Join FRESH and DMU for an evening of networking, fresh ideas and sustainability conversations with local businesses, students and alumni.

Bring business and education together. Meet new people, exchange ideas and explore what a more sustainable future could look like.

What happens when you bring local businesses, university students and alumni together in one room?

New conversations, fresh perspectives and opportunities you might not have come across otherwise.

Join FRESHnetworking and De Montfort University for Green Networking, a special evening bringing together Leicester's business community and the people shaping the next generation of ideas, skills and opportunities.

Taking place at the SDG Hub at DMU during the university's COP week, this event is all about building stronger connections between businesses and the university, opening up conversations around sustainability and climate issues, and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another.

Whether you're a business owner, a local professional, a DMU student or an alumnus looking to reconnect with the university and Leicester's business community, this is your chance to meet different people, share experiences and start conversations that could lead to something valuable.

What to expect

Hear about the work of the SDG Hub

We'll hear from Mark Charlton, Chair of the SDG Hub, who will introduce the Hub, explain its work and share more about his role and the initiatives taking place.

Meet people outside your usual circles

Connect with local business owners, professionals, DMU students, staff and alumni. You never know what you might learn from someone with a different background or perspective.

Explore sustainability and future opportunities

Open up conversations around sustainability, climate issues and the role businesses and the next generation can play in creating positive change.

Build connections between business and education

For businesses, it's an opportunity to meet emerging talent and hear fresh perspectives. For students and alumni, it's a chance to meet local employers, learn about different industries and explore potential career opportunities.

Enjoy relaxed networking

Following the introduction to the SDG Hub, there will be plenty of time to chat, exchange ideas and get to know the people around you.

Event schedule

5:00pm – Doors open

Doors open for business professionals, students and other attendees to arrive at the SDG Hub.

5:05pm – Welcome and introductions

Attendees get settled and ready to meet one another ahead of the main talk.

5:15pm – Discover the SDG Hub

Mark Charlton, Chair of the SDG Hub, will introduce the Hub, explain its work and share more about his role.

6:00pm – Networking and conversations

The floor opens for relaxed networking, giving students and professionals the chance to exchange ideas, make connections and explore opportunities together.

7:00pm – Event closes

We'll wrap up the evening, hopefully with attendees leaving with new connections, fresh perspectives and ideas around sustainability and future opportunities.

Who should attend?

This event is open to anyone interested in meeting new people and building connections between business, education and sustainability, including:

Local business owners and entrepreneurs

Professionals and representatives from local organisations

DMU students interested in business, sustainability or future career opportunities

DMU alumni looking to reconnect with the university and local business community

Anyone interested in sustainability, climate issues and new perspectives

You don't need to be a FRESH member or already know someone attending. Come along with an open mind and a willingness to meet people.

Supporting the SDG Hub

The event is also an opportunity to support the work of DMU's SDG Hub. All ticket proceeds will go back into the Hub to help support its future projects and budget needs.

By attending, you'll be helping to bring people together while contributing towards the Hub's ongoing work.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm

Location: SDG Hub, De Montfort University, Heritage House, 61 Southgates, Leicester, LE1 5RR

Parking: Upper Brown Street Car Park is approximately a 5-minute walk away, while Highcross Rooftop Car Park is around a 10-minute walk from the venue.

Tickets

£10 per person

Book your place to join us for an evening of networking, fresh perspectives and new connections between Leicester's business community and the next generation of talent.

About FRESHnetworking

FRESHnetworking is a Leicester-based business networking community built around a simple idea: networking should feel natural.

We bring business owners and professionals together in relaxed, informal settings where people can meet new contacts, share what they do and build genuine relationships without the pressure of formal pitches or forced introductions.

Our events are about good conversations, useful connections and getting to know the people beh

Description supplied by the event organiser.