Published: 5 March, 2026 | by Viktoria Cowley, Your Friendly PA
Over the years I’ve attended many, many networking events.
Breakfast meetings before the day had properly started.
Evening gatherings after everyone was already tired.
Formal groups, informal groups, structured groups, drop-ins, memberships, visitor days.
Each one had something I liked.
Some were brilliantly organised.
Some had wonderful people.
Some had a fantastic atmosphere where conversations flowed naturally.
But there was always something missing.
Sometimes it felt too rigid.
Sometimes it felt too sales-driven.
Sometimes it felt like people were there to collect business cards rather than build relationships.
And after years of going to these events, I realised something quite simple:
The type of networking room I wanted to walk into didn’t quite exist.
So I decided to create it.
The idea wasn’t to reinvent networking. It was simply to bring together the parts that worked best.
The warmth and friendliness of informal groups.
The reliability and structure of organised events.
The sense of community that comes when people attend regularly and get to know each other properly.
I wanted a space where people could show up as themselves — not as a perfectly rehearsed sales pitch.
Where conversations could develop naturally.
Where business owners could share ideas, ask questions, offer help, and sometimes just enjoy a cup of coffee with people who understand what running a business actually feels like.
Like most things in business, it didn’t appear fully formed on day one.
Over time the group has evolved — shaped by the people who attend, the conversations that happen in the room, and the rhythm that naturally develops when people feel comfortable.
Some people come regularly.
Some drop in occasionally.
Some come along simply because they want to meet new people locally.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Networking works best when it feels natural.
The real value of networking rarely comes from a direct sale on the day.
It comes from familiarity.
From trust.
From the small conversations that turn into collaborations months or even years later.
When people know who you are, what you do, and how you work, opportunities appear in ways that can’t really be planned.
That’s the kind of environment I wanted to create.
Running a business can be surprisingly solitary.
Having a place where people can step away from their desks, meet others who are navigating similar challenges, and build genuine connections can make a real difference.
The group has grown gradually, and it continues to evolve — just as businesses do.
And every time I see new conversations starting across the table, it reminds me why I decided to create it in the first place.
Sometimes the best solution is simply to build the room you wished already existed.
If this sounds like the kind of networking space you’d enjoy, you’re very welcome to come along.
The group meets every second Wednesday of the month in a relaxed setting where business owners, freelancers and professionals can connect, share ideas and build relationships naturally.
There’s no pressure, no formal pitches — just good conversation with people who understand what running a business actually looks like day to day.
📍 Alice Court, Bedfordwell Road, Eastbourne | Directions
📅 Second Wednesday of every month | Add to Calendar
💸 FREE to attend but registering is required
☕ Complimentary drinks
If you’d like to join us, you can:
⏰ Add the event to your calendar so you don’t miss the next one
🎟️ Limited spaces - Book your place on Eventbrite
I look forward to welcoming you.