On Wednesday 8th July, Embrace hosted its very first networking event, and what a brilliant start it was. Held at the beautiful Bedford Swan Hotel & Thermal Spa, the event brought together a fantastic mix of local businesses, all keen to connect and collaborate, and learn more about the work Embrace does in the community.
We were incredibly grateful to the Bedford Swan for generously allowing us to use The State Room free of charge. It proved to be the perfect setting for the occasion. With stunning views overlooking the embankment, and some very welcome air conditioning on one of the hottest days of the year, guests were able to network in comfort while enjoying the lovely surroundings.
The event attracted a diverse and interesting group of attendees, which made for some really engaging conversations throughout the morning. Among those who joined us were representatives from a women’s health and wellness CIC, a psychic reader, a cake maker, a cyber security specialist, and a marketing agency, to name just a few. It was wonderful to see such a varied mix of industries coming together under one roof.
The event attracted a diverse and interesting group of attendees, which made for some really engaging conversations throughout the morning. Among those who joined us were representatives from a women’s health and wellness CIC, a psychic reader, a cake maker, a cyber security specialist, and a marketing agency, to name just a few. It was wonderful to see such a varied mix of industries coming together under one roof.
Pitching and Pastries
A highlight of the event was the opportunity for each attendee to deliver a 60-second pitch. This gave everyone a chance to introduce themselves, share what they do, and explain how they might be able to support others in the room. These quick introductions helped to break the ice and sparked plenty of follow-up conversations.
We also added a couple of interactive elements to encourage connection. A business card draw brought a bit of excitement to the room, while a dedicated networking board allowed attendees to post what they were looking for or who they wanted to connect with. This proved particularly popular and helped facilitate more meaningful introductions.
Of course, no networking event would be complete without refreshments. Guests enjoyed a selection of pastries alongside teas and coffees, providing the perfect accompaniment to the morning’s conversations.
Embracing Community
Alongside the networking between businesses, the event also gave us the opportunity to share more about Embrace and the work we do. Kelly, our Community Fundraiser, spoke about the charity’s impact within the local community, highlighting the support we provide and the difference it makes to people’s lives. It was a valuable moment to reflect on how events like this can build a stronger, more supportive community overall, as well as giving local businesses the chance to mix and meet.
We were also pleased to promote our upcoming Embrace Charity Ball, taking place on 24th October. Tickets are priced at an Early Bird rate of £85 until 17th July 2026, and we encouraged attendees to secure their places while they could at this level. In addition, we shared information about our sponsorship packages, which offer a fantastic opportunity for businesses to support Embrace while gaining visibility at one of our key events of the year.
The positive feedback we received from attendees was so encouraging, and it is clear there is a real appetite for more opportunities like this in Bedford. As a result, we are excited to confirm that we will be hosting another networking event in September! Full details, including the date and venue, will be announced soon, so do keep an eye out.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make our first networking event such a success. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new connections at the next one.
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