New Networking Group Launched in Southport

 A new networking event has been launched in Southport – Connect Grow Move which is hosted by the Level UP Network, which is a collaboration of local businesses brought together by Lewis Nickson from local business Poly Up.

On Saturday morning over 30 businesses turned up to the first event, which aimed to bring a fresh take on meeting and supporting local businesses by bringing conversations into Southport streets. Traditional networking, sit down meetings and rehearsed elevator pitches aren’t for everyone and these events aim to provide a different approach to networking alongside supporting local businesses. Each walk starts and ends at an independent business, whether that’s a café, shop, or creative space before setting off on a walk beside someone, talking about what matters to you, and you’ll naturally discover how to help each other.

The group met at the Waterfront Hotel Southport for a tea or coffee before setting off for the first walk which took the group around the marine lake, through princes park and back into the town centre, finishing at Roxy’s café on London Street, with a range of Italian sandwiches and cakes made on site alongside specialty coffee.

The idea isn’t entirely new, across the UK and beyond, activities like “netwalking” and “rucking meetings”, essentially walking while networking have gained traction because of how well they foster real conversation and ease social tension. Being outdoors and active lets people open up in ways that meeting rooms and boardrooms can’t.

But what makes Level UP special is its local focus, with every walk spotlighting a Southport business, giving hosts a genuine platform to showcase their work and attendees a chance to explore their town in a whole new way. The energy is contagious: you’ll meet a new contact, learn about a local maker, or get inspired by a café owner’s story all while moving through the place you call home.

The next event is due to take place in September, date TBC.

All events will be posted on the Level UP Network evenbrite page

 

The first meeting on Saturday 

Business collaboration