A brand-new networking event in South Oxfordshire — with purpose, good vibes and real connections.

The Business Brew - South Oxfordshire's Friendliest Networking Event

Networking that actually feels good to be part of.

The Business Brew is a brand new networking event (we launched this May!) in South Oxfordshire, hosted by Sally Day and Claudy Ward - two creative business owners who wanted to create the kind of networking event they actually wanted to go to. One that has purpose, feels relaxed, and helps you build connections that genuinely last.

We've been to plenty of networking events over the years - some great, some not so much - and we wanted to do something a little different. Something that feels human. Where conversations are meaningful, the atmosphere is warm, and you leave feeling like it was actually worth getting out of the house for. Oh, and drinks and unlimited biscuits are included too.

What to expect

We meet every fortnight on a Tuesday morning (10am to 12 noon) at a lovely, relaxed pub in Harwell, South Oxfordshire. We've chosen the venue on purpose - we want the vibe to feel as easy and comfortable as possible. We'll have the space to ourselves, there's plenty of parking, and the whole atmosphere is deliberately chilled.

Each session has a bit of structure to help things flow, but nothing stuffy:

Arrival and settle in from 9:45am

Two rounds of speed networking (5 x 5-minute chats)

A 10-minute knowledge session from a local expert

Time to mingle and plenty of refreshments and breaks

You'll get the chance to meet everyone in the room, and there's even the opportunity to be a 'knowledge sharer' speaker yourself further down the line!

The details:

Tuesday 8th September and Tuesday 22nd September

Time: 10am to12 noon (arrive from 9:45am)

Venue: The Packhorse, Abingdon Rd, Milton Hill, Harwell, OX13 6AG

Price: £10 (includes refreshments). If you turn up on the day, you can purchase a ticket at the door for £12.

Group size: 20 people (max) per event - so it's a great size, friendly and not at all intimidating.

Who is this for?

Everyone is welcome - local business owners, self-employed people, freelancers, or anyone from more traditional employment who wants to meet new people and build meaningful connections. The only things we ask: lead with kindness, make listening a priority, and leave the hard sell at the door.

An important note about 'The Business Brew' culture:

We are really keen to ensure our events are relaxed, informal and a no-pressure zone. This means we don't want pitching, sales chats or any 'recruitment' of any kind during our sessions. It's important to us that this space is about genuine connections and meaningful conversations.

Of course, we want you to talk about what you do - that’s the whole point! We just ask that conversations stay natural and curious. If someone’s interested in what you offer, that’s wonderful. What we’re not about is pitching, promoting packages or recruiting people into your business. If in doubt, ask questions rather than make statements.

Our House Rules:

• Lead with kindness and genuine curiosity - come with an open mind and an interest in the people around you, not just what they can do for you

• Listen as much as you talk - great networking is a two-way street, and the best connections come from genuinely hearing each other

• Keep it conversational, not commercial - it’s fine and encouraged to share what you do, but save the formal pitches for afterwards if this is genuinely requested

• No recruiting - whether that’s for clients or members of your own network or organisation, The Business Brew isn’t the place to build your pipeline

• Respect where everyone is on their journey -we welcome business owners, freelancers, employees and everyone in between. No judgement, no hierarchy, just good conversation

We can't wait to meet you - see you at The Packhorse!

Sally and Claudy x

Ps. Got a question or a suggestion? We'd love to hear from you - drop Sally a message at sally@sallydayconsultancy.com.

FAQs

There is plenty of free on-site parking at The Packhorse. The nearest train station is Didcot Parkway.

Your ticket includes refreshments and unlimited biscuits!

You're welcome to stay on afterwards for lunch (this is not included in your ticket price).

Feel free to arrive from 9:45am - we will start promptly at 10am.

If you have any additional requirements, dietary needs or accessibility needs, please reach out to Sally directly on sally@sallydayconsultancy.com

Description supplied by the event organiser.