Start 2025 by expanding your network! January is the perfect time to focus on personal and professional growth with free business networking events happening across the UK.

After December’s flurry of office parties and festive celebrations, January brings a quieter, more focused atmosphere ideal for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts. If you’re looking to start a business in 2025 or simply want to build your network, the workshops and seminars this month offer valuable opportunities.

By the end of January, once the festive season fades, the networking calendar comes alive with events to inspire and connect. Below is a list of over 50 free events happening around the UK, organized by city, to help you find the right opportunity near you.

Free Business Networking Events in London This January

The British Library’s Business & IP Centre is hosting a variety of free sessions designed to support budding entrepreneurs. From intellectual property to learning how to code, their calendar is packed with essential resources.

On January 8 (11am-1pm), they’re running an introductory session outlining their programs for the year ahead, offering a chance to meet fellow founders and explore the startup world.

Here are some key events to look out for:

  • What is a Trademark and How to Search For One: January 9 at 12pm
  • An Introduction to Patents and Patent Searching: January 15 at 12pm
  • How Cobra Can Help Your Business Journey: January 16 at 10am

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, these free events offer valuable insights, connections, and inspiration to make 2025 your best year yet.

Other free London business Networking events in January include:

Startup Demo Night At Bayes Business School on January 8 at 6pm, join an evening of dynamic business pitching, constructive feedback, and meaningful networking with founders, investors, and industry experts. Plus, enjoy complimentary pizza and beers while making valuable connections!

The Creator Meetup At The Parcel Yard on January 15 at 6pm, join a relaxed meet-up for London’s entrepreneurs and content creators to network, connect, and enjoy refreshing mocktails. Stick around for dinner if you’d like to keep the conversation going and the vibe alive!

London Tech Social At BrainStation on January 16 at 6pm, explore digital bootcamps while enjoying free drinks in the heart of Shoreditch’s vibrant tech district. New founders are invited to learn about the courses available and how they can enhance their skills for business growth.

London Tech + Startups Social At Forge on January 22 at 6:30pm, join a laid-back evening for anyone working in tech or aspiring to work at a tech startup. This event is hosted by a community of over 7,000 startup founders, offering a great opportunity to connect and network.

Free Business Networking Events in Newcastle This January

PLATFORM at The Beacon of Light (January 19 at 10am)
Join this monthly event in Sunderland and Newcastle, where attendees can enjoy tea, coffee, and light bites while listening to presentations and showcases from local startups. It’s a great opportunity to gain insights and connect with the local entrepreneurial community.

Kraken Networking at Tapyard Studios (January 21 at 10am)
Kraken Networking brings together like-minded entrepreneurs to inspire and motivate each other. This event offers an opportunity to network with fellow founders and receive valuable advice from a guest speaker on strategies for growing your business.

Free Business Networking Events in Leeds This January

Agile Yorkshire Meetup at New Station Street (January 8 at 6pm)
This monthly gathering brings together IT professionals from across Yorkshire. This month’s guest speakers include Tom Hoyland, who will discuss HR trends for 2025, and Bina Champaneria, who will explore the evolution of modern business communications.

Grow your Business on LinkedIn at Thorpe Park Hotel (January 9 at 8:30am)
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for B2B sales and marketing. Learn how to leverage the platform effectively and avoid the common pitfalls in this insightful session.

Small99’s People, Planet, Pints at The Canary (January 23 at 6pm)
This month, Small99’s community hub for eco-conscious entrepreneurs will host John Burgess, Partnership Manager at the biodiversity startup Make It Wild, for a discussion on sustainable business practices.

Free Business Networking Events in Sheffield This January

Business Sheffield Workshops
Business Sheffield, Sheffield City Council’s key business support program, offers a variety of workshops and social events for local entrepreneurs. In January, both in-person and virtual sessions will be available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including:

Beginner’s Guide to Marketing (January 22 at 10am)

Accountancy 121 (January 23 at 9am)

Basic Bookkeeping and Cloud Accounting for SMEs, (Virtual) (January 28 at 1pm)

Financial Planning (Virtual) (January 28 at 10am)

Other Free Sheffield Business Events

Skills, People Management & Productivity (January 28 at 9:30am)
This workshop focuses on addressing the UK’s productivity challenges by equipping leaders with HR strategies to engage employees and adapt to the evolving workplace landscape.

Free Business Networking Networking Events in Manchester This January

Networking for Inspirational Women In Business The Con Club (January 14 at 9:30am)
This informal business networking event is specifically designed for women founders and those working in social media. The evening will feature an interview with guest speaker and solicitor, Sarah Birdsey.

Manchester Digital Marketing Event Feel Good Club (January 16 at 5:45pm)
The fourth event hosted by a membership club for digital marketers, this gathering invites attendees to discuss the latest content and marketing trends over pizza.

Small99’s People, Planet, Pints YES Pink Room (January 16 at 6pm)
Billed as the ‘afterparty’ to the Better Business Summit, this event offers eco-conscious entrepreneurs the chance to unwind and network at a Better Business Networking Event.

Accelerator Doors Open Day The Hub, Spinningfields (January 22 at 9am)
A taster session for entrepreneurs interested in learning more about NatWest’s Manchester accelerator and the support it offers to new businesses.

University of Manchester Scale-Up Forum Bright Building (January 23 at 2pm)
A peer-to-peer network event for ambitious entrepreneurs to discuss scale-up topics. The focus this time will be on key findings from the Scale Up Institute’s Annual Review.

Free Business Events in Liverpool This January

 Liverpool Business Show Goodison Park (January 23 at 10:00am)
Join around 60 businesses, from sole traders to large corporations, at this dynamic networking event. It’s an excellent opportunity to swap business cards and explore potential partnerships. If you’re new to networking, be sure to sign up for the show’s “how-to” guide, which offers essential tips for making the most of corporate events. Tip number one: register early to secure your spot!

Sales Geek Sales Club Liverpool Eagle Club (January 16 at 8:30am)
A series of educational seminars focused on boosting your revenue with proven strategies—without simply raising prices. This event offers practical advice for sales professionals and entrepreneurs seeking effective ways to drive growth.

Free Business Events in Birmingham This January

Brummies Networking Grosvenors Casino (January 14 at 11:00am)
Join us for an informal business networking event with complimentary tea and coffee. While tickets are limited to 25 via Eventbrite, we warmly welcome all founders to attend, even without a ticket. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs in a relaxed environment.

Birmingham Workforce Forum January 22 at 10:00am
Join top HR leaders and talent experts as they explore the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s business landscape. Learn how to foster a work environment that prioritizes meaningful work and drives positive change.