Let’s be honest, the phrase business networking used to come with a stigma attached. For many small business owners, it meant awkward early mornings, name badges and sales pitches disguised as small talk. We’ve been to a fair few ourselves, drinking a lukewarm coffee while holding our business cards, hoping to make a connection that seemed even remotely interested in what you do.
Thankfully, things have changed.
Across the UK, networking events are being reimagined, shifting away from stuffy structures and moving towards genuine, meaningful connections. The best events today aren’t about polished presentations or collecting LinkedIn connections. They’re about turning up, tuning in and listening. When the setting is right and the energy’s relaxed, business opportunities often follow naturally.
Why Networking Still Matters in 2025
It’s easy to assume that in a world of social media, DM’s and digital advertising, face-to-face business networking is no longer essential. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
While online tools are fantastic for reach and scale, they can’t replace real human interaction. A chat over coffee builds more trust than a cold email ever could. You get a feel for someone, whether or not they are somebody you’d like to work with is massively important. That’s something no algorithm can replicate.
Networking groups give small and medium-sized businesses the chance to step out of their bubble. Whether you’re attending to share advice on your journey so far, or simply to chat with others facing similar challenges, these local meetups provide access to insights and ideas you wouldn’t find on your own. If you’re looking to take those connections online, our guide on the real ROI of free LinkedIn marketing explains how to turn authentic relationships into real business results.
Networking is also a key part of business growth. Strong relationships lead to collaborations, referrals and long-term partnerships that drive results. Most of the time, that journey starts with a simple conversation.
For more great insight into business networking check out HubSpot’s comprehensive guide on business networking.
Why We Built Networking Stockport
At Rank Kings, we’ve always believed that business works better when it’s built on relationships. That’s why we created Networking Stockport, a monthly event that reflects how we like to do business.
We didn’t want just another event where people pitch and move on. We wanted to create a space that meant a genuine, local group could connect without pressure. No PowerPoint or awkward intros, just good conversation, some food and maybe even a beer.
We believe that by sharing the approach we have to business and replicating that in a networking event setting, we can help other small businesses grow. The turnout is speaking for itself, every month we have a new guest speaker, meet new people, spark new ideas and walk away with new business opportunities.
How Environment Shapes the Conversation
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from running and attending networking events, it’s that the environment shapes the outcome. The more relaxed and natural the setting, the more the conversation just flows.
That’s why we intentionally avoid the typical seminar-style layout. You won’t find any strict agendas you have to stick to or homework issued with us. What you will find, is a room full of interesting people who get together for 2 hours, once a month to see what we can learn from each other.
Whether you’re a one-person start-up or managing a team of 100 for a big corporate business, the ability to speak freely and without having to prepare a script, encourages people to be more open. We find people speak truthfully and learn so much from both the sucesses and the pitfalls of each others businesses, this is when they start to trust each other. Once the trust is earned, the business follows.
This is why our successful networking events stand apart. We prioritise people over presentations and provide a space where collaboration can happen naturally.
The Power of Storytelling in Networking
Today’s networking shouldn’t be about rigid formats or only turning up to pitch your services. It should be about learning from the journeys of others as well as sharing yours – if that leads to business along the way (which is often the case) then great! This is exactly what happened at the latest Networking Stockport event, where guest speaker Chris Shaw, founder of Every Trade, shared his story.
Chris didn’t come from a traditional trades background, this makes the start of his journey even more remarkable. Instead, by helping some of his family members to attract more clients in the trade, he spotted a flaw in how the industry operated. He recognised a lack of joined-up thinking and far too much stress placed on the customer. So, he built Every Trade as a one-stop solution, bringing all the moving parts of construction under one roof to make things simple, seamless and hassle-free.
What really struck a chord with all in attendance at the event was how openly he spoke about the early challenges, the pitfalls and the tough moments managing people and pressure. He talked about what it means to take a risk, put yourself out there and keep going even when things get hard. While many see his 20K+ followers on Instagram or YouTube as a sign of success, Chris made it clear that what really drives him is the passion to keep building his brand, to keep pushing forward and to leave a legacy behind.
His vision? To become “The SAS of Construction”
That level of ambition and vulnerability is exactly what makes this new wave of networking so powerful. You shouldn’t just be attending for leads or contacts, take the time to listen to stories that remind you why you started, that challenge you to think bigger and that encourage you to keep going. No matter what the scale of the business is, you can always learn from other people if you’re willing to ask questions.
At Rank Kings, we live by that same principle. We’re not in the business of faceless transactions. We build relationships. Whether it’s a sit-down chat over coffee or a deep dive into someone’s brand goals, we want to get to know the person, not just the company. We strongly believe that behind every successful campaign, there’s always a story to be told.
Networking Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
It’s worth repeating, not every networking event is the same. Some are more structured, with training courses or pitch sessions. Others, like ours, take a more relaxed approach.
The key is to find the kind of setting that suits you. Some people want inspiration. Others need tailored support. Some are looking to boost team culture and even explore ideas like employee health through shared learning. Whatever the case, the right event should make you feel comfortable, not pressured.
The good news? There’s a style of networking out there for everyone and when you find one that works for you, the benefits go far beyond sales – they extend into mindset, motivation and even wellbeing. To see how the same “local-first” approach works online, read our Local SEO in the UK guide – it shows how small businesses can use community-driven tactics to outshine bigger brands.
Can I Attend Networking Stockport?
Yes, absolutely. Networking Stockport is open to all business owners, freelancers and professionals in the area. We meet on the last Thursday of every month, from 4–6pm, at Hive 365 in Wilmslow.
There’s no need for a formal invitation, just turn up, grab a drink and join the conversation. Your first event is free, so get in touch to book your spot and come see what it’s all about.
Business Built on People, Not Pitches
At it’s best, business networking isn’t about trying to impress. It’s about showing up, listening and being real. You have to find meaningful connections, not making hard sells. The focus should be on your type of people, the ones who understand your challenges and want to help you grow.
If you’re tired of scripted intros and “salesy” meetups, Networking Stockport might just be the breath of fresh air you need. We’ll bring the beer. You bring your story.
