Meet the team

Get Connected

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 9:00-10:30amHampshireSee dates
ChelmsfordDave WebsterKel TanMetro Bank2nd Thursday10:00-11:30amEssexSee dates
ColchesterSarah YandellNeethyan AnandanMetro Bank3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30amEssexSee dates
GuildfordKristy RoffMolly HowardMetro Bank4th Friday 9:00-10:30amSurreySee dates
High WycombeVicky McKennaSaiqa RajaMetro BankQuarterly (Mar / Jun / Sep / Dec)
1st Thursday 9:30-11:00am
BuckinghamshireSee dates
Kingston upon ThamesNatasha DoranMetro BankAd HocSurreySee dates
LeedsFiona IbbetsonClockwise Leeds3rd Thursday 10:00-11:30amYorkshireSee dates
London CheapsideRebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonSee dates
London Fulham Rebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonSee dates
London Liverpool StreetRebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonSee dates
London MoorgateRebecca NewenhamEvan FuscoMetro BankLondonSee dates
London PiccadillyRebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonSee dates
London PutneyRebecca NewenhamMetro BankLondonSee dates
MaidstoneHazel HallChris DickmanMetro Bank2nd Tuesday 9:30-11:00amKentSee dates
NewburySuzanne EvettKhizer IqbalMetro Bank1st Thursday 9:00-10:30amBerkshireSee dates
OrpingtonHazel HallMetro Bank3rd Thursday 9:00-10:30amKentSee dates
OxfordVicky McKennaMetro BankTBAOxfordshireTBA
ReadingSuzanne EvettNadine RamawtherVenues in Green Park3rd Thursday 9:30-11:00amBerkshireSee dates
SouthamptonLisa MiddletonMetro Bank1st Wednesday 10:00-11:30amHampshireSee dates
SouthendDave WebsterAshlea ColeMetro Bank3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30amEssexSee dates
St AlbansVicky McKennaMetro BankSpecial Events HertfordshireTBA
Tunbridge WellsHazel HallLohit ChaddaMetro Bank4th Thursday 9:30-11:00amKentSee dates

Upcoming Meetings


Fri

27

Nov

27 November 2026 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Get Connected | Guildford
Metro Bank Guildford
Join us for a FREE, social meet up for local business and ‘Get Connected’! Hosted by Metro Bank, Guildford and welcomed by Get Ahead South, we meet on theist Friday of each month between 9:00am and 10:30am.
Get Connected | Guildford

Thu

3

Dec

3 December 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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

Thu

3

Dec

3 December 2026 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Get Connected | Newbury
Metro Bank Newbury
Join us for a FREE, social meet up for local business and ‘Get Connected’! Hosted by Metro Bank, Newbury and welcomed by Get Ahead South, we meet on the first  Thursday of each month between 9:00am and 10:30am.
Get Connected | Newbury

Thu

10

Dec

10 December 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’! Our next event is hosted by Metro Bank, Basingstoke with a welcome from Get Ahead. We meet on the second Thursday of each month between 9am and 10:30am.
Get Connected | Basingstoke

Wed

16

Dec

16 December 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

17

Dec

17 December 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
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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.