Top 20 networking events in London

Networking events in London vary hugely, in terms of style (format), location an cost. If you are new to business networking, it can be really daunting. I compiled this "hit list" of events to try, so you can meet other London businesses and develop relationships and nurture new sales in one of the most fun ways - though networking!

Most of the time, networking is fun and gives lonely sole traders a way of getting out and meeting other business owners.  As with everything in London, there is loads of choice and a lot of variation between how networking is "done", depending on the aims of the group.  Some events are very informal and easy going, others a more formatted, with more accountability on members to participate and drive business.

I hope this list has a good measure of all types on event.  If you run a London networking event that is not here, feel free to get in touch and if it's a good fit, we'll add it to the list. 

Now onto the list of networking events, in a totally random order...

1. Networking.London

With monthly events, Networking.London cliam to be the largest business networking group in London, Supported by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s Business & Enterprise team.

You can register for a complimentary ticket, then afterwards you pay just £15 per event. With drinks and nibbles, networking is relaxed and features guest speakers who share valuable insights.

Location:  West London, Hammersmith and Fulham

Website:  https://www.networking.london/

2. Kensington Business Network

A "grown-up" networking group of professional, committed business owners to improve the focus on delivering real revenues for each other. 

Monthly meetings are on Tuesdays at 5pm at a different venue each month, which comprises of a 2 hour maximum session of marketing their businesses, discussing relevant issues and most importantly referring business to each other.

Their website contains a list of vacancies at the group, which details the specific business owners they would like to join.

Location:  Kensington, London

Website:  https://www.kensingtonbusinessnetwork.com/

3. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Joining LCCI gives you access, not only to networking, but also to other benefits such as bespoke advice, international trade and dispute resolution.

With over 200 events a year there is plenty to choose from.  There are different types of events including, networking, prestige receptions, briefings with leading industry leaders and ministers, industry-specific roundtables, international trade and courses, policy briefings, corporate hospitality, award ceremonies and business support webinars.

LCCI also run clubs and associations, such as the Asian Business Association and clearly defined sectors like Creative, Education, Property and Construction etc.

Location:  London

Website:   https://www.londonchamber.co.uk/

4. BNI

BNI is a very famous networking organisation going back to the 1980's.  BNI is split into "chapters" that meet weekly.  The format is formal, with meetings, referrals and training to all help drive business to eachother.

BNI is a global organisation, and there are plenty of specific London Chapters to join too.  You can visit for free, reach out to an existing member who will be more than happy to help you.

The format is very structured, it's not for everyone but I think everyone should try it at some point.

Location:  Global, London

Website:  https://bnilondon.com/en-GB/findachapter

5. Entrepreneurs in London

Going for 12 years, Entrepreneurs in London have been running one of the best entrepreneurial meetups and talks in London.

Entrepreneurs in London is Europe's biggest business meetup group with over 200 positive reviews!

Events are fun but beneficial, with great Guest Speakers and a professional, caring crew looking after all visitors.

Location:  London

Website:  https://www.meetup.com/entrepreneursinlondon/

6. Gittgo

I do like Gittgo.  There is some format to the meetings, but it's also very friendly. 

Gittgo is unique due to their concierge service which aims to actively find clients for their members.  They do this by offering this concierge service to companies so they don't have to go actively seeking local businesses and services.

The Gittgo 100 clubs are regional clubs designed to have at least 100 members.

Location: South East and London

Website: https://gittgo.co.uk/clubs/

7. City Ladies Networking

The concept of City Ladies was born from a desire to connect like-minded, ambitious and fun women who would thrive in a relaxed and friendly environment.

City Ladies Networking organise monthly breakfast meetings that promote quality networking between women who want to make solid connections and lifelong friendships.

Location: London, Newcastle and Paris

Website: https://www.cityladiesnetworking.com/events-in-london

8. London Professionals

London Professionals is a Professional Services and Business Networking portal.  Their portals are designed to source the most suitable professional service for businesses and individuals in London. The quality of professionals are reflected by the profile pages, displaying their expertise, experience, qualifications, testimonials and case studies.

London Professionals also serves as a networking service for professionals to develop new clients, contacts and referrals across London. There is also the option to connect with professional and business members globally, there are 40,000 members in all.

Website: https://www.londonprofessionals.co.uk/

Location: London

9. FSB

The FSB is the Federation of Small Businesses, a membership organisation aimed at supporting small businesses and sole traders.  The FSB offer a lot, not just networking, including discounts, a 24/7 legal and employment helpline, help launching start-ups and a debt recovery service to help businesses recover late payments they are owed.

The FSB's networking events are great for helping small businesses meet others, all over the country, including London.

