The Premier Networking Event for
Lancashire Businesses

It’s the only group with the perfect balance of people, location and purpose. I have stopped all breakfast networking and recognise that this group is all about building lasting, meaningful business relationships. The financial returns have been excellent. This meeting is the first thing in my diary each month, and I look forward to meeting new members and learning more, every time.

I have been attending Karen Tems’ network since it started over ten years ago on a regular basis mostly enjoying lovely lunches and great company at Stanley House. From a purely practical and business point of view, at least 30% of the business that I have produced over the years has been with members of the Network or referrals from members of the Network, and this is growing as time goes by.

From a social point of view, the meetings provide a break in a business day where I’m able to meet like-minded people and share a lot of laughs as well as a lot of business knowledge.

Karen organises members to give their expertise, on a complimentary basis, at each meeting and most of these have invaluable advice and ideas.

In short, a pleasant and profitable use of my time, run by the effervescent and irrepressible Mrs Tems!!

Simply the best! I have been a member of Karen’s networking group for over ten years. I can honestly say that I have not attended more well-organised or enjoyable events. From the moment I first met Karen and other members I was welcomed with open arms. It is the perfect forum for exposure to other industry leaders. Not only have I met some fantastic business contacts, but I have also made some wonderful friends. I always look forward to the monthly events and the enthusiasm which Karen brings to the group.

I have been attending The Business Network events for nearly a year now and look back with real pleasure on these occasions. Having only attended online events until August 2021, Karen’s events have played an important role in teaching me how to network virtually and I am impressed by the way her events have been run. Karen is skilled at hosting and putting people at their ease, and I felt immediately welcome to the network. The learning elements, delivered by a good mix of speakers, have been valuable and interesting – there are many chances to take part in these to promote your business. The networking in smaller groups is effective and enjoyable. I have connected with many members over the past year and business has been generated through these new relationships. I particularly enjoyed my first in person event last month; a fine venue, a tasty lunch and finally a chance to meet Karen and the many members I knew only virtually! For anyone wishing to connect with fellow decision makers in Lancashire, I’d recommend speaking with Karen and joining The Business Network.

The professionalism and fun that Karen brings to each event is impressive. Over the years I have attended many networks and The Business Network is by far and away the best! The clients we have gained through this group have been quality clients who have remained with us.

If you are unsure what The Business Network Central and East Lancashire can do for you and your business read on.

Everyone at the monthly meetings is open minded and there’s always a positive vibe in the air. Each month you are surrounded by 90+ senior decision makers and business owners/directors and get to spend quality time before, during and after each meeting starting and developing relationships. This is besides the time you get with those on your table, over lunch. You are actively encouraged to continue developing those relationships outside of the meeting.

What about Karen? Karen, to me, is the most amazing and perfect person to be running a network. I will never forget the first time I met Karen, as I walked up to meet her she welcomed me with my business nickname … we had never even met before.

She was so welcoming and ensured I wasn’t left on my own. When I sat down at the table, I was sat with decision makers from my target market (Karen had obviously done research on me and seen who my target market was) and that just blew me away.

Karen takes time to get to know you and I have had the pleasure of 1-2-1s on 2 occasions and through those Karen has continued to build on the huge respect I have for her. She is genuinely interested in seeing you grow and not just on a business level. This continues at every monthly meeting. You know Karen is looking to help you be with the people that are your target audience (this is not even about the people you are sat with, it is about the people they know). Karen has the most engaging personality and is genuinely looking to help everyone in her network. It is an absolute pleasure to be in a room with her. On a side note, she also runs great training sessions, full of fun whilst you learn. I have taken a lot from the session I attended last week and will make even more from my membership. If you’ve never been before, make time for you and your business, you won’t regret it. It was the best decision I have made for my business. Thank you Karen for EVERYTHING.

Karen runs the Business Network, Central and East Lancs. For any business owners and senior decision makers who already have or want to make networking as part of your strategy, then I would highly recommend The Business Network. Karen’s mission is to connect you with others and ensure you get a return on the investment you make.

It is one of the most relaxed groups I have had the pleasure to be a member of, and at the same time, I have made more connections and gained more work than any other group I have been involved with.

You must be a business owner or senior decision maker to join and only a certain number from each sector are allowed in the group, which has over 100 members who meet regularly at the Stanley House Hotel.

Karen is a fantastic connector of people and really understands what business owners need. I have no hesitation in recommending Karen and her Business Network group in the highest possible terms.

I have only been to 2 of these events but can I just congratulate you on how lovely they are. Having attended so many similar events in the past I have never enjoyed one and felt so comfortable so quickly and actually looked forward to attending.

The Business Network is an invaluable connection for me to a wide range of people and businesses in the area. Not only that but it’s like a business family, and that’s something I’ve never felt before with other networking groups.

An excellent balance of listening, sharing and informing colleagues. and you really feel you are meeting the ‘person’ rather than the sales networker.

When I think of great networking hosts, I think of Karen. Karen welcomes you before you even get to one of her events and you know exactly what’s going on and what the plan is!

I enjoy networking events that are managed well, I can learn something new at, and I can chat to other business owners and senior decision makers in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Karen and The Business Network Central and East Lancashire ticks all those boxes.

Karen is super welcoming, a great personality and is always happy to go that extra mile for any of her members or guests. She’s also great at understanding your businesses and helping make the right introductions.

When I attended as a guest the first time, the next day I signed up as a member, because it was the combination of a fab event, fab host and fab people, that made me join.

My business, DigiEnable are now in our 3rd year of corporate membership, and long may it continue. Seeing Karen’s bright and smiling face as you turn up, is always a comfort to see. Highly recommended!

The morning seminars are engaging, and you leave with lots of food for thought and actions you can apply immediately. The members are experts in their field, generous with their time and conversations around the table are interesting, giving you quality time to get to know both guests and members. I have developed a strong network of trusted specialists who I can call upon for our clients. The business has grown through referrals and direct business and I can’t speak highly enough of Karen Tems and the fantastic members who make up the Business Network.