Lancashire networking group celebrates recovery after the pandemic

First launched in 2009 by organiser Karen Tems, The Business Network Central and East Lancashire is a membership organisation, bringing together business leaders and decisionmakers in a structured lunch-based format that aims to help businesses connect and provide introductions for each other.

Each lunchtime event includes an optional morning seminar, delivered by specialists from within the group on a range of topics from business strategy, growth and succession planning to personal development and mental health in the workplace.

The group gave its members the option of leaving or joining online meetings through the lockdowns and many members commented that those meetings were a lifeline during a difficult period.

Event organiser Karen Tems said: “When Covid hit in March 2020, you can imagine it was a major shock for an organisation based on face-to-face connection-building. But even more so for us, as we had just celebrated our biggest membership in the 11 years, up to then, since launch.

“Numbers have been growing gradually, though, and this week we celebrated hitting 120, which was our previous record before the lockdowns, which is a fabulous feeling.

“The Business Network format is useful in developing new business opportunities, whether from sourcing new potential customers, buying more effectively, or tapping into the wealth of experience and knowledge that exists within the group.

“Our aim is simple and that is to introduce senior decisionmakers in an environment that makes it easy to build business relationships to expand client and supplier connections, gather and exchange knowledge.”