Location: London, UK

Website: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar.html?q=london&within=30

10. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a global events platform, where users can create, share, find and attend events they find through the site.

The London networking events page features a map where you can click markers to find an event near you.  Currently there are 135 events available!

Eventbrite is not a networking organisation, these events are all placed there by other networking groups, so there may be overlap with other entries in this list.  Either way, Eventbrite is a great place to check for events and they make it easy to book your place.

Location: Anywhere, including London!

Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/networking/

11. Meeow

Meeow is an interesting concept, network any time you want, no matter where you want.  I certainly love the idea and have had some interesting chats with other business owners on there.

Meetings are all virtual via the Meeow app, you can fill your calendar with networking opportunities!

Recently Meeow have added groups for different locations and types of networking, e.g. London & South East or Tech.

Location: Anywhere

Website: https://www.meeow.com/

12. London Business Society

A friendly business networking club in London, offering 100 premium networking events a year in central London private members' clubs.

I have attended a couple of really nice events hosted by Timea and the team.  They are very informal, just arrive, buy a drink and speak with other local businesses.

LBS have also hosted speed networking events, so you can meet more people at each event.

Location: London

Website: London Business Society: Posts | LinkedIn

13. Enterprise Nation

Enterprise Nation is a group for members to network and discuss business problems and solutions. Their website features a lot of resources, which is helpful with a lot of support for small businesses.

The Member Stories section helps promote members and shows the value that Enterprise Nation offers and there are different types of event to attend such as Lunch and Learn, with events being held all around the country.

Location: London, UK

Website: https://www.enterprisenation.com/find-something/central-east-london-small-business-networking-group/

14. Entrepreneurs Circle

Entrepreneurs Circle exists to educate, motivate, help and inspire business owners to achieve more than they ever thought possible.  EC are a team of 30+ highly skilled marketers, copy-writers, designers, coaches, digital experts and more based near the NEC in Birmingham, right in the heart of the UK.

Entrepreneurs Circle offer events, membership and support from their business coaches.

The found, Nigel has started nine separate million pound businesses over the last 17 years, from scratch here in the UK and is now one of the most sought after business growth experts in the country.

Location: London, UK

Website: https://entrepreneurscircle.org/meetings/

15. West London Business

West London Business (WLB) is the successful & inclusive environment for responsible business.  WLB's key impact areas are around transport, Infrastructure, sustainability and innovation.

The group is nicely focused on West London businesses to drive action on key issues, since 1994.  

Location: West London

Website: https://westlondon.com/events/

16. Young Professionals in London

With over 30,000 members, Young Professionals in London is a meetup group, who organise parties and networking events in central London at various venues including members clubs and comedy pubs.

Location: London

Website: https://www.meetup.com/youngprofessionalsinlondon/

17. Business Junction

Now in it's 21st successful year, business junction is a leading independent networking group in London. Business Junction has over 500 company  members.

Non-members can try up to two events before joining.   Membership is £300+VAT per year and events are held at some of the best restaurants, hotels and other venues in central London.

With 40+ companies at each event, there is excellent opportunities to pick up new business and Business Junction offer border-less, non-discriminatory networking for everyone.

Location: London

Website: https://www.businessjunction.co.uk/​​​​​​​

18. Network Tree

Network Tree connect people together, whether this is through our events, social media or online through their website.

Network Tree is "Pay as you go" with no subscription.  The group is relaxed, if you can't make it one month then there is no problem! 

The website features Sponsors who sponsor Network Tree events. Network Tree have over 700 members and actively promote the group on social media.

Location: London

Website: https://networktree.co.uk/

19. City Business Networking

City Business Networking offer events take in the city of London for quality professionals, entrepreneurs with a niche market, who want to build a more qualitative business network.

The website features a a private Hub, that is just for guests to use.   Guests can submit any information they like and it is shared with everyone who attends events.

Location: City of London

Website: https://www.citybusinessnetworking.com/events

20. The Business Network London

The Business Network London is a Membership Organisation, with over 28 years' experience in building great networking connections to help their members flourish.

The website is informative and tells users clearly what is included in the membership.  There is at least one event per month, whether it is Live or Online.

Seminar presenters are drawn from the pool of members and they have a chance to tell the room what they do,  showcase their expertise and increase their profile within the membership and beyond.

Location: London

Website: https://www.business-network-london-central.co.uk/

What's next?

Networking can be daunting for new business owners, but once you get used to going networking it can be a very nice way of getting new business, making friends and meeting valuable suppliers too.

Take advantage of networking groups who offer free events to newcomers and go with an open mind.  London has huge business networking opportunities, so go out and have some fun!

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