Meet the team

Get Connected

The hub for Get Connected networking meetings across the UK

Whether you are completely new to networking or a seasoned networker looking for something more authentic, Get Connected offers a welcoming environment where everyone belongs.

Drop in. Stay for ten minutes or two hours. Bring business cards or just yourself.

Get Ahead - logo

In Partnership with Metro Bank

What people say about Get Connected

What people see at a Get Connected meeting

Find your nearest Get Connected

LocationHostCo-HostVenueWhenCountyDates
BasingstokeKristy RoffJulita RobertsMetro Bank2nd Thursday 9:00-10:30amHampshireNext Meeting
ChelmsfordDave WebsterKel TanMetro Bank2nd Thursday10:00-11:30amEssexNext Meeting
ColchesterSarah YandellNeethyan AnandanMetro Bank3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30amEssexNext Meeting
GuildfordKristy RoffMolly HowardMetro Bank4th Friday 9:00-10:30amSurreyNext Meeting
High WycombeVicky McKennaSaiqa RajaMetro BankQuarterly (Mar / Jun / Sep / Dec)
1st Thursday 9:30-11:00am
BuckinghamshireNext Meeting
Kingston upon ThamesNatasha DoranMetro Bank1st Tuesday 10:00-11:30amSurreyNext Meeting
LeedsFiona IbbetsonClockwise Leeds3rd Thursday 10:00-11:30amYorkshireNext Meeting
London CheapsideRebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonNext Meeting
London Fulham Rebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonNext Meeting
London PiccadillyRebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonNext Meeting
MaidstoneHazel HallChris DickmanMetro Bank2nd Tuesday 10:00-11:30amKentNext Meeting
NewburySuzanne EvettKhizer IqbalMetro Bank1st Thursday 9:00-10:30amBerkshireNext Meeting
OrpingtonHazel HallMetro BankNew venue – dates TBC!!
OxfordVicky McKennaMetro BankTBAOxfordshireNext Meeting TBA
ReadingSuzanne EvettNadine RamawtherVenues in Green Park3rd Thursday 9:30-11:00amBerkshireNext Meeting
SouthamptonLisa MiddletonMetro Bank1st Wednesday 10:00-11:30amHampshireNext Meeting
SouthendDave WebsterAshlea ColeMetro Bank3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30amEssexNext Meeting
St AlbansVicky McKennaMetro BankSpecial Events HertfordshireNext Meeting TBA
Tunbridge WellsHazel HallLohit ChaddaMetro Bank4th Thursday 9:30-11:00amKentNext Meeting

Upcoming Meetings


Tue

9

Jun

9 June 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Get Connected | London Piccadilly
Metro Bank Piccadilly, London
Simple, relaxed, informal, social meet-up for all businesses. Join us for a FREE, social meet-up to connect and collaborate with others. Hosted by Metro Bank in Piccadilly and welcomed by Rebecca Newenham from Get Ahead. We meet on the second Tuesday of each [...]
Get Connected | London Piccadilly

Thu

11

Jun

11 June 2026 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Get Connected | Basingstoke
Metro Bank Basingstoke
Join us for a FREE, social meet up for local business and ‘Get Connected’! Join us for our next event hosted by Metro Bank, Basingstoke and welcomed by Get Ahead South. We meet on the second Thursday of each month [...]
Get Connected | Basingstoke

Tue

16

Jun

16 June 2026 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Get Connected | Maidstone
Metro Bank Maidstone
Join us for a FREE, social meet up for local business and ‘Get Connected’! Hosted by Metro Bank, Maidstone and welcomed by Get Ahead, we meet on a monthly basis. Get Connected is a great way to grow your local business community in a simple, relaxed, informal setting, you make it what you want it to be for you. Everyone is welcome.
Get Connected | Maidstone

Wed

17

Jun

17 June 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Get Connected | Southend
Metro Bank Southend
Get Connected - Southend Networking Meeting Join us for a FREE, social meet-up for local business and Get Connected Hosted by Ashlea Cole and Dave Webster at Metro Bank Southend, we meet on the third Wednesday of each month between [...]
Get Connected | Southend

Thu

18

Jun

18 June 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Get Connected | Leeds
Clockwise Leeds – Coworking & Office Space
This is a FREE and welcoming B2B networking event for businesses local to Leeds and surrounding areas. It provides a relaxed environment to catch up with connections - and extend your network to include new ones.
Get Connected | Leeds

Thu

18

Jun

18 June 2026 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Get Connected | Reading
Cafe Perk
Simple, relaxed, informal, social meet-up for local businesses. Everyone is welcome.
Get Connected | Reading

Tue

23

Jun

23 June 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Get Connected | Cheapside
Metro Bank Cheapside
Join us for a FREE, social meet up for local business and ‘Get Connected’!
Get Connected | Cheapside

Thu

25

Jun

25 June 2026 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Get Connected | Tunbridge Wells
Metro Bank Tunbridge Wells
Join us for a FREE, social meet up for local business and ‘Get Connected’! Hosted by Metro Bank, Tunbridge Wells and welcomed by Get Ahead Tunbridge Wells, we meet on a monthly basis. Get Connected is a great way to grow your local business community in a simple, relaxed, informal setting, you make it what you want it to be for you. Everyone is welcome.
Get Connected | Tunbridge Wells
1 2 3 4 5 6

FAQs

Is Get Connected really free?

Yes, completely. There is no charge to attend any Get Connected meeting.

Do I need to be a Metro Bank customer or a Get Ahead client to come along?

Get Connected is open to everyone, whether you bank with Metro Bank, have worked with Get Ahead before or have never heard of us.

Do I need to register in advance?

We recommend it so we can keep an eye on numbers, but you are welcome to drop in. Check the individual event listing for details.

Will I have to do a pitch or speak in front of the room?

No. There are no 60-second pitches, presentations or pressured introductions. We believe the best conversations happen naturally.
The only thing you may be asked is whether you would like a tea or coffee.

Can I attend more than one location?

Yes. If you travel for work or have contacts in other areas, you are welcome at any Get Connected meeting across the country.

Are all meetings held in Metro Bank locations?

Most are hosted in Metro Bank stores, but some meetings take place at alternative venues where branch space is limited. Venue details are always clearly shown on each event listing.

What should I bring?

Business cards if you have them, but mostly just yourself. Some people bring a notepad. Most bring an open mind.

I’m nervous about networking — is this for me?

Definitely. Many people attend Get Connected because they find traditional networking uncomfortable or intimidating. Our relaxed, informal approach is designed to help people feel at ease, make genuine connections and grow in confidence naturally.

What makes Get Connected different?

Get Connected is built around conversation, not performance.
There are no membership fees, no lockouts by profession, no referral pressures and no rigid structure. Instead, we focus on creating welcoming spaces where people can connect authentically and support one another.
That difference is exactly why so many people return month after month.

Networking. But not as you know it.