Connects Network Meeting - Newcastle-under-Lyme - October 2025

Connects is a not-for-profit, relaxed and informal networking opportunity facilitated by number of local business owners in the Staffordshire area who enjoy bringing people together and promoting the many positive aspects of local community.

Each month, we carefully choose our guest speakers who have success stories, interesting projects and events to share that are happening on our doorstep.

Whether you're a local artist, entrepreneur, business owner or organisation, all are welcome to our meetings, and there are no fees to attend: the meetings are free thanks in part to generous support from the team at the Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District. So be sure to bring your business cards and share the event with others who might be interested.

Holly Johnson and Eve Travis are local artists and collaborators behind The Block, an art collective based in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Holly, founder of HoJo Hattery, is a self-taught felt hat maker who blends traditional techniques with modern design, creating wearable art rooted in local heritage. Eve is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans performance, sculpture, and wearable art, often exploring themes of identity and gender. Together, they bring creative energy, community focus, and a passion for making art accessible to all.

Our venue is a charming, historic hotel in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme: The Borough Arms offers a warm welcome, modern amenities, and versatile event spaces. With free parking and a central location, it’s the perfect spot for relaxed networking and community connection.

• Welcome: A warm welcome to all attendees.
• 60-second Presentations: An opportunity to youerself and your work.
• Break: Recharge with a short break and a cup of tea and coffee.
• Guest Speaker: Hear from this month's guest speaker
• Q & A: The floor opens for questions and comments.
• Networking: Time for informal conversations and connections among participants.

More information about Connects: www.connectsnetwork.co.uk

More information about Newcastle-under-Lyme BID: www.newcastleunderlyme.org

More information about The Block: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093172975823

More information about the Borough Arms Hotel: https://www.borough-arms-hotel.co.uk

Info: Time to get checked-in and settled with a brew before the meeting starts. Take the time to meet the team and fellow attendees

Info: A warm welcome! Find out a little more about who we are, what we do and why we do it.

Info: Your chance to have the floor for a no-pressure 60 seconds: tell us about yourself, your business or organisation, or who your looking to connect with. The 60 seconds are not mandatory, but it's a proven way to quickly make lasting local links in the community.

Info: Someone's presentation got your attention? Recharge your drink and introduce yourself. Need an introduction? Just as a member of the team: we're always happy to help.

Info: Hear from this session's guest speaker. Learn about the latest local projects and events happening on our doorstep.

Info: Have something on your mind that you'd like to ask the speaker? Nows the time!

Info: Carry on the conversation and make more local links. Feel free to stay on and keep networking!

Also check out other Arts events in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Business events in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Meetups in Newcastle-under-Lyme.