A networking event that has had a ‘huge’ impact on businesses in the city has turned one.
Estate agency ROK Marsh launched a casual monthly networking meeting in June last year.
Since then it has grown into a well-known and much-loved event in the city.
Over the last year, it has helped generate tens of thousands of pounds of business for firms across Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Held on the last Tuesday of every month, the free event invites business owners and even budding entrepreneurs to connect over breakfast.
It was initially held at Gatcombe House in Hilsea but has since moved to
Each month there is an expert speaker who shares their story and provides expertise with the group.
Founder and director of ROK Marsh, Matt Marsh, set up the event as he felt there wasn’t a free networking event in the city that was relaxed but also helped generate business.
He said: ‘I’ve been to my fair share of networking meetings and often the free or less expensive ones don’t bring much value, but we wanted to change that. I can confidently say that the events have generated tens of thousands of pounds between businesses.
‘I really wanted something where people felt like they were talking to each other as humans and not salespeople. It’s cliché but people do buy from people and forging genuine connections is the best way to succeed in business.’
Regular meeting-goers are part of a WhatsApp group where they frequently ask and receive recommendations for any goods or services they are looking for.
Matt said: ‘We plan to keep the meeting free and to keep providing a free business because, the way we look at it, it’s an investment in the community and a platform to grow local businesses. We can all help each other and boost the local economy.’
ROK Marsh is donating money towards Spark Community Space to hold the meetings in the space.
The meeting is open to anyone in business in Portsmouth and beyond.
