A quieter kind of business networking for women who are tired of “working the room”

Not all women in business want louder rooms, bigger audiences, or more pressure to perform. Some of us are looking for something different.

Something calmer. More genuine. More human.

Enrichment Networking was created for women solopreneurs who want meaningful connection and honest business support... without the overwhelm that often comes with traditional networking events.

This isn’t about pitching yourself to a crowded room or forcing conversations that leave you drained before you’ve even made it home. It’s a small, supportive gathering of women in business coming together to share experiences, ideas, challenges, encouragement, and perspective.

A space where you can simply arrive as yourself.

We focus on real conversations, thoughtful support, and building genuine relationships over time. Because business becomes much lighter when you don’t feel like you have to do it alone.

Our theme for September is: Quiet Leadership

What to expect:

Each of our gentle business networking meetings is intentionally small (maximum 10 women) to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where everybody has space to speak, or to simply listen.

Our gatherings include:

Gentle introductions - You’ll have the opportunity to share about yourself and your business in your own way, with no timers, no pressure, and no performance.

Honest business conversations - This is a space where women openly discuss the real experiences of running a business, from confidence wobbles and visibility struggles to practical challenges and new ideas.

Supportive discussion and reflection - You’ll receive encouragement, perspective, ideas, and support from women who genuinely understand the realities of building a business solo.

A themed mini workshop - Each session includes a gentle discussion or workshop element centred around that month’s theme.

Space to breathe - Refreshments, calm conversation, and a slower pace than traditional networking spaces.

Whether you're just starting out or have been running your business for years, you'll leave feeling supported, enriched, and connected.

This IS likely the right space for you if:

You prefer meaningful conversation over surface-level small talk

You’re looking for genuine connection rather than transactional networking

You value calm, supportive environments

You often feel drained by traditional networking events

You want business support without pressure or competition

You’d like to meet other thoughtful women building businesses in their own way

You enjoy smaller groups where relationships can develop naturally

You’re seeking encouragement, perspective, and honest conversation

This probably ISN'T the right fit if…

You’re looking for a large-scale networking event

You want fast-paced “speed networking”

You’re primarily attending to pitch or hard-sell your services

You prefer highly structured corporate-style networking

You want guest speakers and formal presentations throughout

Who is this for?

This supportive business community is designed for women solopreneurs, freelancers, creatives, coaches, service providers, and small business owners who want a more supportive and sustainable way to connect professionally.

Many of the women who attend work from home, run businesses independently, and are looking not just for visibility — but for community.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your business journey or years into it, you are welcome here.

Meet your hosts:

We are Denise Oliver (left) and Sami Blackford (right), co-creators of Enrichment Networking.

Sami has been running creative businesses since childhood and now has more than three decades of business experience. She specialises in helping quieter women build visible, sustainable businesses without relying on exhausting online hustle or constant social media pressure.

Denise's background spans nursing, holistic wellbeing, and resilience coaching. She supports women in reducing stress, building emotional resilience, and creating lives and businesses that feel more supportive and sustainable.

Together, we created Enrichment Networking because we knew we couldn’t be the only women craving a gentler, more human way to connect in business.

Where to find us

We gather upstairs at Knoops, Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ

Refreshments will be available at the meeting and are included in the cost of your ticket.

Spaces are intentionally limited to preserve the calm, supportive atmosphere of the group.

Description supplied by the event organiser.