Running a business is hard enough without having to hunt across ten different websites to find out where the next networking event is happening. Between managing the day-to-day and planning for the future, it’s easy for upcoming events to slip down the priority list, even when they’re the kind of things that could lead to your next client.
The Maldon District has never been short of industrious, community-minded businesses, and where there are ambitious people, there tend to be great opportunities to meet them! From trade shows and structured breakfast networking to markets, quirky charity events, and even Christmas fairs, there’s a varied mix of ways to get you out from behind your desk to make some new connections.
So, whether you’re new to the area and are looking to find your feet or are a long-standing local business that’s after a fresh face to talk with, we’ve pulled together the events, trade shows and regular networking groups worth having in your diary.
Markets & Community Events
A firm favourite in Chelmsford on the second Sunday of every month, the Essex Foodies Market has now found its way to our own historic Promenade Park. With over 40 vendors serving up global street food, artisan bakes, craft drinks and local produce, it’s a great chance to soak up the atmosphere – and maybe scope out some new suppliers or collaborators. The next date is set to take place on Sunday 27th September.
Not every business event requires a blazer and a lanyard. Held annually each spring also at Promenade Park, the Maldon Mud Race sees hundreds of brave souls sprint 400 metres through thick, freezing River Blackwater mud at low tide, all in aid of local charities. Whilst it’s chaotic and cold, it raises thousands for good causes, and arguably, is possibly the most memorable team-building exercise you’ll find in the district.
Trade Shows
Just along the way in Colchester, this annual expo is run by Networking Essex and is free to attend, as well as open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Taking place each September, it’s a solid opportunity to see what your neighbouring businesses are up to.
Regular Networking
Run by Maldon District for Business, this bi-monthly breakfast is your guaranteed, recurring chance to connect with fellow local businesses, hear from a guest speaker, and grow your network, all without having to leave the district. Each event brings fresh insight and ideas from speakers covering a range of topics relevant to local business owners, giving you plenty to think about (and talk about) over your morning coffee. It’s free to attend for Maldon businesses too. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out when these events are happening.
The Friendly Networking Group for Women in Business (Maldon)
Meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at Ginny's Cocktail Lounge on Maldon High Street, this group offers a relaxed, welcoming space for women in business to connect, share advice and support one another. Whether you're an established business owner or just starting out, it's a friendly way to build up your local network without any of the stiff formality sometimes associated with networking events.
Lambert Chapman LLP's Networking Breakfast
A more targeted gathering for bankers, solicitors, accountants and other professionals, this breakfast event held in Maldon offers a chance to build relationships with others in similar fields, share knowledge and discuss the issues affecting your industry. It's free to attend; however, you'll need to express your interest and secure an invite before you can join.
The Maldon chapter of POP Connect meets on the last Friday of the month at The Swan, welcoming all for some relaxed, regular networking over food and drink. With a strong focus on building genuine relationships rather than simply swapping business cards, it's a great way to get to know other local business owners on a more personal level.
Business Networking in Tiptree, Maldon & Colchester
This group brings together "Collars" (the desk-based crowd) and "Creatives" (the hands-on crowd) for fortnightly breakfasts at the Bonnie Blue Oak Pub in Tiptree. Meeting on alternate Thursdays, it's designed to break down the usual industry silos and get a diverse mix of businesses talking to one another – proof that networking works best when it's not just one type of business talking to itself.
And if none of the above quite fit, there are plenty of community and business groups thriving on Facebook too. From general local business chat to more specific interest groups, including one specifically for businesses on the high street, you'll find them all listed on our ‘Be Connected’ page.
Christmas Markets
This year has already flown by, and it will only be a matter of time before the festive season is upon us. If there’s one thing every business owner knows, it’s that Christmas waits for no one – and neither do the market stall bookings. When the nights get longer, so does the list of things to do in the Maldon District:
• Light Up Maldon | 26th November, Maldon Town Centre
• Burnham Christmas Fair | 5th December, Burnham-on-Crouch Town Centre
• Christmas Market | 6th December, Promenade Park, Maldon
These festive favourites bring the whole community out and give local businesses a brilliant platform to be seen. Stalls do get snapped up quickly, so consider this your (admittedly early) nudge to get in touch with organisers before the spots disappear.
Of course, all this networking has a habit of leading to one thing: someone suggesting "we should grab lunch sometime." When that happens, you'll want to know where to go. Our round-up of the top restaurants and cafés in the Maldon District has you covered!