Get Connected

Get Connected.

Free Business Networking near You.

It’s Networking. But not as you know it.

Get Connected brings together business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs at monthly meetings across the UK.

There are no formal agendas, no pressured pitches, no referral targets and no awkward icebreakers. Just a friendly space where people can meet naturally, support one another and build relationships that genuinely last.

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.

It is free, open to everyone and entirely about connection.

In Partnership with Metro Bank

Get Connected is hosted by Get Ahead VA in partnership with Metro Bank, whose community-first approach is a natural fit with everything we believe in.

Most meetings take place in a local Metro Bank branch, where the team are genuinely part of the community we are building.

In many locations the Metro Bank relationship manager joins us and is a familiar face at the meetings – someone well worth knowing.

What people say about Get Connected

Such a lovely group of fellow business owners and have already got 3 follow-ups to find out more.

– Kim S. Female Leadership Coach

Basingstoke

Always a great networking session. Lovely to see people you know, but also meet new businesses.

– Maxine H. Charity Business Relationship Manager

There is a collective positivity and a real willingness in the group of ‘how can we help each other’. This leads to meaningful conversations, direct working or partner opportunities.

– Mark H. EMI Software Specialist

A regular visitor at multiple GC locations

What a lovely, friendly bunch of people, didn’t feel like business networking at all!

– Cheryl S. HR Consultant

I realised yesterday that I love networking. I’ve said for decades, ‘I hate networking’ .. what I really meant was I find facilitated networking that is a thinly veiled sales fest, incredibly uncomfortable. In reality, there is nothing better than having a good chat in a relaxed environment, meeting new people, reconnecting with others and talking shop. Get Connected, Kristy & Suzanne have created time and space for just that and I’m really grateful.

– Polly B. Director and Marketing & BCorp Specialist

Really enjoyed yesterday morning at Get Connected Basingstoke, a great opportunity to meet other business owners, share ideas, and build meaningful local connections.

There’s real value in starting the day surrounded by like-minded professionals who are all working towards growth and collaboration.

– Milesh L. Property Investment Advisor

A truly wonderful way to start a Friday and wrap up the working week. As always, it was a pleasure to be in the company of such fantastic people. Kristy and Suzanne, you are both exceptional hosts

– Frederick G. Financial Advisor

What people see at a Get Connected meeting

Find your nearest Get Connected

Location	Host	Co-Host	Venue	When	County	Dates
Basingstoke	Kristy Roff	Julita Roberts	Metro Bank	2nd Thursday 9:00-10:30am	Hampshire	Next Meeting
Chelmsford	Dave Webster	Kel Tan	Metro Bank	2nd Thursday10:00-11:30am	Essex	Next Meeting
Colchester	Sarah Yandell	Neethyan Anandan	Metro Bank	3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30am	Essex	Next Meeting
Guildford	Kristy Roff	Molly Howard	Metro Bank	4th Friday 9:00-10:30am	Surrey	Next Meeting
High Wycombe	Vicky McKenna	Saiqa Raja	Metro Bank	Quarterly (Mar / Jun / Sep / Dec) 1st Thursday 9:30-11:00am	Buckinghamshire	Next Meeting
Kingston upon Thames	Natasha Doran		Metro Bank	1st Tuesday 10:00-11:30am	Surrey	Next Meeting
Leeds	Fiona Ibbetson		Clockwise Leeds	3rd Tuesday 10:00-11:30am	Yorkshire	Next Meeting
London Cheapside	Rebecca Newenham		Metro Bank	3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30am	London	Next Meeting
London Fulham	Rebecca Newenham		Metro Bank	4th Tuesday 10:00-11:30am	London	Next Meeting
London Piccadilly	Rebecca Newenham		Metro Bank	2nd Wednesday 10:00-11:30am	London	Next Meeting
Maidstone	Hazel Hall		Metro Bank	2nd Tuesday 10:00-11:30am	Kent	Next Meeting
Newbury	Suzanne Evett	Khizer Iqbal	Metro Bank	1st Thursday 9:00-10:30am	Berkshire	Next Meeting
Oxford	Vicky McKenna		Metro Bank	TBA	Oxfordshire	Next Meeting TBA
Reading	Suzanne Evett	Nadine Ramawther	Venues in Green Park	3rd Thursday 9:30-11:00am	Berkshire	Next Meeting
Southampton	Lisa Middleton		Metro Bank	1st Wednesday 10:00-11:30am	Hampshire	Next Meeting
Southend	Dave Webster	Ashlea Cole	Metro Bank	3rd Wednesday 10:00-11:30am	Essex	Next Meeting
St Albans	Vicky McKenna		Metro Bank	Special Events	Hertfordshire	Next Meeting TBA
Tunbridge Wells	Hazel Hall		Metro Bank	4th Thursday 9:30-11:00am	Kent	Next Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

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.

event info

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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.