The Best Business Networking Groups in Cheltenham
We talk to a lot of people at The Workplace – founders, freelancers, growing teams – and one thing comes up constantly: where do I actually meet people in this town?
Cheltenham has a better networking scene than most people realise. You just need to know where to look. Here’s what’s worth your time in 2026, broken down by who you are and what you’re after.
You’re a founder or entrepreneur
Business Growth Network (BGN): runs regular Latte Networking breakfasts on the second Tuesday of each month at The Nook on Five. These sessions are informal and include a good mix of people at different stages. They also do quarterly Wednesday lunches if mornings don’t work for you.
Cotswold Networking: hosts monthly evening sessions at Dunkertons in Charlton Kings, 7pm–9:30pm. There’s a structured Business Spotlight slot so it’s not just small talk – but it doesn’t feel like a corporate event either. Dates are in the diary right through to December 2027.
Business Buzz Cheltenham: runs networking mornings at The Botanist in the Brewery Quarter on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am–12pm. No membership needed and no agenda. One of the easiest, lowest-commitment ways to build a broad local network.
The SiTE Cheltenham: a purpose-built meeting and events venue on the Kingsditch estate that hosts regular morning networking sessions, run in partnership with local firms. Friendly, well-organised, and a good shout if you want somewhere a bit calmer than a busy bar.
#CheltNetworking: a free and informal weekly on Zoom (Thursdays at 11am) plus a monthly in-person session at a venue that changes each time. No cost, no commitment – a solid starting point if you’re new to networking in town.
You’re a woman in business
Women Mean Biz: monthly lunches at the Cotswold Grange Hotel on Pittville Circus Road. A more structured format than some of the other groups, with introductions, a business surgery slot, and expert speaker, but it feels collaborative rather than corporate.
You’re in tech or cyber
CyNam – Cyber Cheltenham: Cheltenham isn’t just a nice place to run a tech business – it’s home to GCHQ, the highest concentration of cyber companies outside the capital, and the £1 billion Golden Valley innovation district currently being built next door to the doughnut. CyNam is the community at the centre of all of it. If you work in tech, AI, cyber or anything adjacent, check their website to see when they’re running their next event.
You’re a local business
Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce: over 120 years old and still the broadest network in town. Regular events, a widely-read member directory, and active on local issues like business rates and skills. A good foundation membership if you want profile across the Cheltenham business community rather than just one sector.
Cheltenham BID: runs free events for BID levy-paying businesses, including the new Brew & Business, run monthly at different locations. Informal, town-centre focused, and a direct line to the BID team. Worth it if you want to connect with other
One last thing
The biggest networking mistake people make in Cheltenham is trying everything once and committing to nothing. Pick one or two groups that suit how you work, show up consistently, and give it six months. That’s when it actually starts paying off.
And if you ever need a space for a one-to-one, a prep session before a big meeting, or just somewhere to work between events – you know where we are.
