Like networking with your mates. But far more productive!
Like networking with your mates. But far more productive!
Northwich based business networking that delivers leads, support, and quality business relationships, all done in a relaxed, informal way.
Northwich based business networking that delivers leads, support, and quality business relationships, all done in a relaxed, informal way.
How Does it work?
We hold weekly meetings, but to save people too much time spent travelling, we alternate between a face-to-face meeting and one on zoom. We find that dynamic works really well to keep things fresh but not too time-consuming.
Members have the advantage of exclusivity in their business area, so there are never two people in the room competing for the same introductions.
During each meeting you get the chance to tell all the other members about your business and explain exactly what kind of introductions you’re looking for.
We have a structure to every meeting but the timings are fluid and the approach is relaxed so it doesn’t feel too formal or rigid. There are always a few laughs and plenty of conversations about the joys of building a business.
Who Does It Work Best For?
Our members are typically business owners or key employees who have some experience of networking already and understand what a great tool it can be for generating new business and building a strong support network too.
It’s not great for people who are just looking for a fast return and see it as a transaction rather than an opportunity to create long-lasting, deeply-trusting business relationships.
We’re a single group, not part of a larger network, so nobody is earning commission for signing up new members. That means we can afford to be really careful about who joins so that we always have a room full of brilliant people we’re confident to trust with our own clients.
Our members are typically business owners or key employees who have some experience of networking already and understand what a great tool it can be for generating new business and building a strong support network too.
It’s not great for people who are just looking for a fast return and see it as a transaction rather than an opportunity to create long-lasting, deeply-trusting business relationships.
We’re a single group, not part of a larger network, so nobody is earning commission for signing up new members. That means we can afford to be really careful about who joins so that we always have a room full of brilliant people we’re confident to trust with our own clients.
What Do Our Members Say?
As a founding member of Referral Team it is a great way to build your network and contacts in and around Cheshire. The format is friendly, but with a focus on doing business. This is a great investment of time and way to do business.
Paul Kavanagh
Referral Team has helped us grow our business since we started by introducing good quality clients who want to work with us on a long term basis. What makes it easier too is that they are all interesting people that help make networking fun.
Ian Bridge
I really enjoy the informal and relaxed nature of the group. We get to meet twice a month in person and twice a month on zoom which is a perfect mix as the meetings are early (but not too early!) therefore don’t eat into your working day too much. A very friendly and fun bunch, even sheep are met with a warm welcome!
Becs Bate
I used to find networking terrifying. Entering a room full of people, standing in front of them and talking about my business, making small talk – all things which didn’t come easily. However, I took the plunge and joined Referral Team and I am so glad that I did. As a group and as individuals the team have had my back. They’ve encouraged me to speak about my business and put me at ease about standing up in front of others. And I’ve got business from it too! When you’re in business by yourself, it can be very lonely. I missed the chat and banter of working in an office with others, but Referral Team has changed that. It’s not just about the meetings themselves. We natter with in between meetings, ask each other’s advice, help each other out, and collaborate on projects together. And I’m pleased to say I’m no longer terrified by networking!
Gill Bishop
I really enjoy Referral Team. I have done a lot of networking but it’s fair to say this one is my favorite. Everyone in the group makes you feel at ease and are so encouraging and always have my back. I know that if I am going through concerns or issues in the business or personal life, they are there to back me up and guide me. Also, I have made some fantastic relationships that have lead to fantastic business with clients that have been great and referred their friends on. It’s a pleasure to get up early on a Thursday morning to drive and see them all and never a chore.
Carol Smith
I have been part of Referral Team for around 18 months now and can highly recommend the group. Referral Team is a great source of referrals for our business but it is so much more than that – there are some long standing and trusted relationships that are built and the group is incredibly supportive. I know that with any given problem or issue there will be someone in the group that can help or offer some support or words of wisdom.
Sarah Birdsey
As a serial networking sceptic, I didn’t have much confidence that I would enjoy my first meeting with Referral Team back in October 2020…. But how wrong was I?! The meetings are nothing like other networking groups I’ve previously attended, in a very good way! Supportive, well connected and fun, I’ve been referred many thousands of pounds worth of business and had a proper laugh along the way. Who knew that an 8am meeting could be such good craic?”
Adam Birkett
Referral Team makes you feel welcome from day one and is a breath of fresh air for those looking for a more relaxed, less structured referral group with personality! If you’re looking to grow your business and build strong referral relationships with a range of dedicated and motivated local business owners, Referral Team is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great group that’s always looking out for each other and looking to pass work on.
