like Minded People at Hotel Motel One, St Peter’s Square (20th August at 1:00pm): this event is exactly what it says on the tin. It offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to deliver their elevator pitches while meeting fellow founders, business owners and potential partners.
  • MCR Connect at Dukes 92 (20th August at 7:00pm): advertising itself as a “friendly group filled with extremely talented, driven and determined property investors, entrepreneurs and professionals”, MCR Connect is the ultimate event for expanding your business circle in the city. A chance to exchange business cards, stories and experiences over a drink or two at the Dukes 92 beer garden.
  • Tech Startup Networking Manchester – SeriesA/Venture Capital Networking at BLVD Manchester (28th August at 5:00pm): as with its London counterpart, this event caters to tech startups, allowing them to connect with potential clients, partners and angel investors. For over 25s only. Smart dress required.
  • HUSTLE Manchester Entrepreneur Networking Event at BLVD Manchester (28th August at 6:00pm): an opportunity for entrepreneurs and founders to meet future employees, mentors and experts within their industry in a relaxed and no-pressure environment. For over 18s only.

Free business events in Liverpool this month

Liverpool

  • Sakhi Hustle – Coworking Mondays at Bold Street Coffee (4th August at 10:00am): if you need a break from your usual workspace, The Sakhi Club is offering a free coworking space every Monday – a great opportunity to network with others, collaborate and get things done in a vibrant environment. Free Wi-Fi is provided, as well as tea, coffee, and snacks available on payment from Bold Street Coffee Shop.
  • BOLD B2B Business Breakfast at Nova Scotia Liverpool (5th August at 9:00am): taking place every first Tuesday of the month, BOLD Business Breakfast is all about connecting local professionals and entrepreneurs together in a relaxed and informal setting. It also includes guest speakers, who will share their insights on business growth, innovation and success.
  • Clockwise X The Whitechapel Centre Charity & Business Networking Event at Clockwise Offices Liverpool (13th August at 9:30am): with the aim to showcase non-profit organisations and charities, Clockwise’s free event offers a morning of friendly and engaging networking – whether you’re a social enterprise looking to connect with others or a business interested in engaging with local causes.
  • August Connect and Collaborate Liverpool at The Municipal Hotel and Spa (27th August at 10:00am): a lively morning networking event created to connect professionals, spark fresh collaborations and build genuine relationships – all in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with like-minded people.

Free business events in Birmingham this month

  • Coffee & Co-Working Birmingham at The Bath House Apartments (8th August at 10:00am): a good opportunity for entrepreneurs, founders, freelancers or anything in between to step out of their usual working day and meet fellow Birmingham business owners in an open and collaborative coworking space. Free coffee is provided.
  • Brummies Networking – Free Business Networking at Grosvenor Casino Broad Street (12th August at 11:00am): this event is all about relaxed, authentic networking. No pitches, no presentations, no pressure – just real conversations over tea and coffee, with plenty of space to connect at your own pace.
  • Launch Pad – Networking for Birmingham businesses at Library of Birmingham (20th August at 5:00pm): this interactive, centrally-located networking event offers an evening of fresh industry insights and inspiring conversations, plus guest speakers and engaging activities throughout.
  • HUSTLE Birmingham Entrepreneur Networking Event at O Bar (21st August at 6:00pm): as you’d expect with the rest of HUSTLE’s events, this one is no different – offering a chilled and welcoming environment for entrepreneurs to network and connect with fellow founders and mentors, and find their next collaboration opportunity.
  • Connect Small Black Business at The W.I.S.H Centre (21st August at 6:30pm): a free event designed to support and uplift Black entrepreneurs, offering a space to connect, share ideas and learn from the experiences of fellow business owners.

Free business events in Nottingham this month

Nottingham

  • Small99’s People, Planet, Pint™ – Sustainability Meetup at Broadway Cinema, Mezz Bar (5th August at 6:00pm): for local businesses interested in sustainability, Small99’s free event is the perfect opportunity to get involved and learn how your business can be more environmentally responsible. Also offers open networking opportunities, with no pitches or panels included.
  • KuKu Connect – relaxed, evening networking and complimentary hospitality at Cubo Nottingham (13th August at 6:00pm): hosted in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), this vibrant and professional networking event is all about bringing local business leaders, innovators and decision-makers together for an evening of open networking with no pitches or presentations involved. Complimentary drinks and hospitality are provided.
  • Ready, Set & Pitch at Nottingham Central Library (28th August at 10:00am): an event where you can pitch your business to a panel of investors in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Alternatively, you can just come along to the networking event on its own, which starts in the morning.

Free business events in Cambridge this month

  • Mindstone Cambridge August AI Meetup at The Bradfield Centre (7th August at 6:00pm): for AI startups or businesses interested in ways to adopt the technology, this free event is the perfect way to learn about the latest AI projects that are making a difference, gain valuable insights from experts in the field and expand your network. Includes three talks, plus networking with pizza and drinks at the end.
  • Cambridge Pitch & Mix at The Mill Mediterranean Coffee Spot (28th August at 8:45am): as well as networking opportunities, Cambridge Pitch & Mix also allows founders and entrepreneurs to book in a three-minute slot to pitch their businesses on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free business events in Oxford this month

  • Startup Huddle Oxford at Business and Intellectual Property Centre Oxfordshire (BIPC) (21st August at 6:00pm): as one of the UK’s largest monthly networking events, Startup Huddle begins with two featured startups sharing their journeys, followed by a lively Q&A and open networking. Hot and cold refreshments are included.

