A Networking Year in Review: Stronger Connections, Growing Communities

Reflecting on hUBClub Networking in 2025

If there is one clear takeaway from last year, it is this: in-person networking is firmly back, and it matters.

Across the UBC network, 2025 was a year of momentum. Attendance has grown, events have filled faster, and

our networking sessions have evolved into trusted fixtures in the local business calendar. What began as consistent, well-attended gatherings in a handful of locations has expanded into a broader, more connected programme across the UK.

Consistency in Henley, Growth in Windsor

UBC Henley-in-Arden continued to set the standard. Regular events built a core group of attendees, with many returning month after month. That consistency created something invaluable: familiarity. People stopped attending as strangers and started showing up as peers, collaborators and, in many cases, friends. Sessions regularly reached capacity, with a healthy mix of established regulars and first-time attendees joining each event.

UBC Windsor followed a similar trajectory, with networking becoming more frequent and increasingly well attended as the year progressed. What stood out here was the pace of growth. Each event brought new faces, stronger conversations and clear appetite for more. By the final quarter, places were filling quickly, reinforcing the demand for structured, well-run business networking in the area.

Collaboration with the FSB

A major highlight of the year was our collaboration with the Federation of Small Businesses. Partnering with the FSB allowed us to widen our reach, attract new audiences and deliver events with real substance. These sessions brought together SMEs, founders and advisers who value practical insight as much as relationship-building. The result was stronger conversations, higher engagement and a noticeable uplift in attendance.

Growing demand in Birmingham and Warrington

December saw successful networking activityat UBC Birmingham Business Park and we also saw networking pick back up in Warrington. After a quieter period earlier this year, attendance rebounded and confidence returned. The message was clear: when given the opportunity and the right environment, people want to connect face-to-face again.

Why It Worked

Across all locations, the pattern was consistent:

  • Events filled quickly

  • Regular attendees returned

  • Newcomers continued to join

  • Conversations went beyond surface-level exchanges

This is not coincidental. Strong networking relies on structure, consistency and a welcoming atmosphere. People value events where introductions are purposeful, time is respected and the focus remains on genuine connection rather than sales pitches.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are taking this momentum into the year ahead. Plans are already underway to:

  • Increase the frequency of events in key locations

  • Expand collaborations with trusted partners

  • Introduce more guest speakers and themed sessions

  • Continue building strong, local business communities

As part of this, we are actively looking for speakers for 2026. If you have expertise to share, a business story worth telling, or insights that would genuinely benefit SMEs and growing businesses, we would like to hear from you. Get in touch with your local centre to discuss speaking at a hUBClub Networking Event.

Networking works best when knowledge is shared generously and conversations are meaningful. This year proved that when people are given the right space, they show up.