Connects Network

08/06/2026

Our next meeting in Stoke features Adam Gratton, founder of The Community Cast

The Community Cast supports organisations and communities to raise their voice through podcasting, filming, research, evaluation, and training. They have worked with various charities, universities, and community groups.

Visit The Community Cast's webpage to learn more: https://www.thecommunitycast.co.uk/

Visit this link to book your free place at the Connects Network session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989815526805

The Community Cast aims to amplify the voices of communities by supporting them to create the cast through which they can own their stories and mould their futures.We provide training and support for people and groups to mould the conversation around their successes and the issues affecting them.Th...

06/06/2026

Connects Network is celebrating its 12th anniversary with a special event featuring motivational speaker Peter the Speaker. The event, in partnership with The Boulevard in Newcastle-under-Lyme will include networking, a unique interactive experience, and a Q&A session. And the best part is, like all of our networking events, it's completely free to attend!

Places are going very quickly so be sure to secure your place!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connects-network-anniversary-dragon-slayer-special-tickets-1990769652621

05/06/2026

Our friends at Emmaus North are hosting a special launch event at their new Hanley superstore on the lower floor of the Potteries Centre on Saturday 6 June. The all-day event will feature Staffordshire Choir Association as well. 🥳 So, if you're in the neighbour hood, drop in and show your support!

Read more on BabaBaboon.co.uk: https://babababoon.co.uk/grand-opening-for-emmaus-north-staffs-superstore/

04/06/2026

Another great turn out for Connects today at Smithfield Works Stoke funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID. A wide range of businesses, community and creative organisations in the room, a busy round of 60 seconds introductions and now we’re onto the guest speaker section.
Today’s guest speaker is Stefanie Ward of People Policy Co. Ltd who’s updating us on some big changes to employment law heading our way, advising us on best HR practise and helping us get ahead of new legislation.

04/06/2026

Its great be back Smithfield Works Stoke today! We willl have the amazing Stefanie Ward from People Policy Co giving a talk on the key information regarding HR and Employment Law

03/06/2026

To celebrate Stoke-on-Trent Day, a free immersive exhibition is coming to Stoke Minster, bringing last year's world record-breaking event back to life through photography, film, sound and interactive displays. Relive the magic of 15,000 people across 169 locations who stopped, connected, and shared a cuppa as part of something truly special.

Exhibition Location: Stoke Minster, Glebe Street, Stoke, ST4 1LP
- Friday 5th June — 8:30am to 5:00pm
- Saturday 6th June — 10:00am to 6:30pm

🎉☕ Relive an unforgettable moment in our city’s story! ☕🎉

Last year, we made history together… and what a day it was! ✨

As part of the YMCA North Staffordshire’s centenary celebrations, the people of Stoke‑on‑Trent came out in their thousands for the Big Centenary Tea Party — with over 15,000 of you joining us here at Stoke Minster for a cuppa, a scone, and a whole lot of joy. Together, we even earned a Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest cream tea party 🏆💛

Now it’s time to look back at those magical moments.

We’re hosting a special photo exhibition right here at the Minster, celebrating all the smiles, laughter and community spirit that made the day so extraordinary.

📸✨ Come and see the story unfold in pictures and spot yourself, your friends, or your neighbours!

A huge thank you to our partners who made it all possible:

| Stoke-on-Trent City Council| Community Foundation for Staffordshire | PH Production Services Ltd | Carse & Waterman Productions

💒 Stoke Minster — at the heart of our city, celebrating the heart of our community.

03/06/2026

Join us tomorrow at the wonderful Smithfield Works Stoke for coffee and a chat (and biscuits). We’re a free friendly and informal networking group that shares the many positive aspects of business and living in Staffordshire.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988987587416

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at a Connects Network meeting:

10:00 Check-in and networking
10:30 Introduction: A warm welcome to all attendees.
10:40 60-second presentations: Introduce yourself and your work.
11:00 Break: Recharge with a short break and a cup of tea or coffee.
11:15 Guest speaker: Hear from this month’s guest speaker.
11:30 Q&A: The floor is open for questions and comments.
11:40 Networking: Time for informal conversations and connections.
12:00 Official end of session, but feel free to stay and chat.

02/06/2026

We're pleased to announce that Appetite's new director Emily Labhart will be joining us as our guest speaker on June 18th and she'll be sharing how community-led cultural programming impacts the local area as well as a look at this year's fantastic Big Feast festival.

This is a great opportunity to meet local artists, entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations who call Staffordshire home.

🎟️: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connects-network-meeting-newcastle-under-lyme-june-2026-tickets-1989812453613

It's completely free to attend, no pressure to pass referrals. Just enjoy a morning of coffee and chat.

28/05/2026

Are you looking to grow your professional network? Come and join us at our next Connects Network session, a relaxed and friendly space to meet like-minded professionals, share ideas, and build valuable connections in the local business community.

🎟️ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988987587416

We have the brilliant Stefanie Ward from People Policy Co joining us to walk us through the latest changes in employment law and answer any questions you might have

so you'll be leaving with new contacts AND useful knowledge!
Best of all, it's completely free. Once again, a huge thank you to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID and Smithfield Works for helping make these sessions possible.

Open and informal local business networking in Staffordshire

21/05/2026

Great to hear from Len Foster from Refer edge giving a talk on how to build lasting relationships with clients who then go on to refer you