Ryan Owen
Frequently Asked Questions
Increase the visibility of your business and find new clients
An independent business networking
group run on a not-for-profit basis
Hybrid model – face-to-face and online
meetings held on alternate weeks
For visitors it’s £8 for a zoom meeting or £15 for a face-to-face meeting which includes your choice of a cooked or continental breakfast and as much tea or coffee as you can drink.
Membership costs £35 per month and that covers everything. There are no initial joining fees and no add-on costs for breakfasts or anything else.
As many as you like! We’re not big fans of rules and we appreciate that not everyone can commit to being here regularly. It’s more cost effective to be a member than a regular visitor though, and members also get the opportunity to deliver a 10-minute presentation around 3 times a year to the group, which non-members don’t.
If you’re interested in joining but worry that you can’t make 100% of the meetings, then we’d always encourage you to send a sub so that we keep the numbers buoyant. We can help with suggestions for subs though and support you with how to make this work best if you don’t have experience of it.
Our membership typically sits at around 16 to 20. Big enough to create energy and atmosphere but not so big that it feels impossible to get to know everyone.
There’s no fixed term. We always encourage people who are considering joining to have a 12-month period in mind though, because it takes a while to find your feet and to build trust with other members. That definitely doesn’t mean that we have an approach of ‘ahh she’s new, we don’t need to bother thinking about any referrals for her yet’ though.
They’re at The Woodpecker Cookhouse and Pub on London Road in Northwich, CW9 8EG
The venue team are great with that so just let us know in advance and they’ll accommodate you without issue.
I’m afraid not. This is one of our few rules. We offer exclusivity over their business area to each of our members, so before you book a visit have a quick look through our members list. If you’re unsure whether there’s a clash just send us a message and we’ll confirm with you.
You’re welcome to bring along a pop-up banner or any brochures you have, although our members rarely do. We also don’t swap business cards because who needs another 3000 of those on your desk!
It would be ideal to plan your introduction (you get 90 seconds) so that you’re concise and easy to understand, but you don’t need fancy taglines or something slick and beautifully rehearsed. Relax.
Nope.
Who knows? It has come to our attention that black pudding has recently disappeared from our plates. We’re planning a formal complaint!
Absolutely not! We don’t do league tables, referral fees or any of that shenanigans. The quality of referrals is far more important than the quantity. And we appreciate that it takes a new member a while to feel confident to refer to others in the room, so there’s no pressure.
Neither. We consistently have a membership that’s a very even split of men and women and we think that’s a real strength of the group.
Neither. We consistently have a membership that’s a very even split of men and women and we think that’s a real strength of the group.
How Did It Come About?
The group was started in October 2020 by Dave Bradburn and Paula Cohen. Both were experienced networkers (it’s how they’d first met 10 years earlier) but were feeling underwhelmed by the other local networking groups running at that time.
In a nutshell Dave and Paula wanted to create a group that would generate bucket-loads of Referrals for themselves and the other members, but would also be enjoyable and supportive. And the testimonials on this site will show you that that’s exactly what’s been achieved.
Dave Bradburn Says:
Paula and I had both done our share of networking previously. We’d led groups within other networks and knew the amount of work involved. But more importantly, we knew the potential of business networking, not only for generating business but also for the less tangible benefits – knowing you have the knowledge and support of that team to draw on.
It’s been brilliant to see this come together and evolve into the group that it has become.
A visitor described us on social media as “a group of people who take their businesses seriously but who don’t take themselves too seriously” and we love that description.
Paula Cohen Says:
I did think Dave was slightly mad when he suggested setting up our own group. I’ve seen in the past how much work goes into getting a group off the ground and then maintaining it. But I loved the idea of being able to draw together all the best people we’d met over our years of networking and creating something with the sort of energy and humour that we could really enjoy.
And I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved. It’s a group that’s all about the members and what’s in their best interests. We don’t track referrals or the value of business passed (can’t be bothered with the faff frankly!) but we hear every week about so many introductions. And about brilliant collaborations too. This thing works!
Who Are The Members?
Andrew Webster
Sally Smith
Sarah Birdsey
Gill Bishop
Hayley Hilton
Paul Kavanagh
Gavin Prideaux Williams
Alex Platt
Geoff Glover
Ian Bridge
Paula Cohen
Ryan Owen
Dave Bradburn
Carol Smith
Chris Pawley
Mike Lancaster
Adam Birkett
Where are the meetings held?
The face-to-face meetings are held at:
The Woodpecker Cookhouse and Pub on London Road in Northwich, CW9 8EG
Get in touch
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