As someone who is new to running her own business and the world of networking, I’ve found the support I’ve received from Sam and my fellow lunch group members absolutely invaluable: An amazing bunch of people; a fun but effective networking format; learning something new every week; good food; and a chuffin’ brilliant host who is warm, welcoming and generous. Thank you Sam!
Bradford / Leeds
EVERY WEDNESDAY | 7.15AM – 9AM
Our Bradford/Leeds group is held at the very conveniently located Cedar Court, Mayo Avenue, Rooley Lane, Bradford BD5 8HW (top of the M606).
SAM Business Expos
My Expos are a little different to others you may have visited. I have over 60 businesses all under one roof and no more than TWO of any sector – which makes it a much better and more interesting experience for delegates and exhibitors alike!
It’s FREE to attend and always will be, including FREE onsite parking.
WANT TO BE ONE OF 65 BUSINESS EXHIBITING? Then drop Sam a line at sam@sam-networking.co.uk for details on cost, expected traffic, etc.
SAM
Socials
At SAM, we’re super social and find that the better we get to know each other, the more the referrals come flying in. We have lots of get togethers throughout the year. After the Business EXPO in April, we celebrate our busy day of connecting by relaxing with a few beers.
Then the Summer party BBQ is getting bigger each year, with more and more members attending. We have a live band (a few members are in different bands), lots of yummy food and lots of refreshments! So far, the weather has been kind too!
Christmas time brings another party. All groups join forces to round off the year and enjoy a Christmas lunch, drinks, fun quizzes and awards for the best attended to name but a few!
SAM
Charity
We love to support local charities here at SAM and lots of the local ones enjoy FREE membership and visit the meetings on a regular basis. This gives them access to a massive support system and lots of business professionals to lean on and collaborate with.
Many of our members love to undertake their own fund-raising activities too for our charities. We’ve had members throw themselves out of aeroplanes, do wing walks, whilst others took part in a wheelchair race to demonstrate how tough it is to have a disability. This year, one member is undertaking the rather gruelling London marathon! Also, in the depths of Winter, a few members are sleeping rough for 24 to support the homeless.
We have many events too with our charities. Charity balls, golf days, you name it, anything goes and everyone is happy to get involved. Our last charity ball, the Monster Mash, raised over £17,500. How fabulous is that?!
Check Out Our Members
A conglomeration of extremely pleasant, local, very experienced and inspirational professionals (some start-ups too), motivating each other to do business, referring genuine potential business partners to each other through an enormous network of contacts and simply supporting one other with advice and wisdom when things can get tough.
All peppered with a little humour (who wants to attend a miserable business meeting?!) and some members just choosing to have a catch-up over a delicious breakfast/lunch and a cup of fresh coffee. Whatever works for you.
Why Businesses Love Sam Networking
Beanstalk HR
I network to meet other business professionals so that I can build a network of trusted people to recommend to my client’s when they ask me for a service that I can’t offer. I receive business referrals back from members of the group which helps to continue to grow my business. SAM Networking is different to other groups I have visited because it is relaxed and only genuine people join the group. I therefore feel confident recommending members of this group to my own clients.
Associate Advisor, Mortgage Advisory Network
I joined SAM Networking initially because I needed to broaden my client base over Halifax way – it was purely transactional. It very quickly became apparent that SAM Networking is so much more than what I anticipated. The group is inclusive, supportive, fun, engaging – everyone is just decent – in it for the group – not just for themselves. I’ve won a ton of business but for me that’s not what is truly important – it’s the caring element – everyone has got your back and wants you to succeed. This is down to the individuals within the group but this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing Sam. She spots the individuals who will work well within the group – markets it superbly (she is a marketer so it would be a crying shame if she couldn’t do this bit well) and does this with a chuffing smile on her face. Would highly recommend this group to anyone (unless you work in HR in which case you can do one!)
MINT HR
I joined SAM Networking in March after moving down here last year and deciding to open another office in Huddersfield. I have networked in the North East and North Yorkshire for many years. But Sam Networking is something special. Sam is fantastic, she gets it and knows all the right things to do to ensure a successful group. And she is very choosey about who is good enough to take a seat at one of her tables. Other networking groups say that but do not always adhere to these standards in my experience. I have secured a lot of business via my wonderful Sam Group and made many new friends too. Thank you to Sam for running an amazing group and thank you to Gill Kitson for inviting me.
The Human Group
I’d been invited a few times to visit SAM Networking and did wonder why it was getting so much attention. I am so glad I took the plunge and visited the Leeds/Bradford group. Within a few months I was giving and getting referrals and earned over £15,000 in my first year. SAM is the heart of what proper networking is all about. You don’t have to be bat sh*t crazy but it helps!
Sense of Numbers and UW Partner