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
SAM Networking is the best informal networking group! I only started my role at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice last year, and I’d never networked before – so I was definitely nervous to start. I joined the SAM Networking Bradford/Leeds group and I feel like my confidence has massively grown! The group is so friendly and we all have a laugh, which makes everything much more natural and fun. I have gained some great professional relationships and friends through this group, it’s the perfect way to start my Wednesday! Sam is very welcoming, encouraging and supportive – I couldn’t recommend her/SAM Networking highly enough.
Forget Me Not Child
I’ve experienced both online and in-person networking with Sam’s groups. They’re run professionally and full of really good, enthusiastic business owners. For me, there is an enjoyable, more relaxed atmosphere. Despite this approach, it doesn’t stop the flow of genuine, ongoing business referrals and collaborations. Definitely one of my favourite networking groups. I’d also like to add that Sam turned out to be taller than I’d imagined and nothing like an Oompa Lumpa. (I had only seen Sam on Zoom until a few months ago!).
DPR Images
There once was a lady named Sam, who cheered for each business, oh, damn! With a ‘chuffin’ hell’ she’d exclaim, support them all in the business game. I’m a big fan!
Like most things in life, the leader shapes the group/people/country, etc. to reflect their beliefs. SAM Networking is no exception. Sam has created an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and allows me to say I’m crap at that’. The other businesses in the group are encouraged to be supportive and kind and offer help when and where it is needed. It’s a great laugh and no meeting is complete without Sam saying ‘Chuffin’ Hell’. I learn something every week and my business has benefited enormously from being a member.
Twiss Business Tarot
I’ve been looking back at 2021 and realised most of the business I’ve given and received has come from being in our local SAM Networking Ltd group. Not only have they given Portel business but they’ve also given me support and friendship, a reason to get up, dress up and turn up every Friday even in the early morning grim winter weather (Welcome to Yorkshire !). It’s always a warm welcome and lots of valuable interaction. Yes 2021 has been the worst of times but its also been the best of times, partly due to Samantha Hartley and her brilliant idea to set up SAM Networking Ltd
Portel AV