The Really Useful Network prepares to launch its first event in London
What started as a small, people-first business community in Devon and Cornwall, The Really Useful Network is preparing to launch its first London event at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 2 June.
Known as The RUN, the rapidly growing network has attracted more than 3,000 members across the South West in less than a year by offering an alternative to traditional networking culture, replacing sales pitches and awkward introductions with genuine connection, collaboration, and community.
The growth comes at a time when the way business owners seek support and connection is rapidly evolving. Research from Worldpay found that *53 per cent of UK SME owners now regularly turn to AI tools such as ChatGPT for business advice, while 60 per cent of younger founders increasingly rely on platforms including YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for guidance.
Yet behind the rise of digital support is a growing conversation around the isolation of modern business ownership. As remote working and solo entrepreneurship continue to increase, many founders are navigating the pressures of running a business without colleagues, teams, or spaces to share ideas, challenges, and experiences in person.
Co founder Joanne Mottershead said: “We created The RUN because we wanted something more human from business communities and the response has shown that others do too. So many networking events can feel transactional and leave you feeling disappointed, but we’ve seen what happens when people come together without pressure or expectation of closing a deal. Real friendships, collaborations, opportunities, and support grow naturally from that and we are excited to head across the UK to continue building something we know works.”
As the team heads to London, they are inviting professionals to get involved in meeting new people, learning from each other, connecting beyond business cards, and having conversations about more than just business. Designed for those looking for a more people first approach, the event aims to bring together professionals who believe in collaboration over competition in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Co founder John Ross added: “The London launch marks a significant milestone for the South West founded community and is just the start of our ambitions for The RUN. While AI and technology can offer instant answers and around the clock support, people still need real mentors, peers, advisers, and professional communities. From conversations within our community we know people are feeling disconnected and that business can feel hard, but isolation only adds to that. Over the past year we’ve seen first hand the difference genuine connection and community can make to people, both professionally and personally. The support, confidence, and opportunities that come from bringing people together have been incredible to witness, and we can’t wait to kick things off in London.”
One RUN community member concluded: “I know that I can use ChatGPT to get fast responses to questions but working on your own can be lonely and The RUN has totally changed this from me. There are no hard sales, no pushy tactics and no politics, just people getting together to cheer one another on and build real relationships, which in an age of AI, is refreshing. If you can get to an event, especially this landmark one in London, go, you won’t regret it.”
Tickets are free but limited and can be found here.
Please note: This is a promotional feature
Over 1,700 sign up for Business Fest South West as Exeter event builds momentum
Business Fest South West (#BizFestSW) will take over Westpoint Arena, Exeter, on Wednesday 1 April 2026, with more than 1,700 people already registered for the fast-growing event that is putting the South West firmly on the map for ambitious business leaders.
With just a handful of exhibitor spaces remaining for the second #BizFestSW and the third major event delivered by Four Front Events, the festival has quickly established itself as the home of serious connection, commercial opportunity and regional confidence at a time when the market is challenging, and competition is fierce.
Created in response to a long-standing gap in the market, #BizFestSW combines the reach of a major exhibition, the depth of a conference and the energy of a live networking experience. The result is a single-day event designed to support growth, visibility and collaboration, without businesses having to look beyond the region to access events of scale and quality.
Gavin Harris, co-founder of #BizFestSW, said: “Over the years, we saw regional businesses travelling across the country to find opportunities we knew could exist closer to home. We are proving that the South West can host events that are confident, well executed and commercially valuable in their own right. #BizFestSW is about backing this region and giving its business community the platform and eco system it deserves and needs.”
The event will feature a diverse exhibition floor showcasing organisations from across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider South West, alongside structured and informal networking designed to spark new relationships and partnerships.
Jamie O'Neill, #BizFestSW co-founder added: “This isn’t about filling a calendar slot; it’s a day with a full keynote programme with speakers sharing insight rooted in real-world experience, covering everything from entrepreneurship, and mindset to AI, innovation and leadership. Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen the impact of businesses coming together and how confidence has grown, ideas are moving faster and collaborations that people didn’t see coming are now the norm.
With limited exhibition spaces still available, the event is attracting strong interest from businesses keen to raise their profile, generate leads and connect with a high-intent audience.
Gavin concluded: “We are looking forward to welcoming exhibitors and guests to this event so they can take advantage of the speakers, seminars and networking on offer. The only fools this 01 April, will be the ones who don't come to #BizFestSW and get involved.”
For media enquiries, interviews or press passes, please contact Natalie Trice.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 1 April 2026
Time: 9.30am - 4pm
Venue: Westpoint Arena, Exeter, EX5 1DJ
Devin Toner, askpaul and Fairstone Ireland back "WE Believe" to support women in business
A two-day business experience is set to tackle one of the biggest barriers facing women in business: money. On 2–3 October at the CityNorth Hotel in Gormanstown, WE Believe: Future Funded – Beyond the Balance Sheet will give women the tools, education, and confidence to move from financial fear to financial freedom.
With money worries weighing heavily on women entrepreneurs in Ireland and beyond, the need for real-world solutions has never been greater. Future Funded, hosted by Aislíng Owens Nash, Regional Head of Mums in Business International, and supported by Devin Toner, ex-rugby player and Head of Partnerships at Fairstone Ireland which powers askpaul, is set to provide exactly that.
According to recent research by AIB, more than half of Irish women entrepreneurs (52 per cent) feel financially insecure, with nearly one third saying their business would not withstand a financial shock*. Over half said their company would have to shut down entirely if they were unable to work for a period.
Devin says, “We’re proud to support a high-trust, women-in-business room that blends strategy with community. The workbook and marketplace presence are a simple way to put helpful solutions in reach and we're delighted to have Áine Cullen, both a powerhouse woman in business and mother, represent us at this event.”
While 52 per cent of business owners had sought financial advice for their business, according to the research, 70 per cent had done so for their personal finances, but more than 90 per cent would be interested to have financial advice if it helped their needs, and that’s what this event is for.
Áine Cullen, Senior Financial Planner at Fairstone Ireland, who is one of the speakers, adds: “Our mission is to simplify money so founders can make confident decisions. WE Believe’s Future Funded theme is a perfect fit, with practical, jargon-free steps that protect both the business and the household’s finances. We're excited to share our philosophy of “protect, grow, replace” with the community.”
Alongside its workshops, the event will raise funds for Hopefull Handbags Global, the nonprofit supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse. Activities include book sales, raffles, and branded merchandise, while VIP ticket holders will have the chance to book a mini brand shoot with photographer Sanda Semeika, with proceeds donated to the charity.
"The balance sheet never tells the full story, and having the support of Devin, Fairstone Ireland and askpaul gives us the opportunity to not only tell it, but address it," comments Aislíng. "It doesn't show the unpaid hours, the undercharging, or the financial fear that so many women carry.
Future Funded is about rewriting that story, giving women access to the knowledge, clarity, and scaffolding they need to grow without limits."
"This is about more than business," concludes Aislíng. "This is about giving women control of money, confidence in their futures, and the chance to stop circling in fear. It's about making sure the next generation of women doesn't just survive, they thrive.”