Free business in Bristol this month

Bristol city

  • Networking for founders, creators, freelancers + rebels at The Square Club (4th August at 6:00pm): a meetup tailored for young entrepreneurs, offering a space to build connections, discover new opportunities and get hands-on advice for tackling the challenges of running a business.
  • Rebel Run Club at Temple Studios (6th August at 6:00pm): if you’re a runner (or just feel like you need the exercise), Rebel Meetups is holding a monthly run around Bristol city, allowing entrepreneurs, founders and business owners to network and connect with each other whilst getting their steps in.
  • Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting at The Inn at Yanleigh (12th August at 6:30pm): a monthly meetup for Bristol-based founders and entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences and pick up practical marketing insights you can apply to your business straight away – all in a lack-back, friendly setting.
  • Meet up at Ye Shakespeare (28th August at 12:00pm): hosted by Rhoda Brain and Duncan Russell of Miint Marketing, this is a vibrant lunchtime networking event where local businesses can connect with each other and build meaningful relationships.

Free business events in Cardiff this month

Cardiff city

  • In Person Business Networking in Cardiff at The Maltings (5th August at 9:30am): this networking event is held every first Tuesday of the month and is open to business owners of all ages and backgrounds – whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned entrepreneur.
  • Cardiff Entrepreneur and Start Up Summit at Chapter Arts Centre (11th August at 6:00pm): an informal and social meetup for local business owners to connect with each other, as well as find collaborative opportunities and even potential partnerships. If you can’t make this date, the next meet-up is being held on 25th August.
  • CARDIFF – Business and Breakfast Networking at Grange Pavilion (28th August at 10:00am): this free event brings together local entrepreneurs and business owners in a collaborative, supportive setting to exchange ideas and experiences. You can also hear from four guest experts sharing insights on marketing, finance, sales, and growth – with complimentary tea, coffee and pastries to keep the conversations flowing.
  • Coworking Open Day at Welsh ICE (29th August at 8:30am): for business owners, freelancers or side hustlers that fancy a change of scenery, Welsh ICE’s free coworking day is the perfect opportunity to get your work done and network with like-minded individuals in a friendly and collaborative environment. Free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee are provided.

Free business events in Edinburgh this month

Edinburgh

  • Accelerator Event Social at Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator Hub (5th August at 3:00pm): a laid-back and informal social for founders of all stages to meet, share ideas and build meaningful relationships. If you’re more of an early bird, there’s another accelerator social event on 14th August, which starts at 8:30am.
  • She Scales at Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator Hub (19th August at 9:30am): a networking and coworking event for women founders, offering a supportive space to connect, collaborate and step outside your comfort zone while working alongside other driven entrepreneurs.
  • The Collaboration Club – Monthly Networking for Business Owners at Hotel Indigo – Princes Street (27th August at 8:00pm): The Collaboration Club is all about creating warm and welcoming events, and their networking is no exception. Run by and designed for female entrepreneurs, this free event is a great chance to engage in meaningful conversation with fellow women founders, expand your network and find your next collaboration opportunity.

Free business events in Glasgow this month

Glasgow

  • North Glasgow Community Networking Event at Maryhill Burgh Halls (5th August at 10:00am): a morning of open networking and relationship building for North Glasgow-based entrepreneurs. Tea, coffee, lunch and other freebies are available on the day.
  • Business Networking in Glasgow at Nuffield Health Glasgow Central Fitness & Wellbeing Gym (6th August at 6:30am): certainly, an early start, but BNI Dynamo’s networking event will leave you feeling energised and ready to take on the business world. This weekly meetup gives businesses a chance to share their goals, showcase what they do with a 10-minute spotlight and connect over a free breakfast.
  • Business Networking at Hillhead Sports Club (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August at 8:00am): a weekly meetup where entrepreneurs can find support, share challenges and build lasting connections to help drive their business forward.
  • 8 Business Networking Coffee Morning AUG at The Alchemist Glasgow (13th August at 9:30am): takes a “mix and match” approach to networking, giving you the freedom to connect at your own pace. It also features structured round-table group sessions and ends on a high note with a fun prize draw.
  • Networking Coffee Morning with BIPC Glasgow at The Mitchell Library (18th August at 10:00am): an inclusive, sit-down event where businesses can connect with fellow founders and learn how BIPC Glasgow can support their growth. Enjoy free hot drinks and breakfast rolls while you network.
  • The Business Connection Glasgow breakfast at Absolute Roasters (21st August at 8:00am): a monthly event, complete with free breakfast, where entrepreneurs, business owners and other professionals can get together and engage in inspiring conversations in an open and relaxed setting.
  • She Scales – Women Founders Get-together & Coworking Day at Accelerator Hub 4th Floor, 110 Queen St (29th August at 10:00am): a space for founder-focused networking, relationship building and coworking for the day. Guest speaker to be announced. Coffee and pastries are provided.
Written by:
Having worked in a startup environment first-hand as a Content Manager, Emily specialises in content around organisational culture - helping SMEs build strong, people-first workplaces that stay true to their core values. She also holds an MSc in Digital Marketing and Analytics, giving her the knowledge and skills to create a diverse range of creative and technical content. Aside from her expertise in company culture, her news articles breaks down the big issues in the small business world, making sure our SME audience stays informed and ready for whatever’s next. With a genuine passion for helping small businesses grow, Emily is all about making complex topics accessible and creating content that can help make a difference.

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