S T R O U D BUSINESS

Stroud Business Network

Real conversations. Useful connections. Better businesses.

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First gathering · Stroud
Date & venue to be confirmed — register to be first to know.
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Business networking in Stroud, done differently.

No awkward pitches. No forced referrals. No-one selling from the moment they walk in.

This is a local meet-up for business owners, founders and ambitious people who want honest conversations, practical support and valuable connections with others building businesses in and around Stroud.

Meetings take place regularly across local pubs, restaurants and hotels — often with breakfast, lunch or food included depending on the venue and format.

Stroud high street with bunting

Two types of meet-up

Whether you're running an established company or just starting out, there's a room for you.

The Stroud Subscription Rooms — a Stroud landmark and gathering place
Established

For experienced business owners running established companies.

Typically £1m+ turnover businesses, leadership teams and operators who want a trusted group around them.

Each session creates real discussion around the challenges that come with growth:

  • Hiring and retaining good staff
  • Marketing and lead generation
  • Operations and systems
  • Sales challenges
  • Cash flow and scaling
  • AI and technology changes
  • Team structure and leadership
  • Business opportunities and partnerships
Members will have the chance to:
  • Build relationships with other serious business owners
  • Share referrals and opportunities
  • Gain honest feedback from experienced peers
  • Problem-solve as a group
  • Learn from businesses in completely different industries

No presentations. No corporate fluff. Just useful conversations with people who understand the realities of running a business.

Launch Pad

A place for ideas, start-ups and early-stage businesses.

For people earlier in the journey — side hustles, new ideas, freelancers and first-stage founders.

Experienced local business owners donate time, advice and insight to help people avoid mistakes, gain clarity and move faster.

This is a space where you can:
  • Ask questions openly
  • Get feedback on ideas
  • Learn from people who have built businesses before
  • Meet potential collaborators or mentors
  • Build confidence and momentum

You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to start somewhere.

Stroud Farmers Market — community in action

How the meetings work

The format is relaxed, structured and designed to encourage conversation. Every person gets the chance to speak, contribute and ask for help where they need it.

  1. Informal networking on arrival
  2. A short introduction from each attendee
  3. Open discussion around business challenges
  4. Group problem solving and idea sharing
  5. Opportunities for referrals and collaboration
  6. Food, drinks or lunch depending on the venue
The path along Selsley Common — looking out over the Stroud valleys

Why join?

Because business can be isolating.

Sometimes you need a room full of people who understand the pressures, challenges and opportunities that come with building something.

"Surround yourself with people who can help you think better, move faster, and connect locally."

Whether you're running an established company or trying to launch your first idea — this is the room.

George Blandford with his son on the Malvern Hills

Who's behind this

George Blandford

George is a business operator who rebuilds growth engines for established companies, taking equity in the upside rather than monthly retainers. His work spans positioning, sales, marketing, SEO, AI optimisation and operational structure. Across his career he's influenced over £100m in revenue and supported businesses through MBO and exit.

He started Stroud Business Network because good business owners shouldn't have to be isolated from honest, useful conversation. Stroud has the businesses, the people and the character. It just needed the room.

See George's work → Connect on LinkedIn →

Interested?

Register your interest below and we'll keep you updated with upcoming dates, venues and availability.

Or stay in the loop:

WhatsApp group
A footpath looking out across the Stroud valleys