UK’s fastest growing networking group opens for business in Bath

An online networking group – founded during lockdown to help business people to continue to collaborate and make new connections – has launched a new group in Bath and Somerset.

Meeting virtually, via Zoom, the new Cobra Club chapter, called Avalon, is the eighth to be launched since the organisation was created in March.

The Cobra Club was founded by two Wiltshire businessmen - Andrew Hatcher, business adviser and founder of Swindon Consultants, and Ed Williamson, from the Federation of Small Businesses – who believed their idea of a digital business hub would enable work to carry on during lockdown.

Following its launch, The Cobra Club quickly attracted dozens of business owners and managers, keen to continue to grow their networks and find new opportunities while deprived of the usual face-to-face meetings.

The new Avalon chapter is run by James Richmond, who runs Sharp End Equity Partners. He supports business owners who wish to exit, buys their companies and helps them to grow.

“What started as an idea in lockdown to give people a way to combat isolation and carry on networking and making new connections, has really taken off,” said James.

“People refer people they know like and trust, but in the face-to-face world are often geographically limited to a small area. The Cobra Club community enables our members to speed up that process because, although they are a member of a local chapter, they have full access to nationwide networking events and to the membership of The Cobra Club across the country.”

Operating on a subscription basis, and open each weekday from 10am to 5pm, The Cobra Club offers a range of events (including several weekly networking get-togethers), workshops and expert slots, and access to support and business expertise in areas as diverse as sales, IT, HR and social media. Members can meet for one-to-ones, host their own digital events and refer business opportunities to each other.

Already, thousands of pounds worth of business has been done by members referring work and contacts to each other.

James added: “Having such a wide scope and access to such a large business community is the reason why we believe ours is the fastest growing national networking organisation in the country. We have a diverse, innovative, exciting selection of networking events, giving our members access to local contacts with national exposure, building trusted relationships and helping each other to grow our business opportunities.”

Membership of The Cobra Club is £25 per month, plus VAT. For more information, visit https://thecobraclub.co.uk/ or email [email protected].