September is always a busy time in the business calendar. The school holidays are over and it’s time to knuckle down for Q4. This is also when business networking kicks off in earnest, as entrepreneurs regroup after some time away.
Whether you’re starting a business or already running one, networking events provide a space to forge valuable connections, learn some vital entrepreneur skills, and — perhaps most importantly — spend some time away from the desk.
Below, we’ve listed 80 business events around the UK that are completely free to attend this month. Scroll down to find the ideal opportunity for your sector, speciality, and city.
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Free business events in London this month
Every parent dreads and longs for September in equal parts. Your child has returned to school, which means you finally have time to yourself after the summer break. Why not spend it at Parents In Business, a networking group for working mums and dads?
Grandparents, step-parents, and entrepreneurs who want to help parents are all welcome at these relaxed coffee morning events. Between September and November, they’ll be taking place at two locations South and North of the Thames. September’s meet-ups are at:
Other free London business events in September include:
- AI X HR Business Event at Hurlock Heights (9 September at 6:30pm) a free event for HR professionals to learn about all the ways (smart and scary) that AI is being applied to modern HR processes, and how it may impact people teams.
- LDN Tech Morning at BrainStation (10 September at 8am) a chance to hear from seasoned tech entrepreneurs about how they broke into the industry, plus free coffee. Mingle with fellow founders hoping to turn their tech venture into a reality.
- Startup Club at Town Sq Coworking Space, Kingston (11 September at 9:30am) a six-week long course of masterclasses designed for newbie entrepreneurs. Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so sign up quickly!
- Deep Tech Network at MSRH, Imperial College London (17 September at 3:30pm) a once-in-a-year chance for founders in the deep tech sector to connect in-person with investors and network with other leading minds.
- AI X Marketing Business Event at Hurlock Heights (18 September at 6:30pm) an interactive demo event for marketers to get hands on with AI equipment and see how it is being used to change the face of the marketing industry.
- World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Drake & Morgan, King’s Cross (27 September at 10am) no, it’s not a Guinness World record attempt. This mixer invites 500 professionals for a caffeine-fuelled morning of conversation and connections.
- Pitch Club Session #08 at Geovation Hub (25 September at 12pm) the first rule of Pitch Club is.. it’s a friendly and constructive forum for practising a business pitch! Meet and mingle with fellow founders at this open-mic night.
- Breakthrough Britain! at Royal Society of Chemistry (25 September at 5:30pm) a showcase of world changing ideas from across the UK, attended by leading technology minds, as well as plenty of investors to swap business cards with.
Free business events in Newcastle this month
- Discovery Workshop at The Catalyst (4 September at 1pm) a series of workshops for entrepreneurs who want to tap into the Longevity and ageing market, led by industry experts. Come along to learn; stay to forge connections.
- Whey Ayes & Shine Networking at Komodo Digital (11 September at 8:30am) come along to this friendly Geordie networking event that will start your day off on the right foot. A 2-hour informal session catered for with free breakfast treats.
- RL Business Club at Blackfriars Restaurant (18 September at 5pm) is an in-person event for an online networking community. Canapés, tea and coffee are provided, as are expert speeches from successful Newcastle entrepreneurs who have been there, done that, and are now ready to help you do the same.
- Choosing Your Business Structure at PNE Enterprise (26 September at 10am) one in a series of support workshops designed to help green entrepreneurs understand the differences between legal business structures.
Free business events in Leeds this month
This month, Leeds Digital Festival will be taking place, bringing an onslaught of tech enthusiasts, AI geeks, and future founders to the city centre.
Taking place at 12:45pm on 25 September at Flutter HQ, the event promises to provide space for the data crowd to collaborate, tell bad jokes, and hear from industry experts about common challenges businesses face today.
Moreover, there’s also the brilliantly-named Ay Up, it’s AI breakfast networking event at Clockwise Leeds on 18 September at 8:30am to support the festival. Engineering Excellence at Platform (25 September at 1pm) will also provide tips and advice on building and maintaining high-performing engineering teams.
Other free Leeds business events in September include:
- CEO Strategy Forum at West Village (24 September at 12pm) entrepreneurs running digital businesses are invited to attend this networking event for CEOs to discuss the challenges and experiences of running a company today.
- Demystifying Digital at Leeds Central Library (18 September at 12pm) an insightful panel discussion featuring local businesses who have received grants from Digital Enterprise Leeds, followed by tips on how you can apply for funding yourself.
- Pet Care & VetTech Fireside Chat at The Chamber (19 September at 11am) startups and scaleups in the pet market will be treated to two guest talks on how tech is shaping the sector, followed by a chance to wag tails with fellow entrepreneurs.
- Reimagine HR Tech and Analytics at The Chamber (19 September at 3pm) once you’ve met enough furry founder friends at the above, why not stick around for this HR talk from Barclays Eagle Lab, this time to find out how tech is helping humans.
Free business events in Sheffield this month
The TechForge Accelerator from Business Sheffield comprises five in-person workshop sessions designed to support tech startups at the Electric Works building in the city centre.
Whatever stage you’re at, whether MVP or just working on an idea, it’s a great opportunity to develop your idea. Each session lasts two hours, but don’t worry, you don’t have to attend them all. There are six to choose from, three of which will take place in September:
Other free Sheffield business events in September include:
- Google Digital Garage at Workstation (5 September at 10am) a workshop for business novices who need that first push to get started. All you need to bring is a notepad, a pen, and your social skills to network with fellow entrepreneurs.
- Global Sheffield at Kelham Island Museum (24 September at 8am) a free breakfast event featuring the region’s most exciting founders, expert panellists, and keynote speakers focused on innovation and international business scaling.
Free business events in Manchester this month
After a somewhat quiet month for networking in August, Manchester’s business calendar is chock-a-block in September. The hottest ticket in town is to Wellbeing Way LIVE!, a 9-hour long event hosted at coworking house Manahatta Deansgate.
Starting on 19 September at 1pm, entrepreneurs are invited to work for free from the New York-inspired Manahatta building, before heading for a round of drinks, guest speeches from famous faces in the wellbeing world, and a closing hour of networking with free goodie bags.
Other free Manchester business events in September include:
- Building your business at Manchester Central Library (25 September at 9:30am) GM Business Growth lays on tens of business workshops each month. This one is hosted by business advisor, Wendy Breakell, who will cover the ‘nuts and bolts’ of starting up a successful enterprise, including how to write a business plan.
- Tech Business Networking at Box Deansgate (19 September at 6pm) a business networking event for tech nerds, taking place at the fun, neon-lit Box Deansgate bar.
- ECOMM NORTH at WPP Manchester Campus (19 September at 6pm) is a multi-series event for online sellers, hosted by Shopify. The evening will feature guest speakers who will discuss the latest ecommerce trends, with time for networking.
- Prosper² Brunch Club at XYZ Building (19 September at 10am) a breakfast networking event for late risers, this event features delicious food, as well as a fun member showcase where one founder can pitch their business idea each week.
Free business events in Liverpool this month
- People, Planet, Pints™ at Botanical Garden (5 September at 5pm) forget cold, empty warehouses and pop down to this local pub for a relaxed, informal evening of socialising with fellow sustainability-conscious entrepreneurs.
- Work Winning Masterclass at INNSiDE by Meliá (9 September at 9:30am) do you work in construction? This event for subcontractors and small businesses will explain how SMEs can win big tenders and land that big pipeline project.
- Climate and Nature Roadshow at Liverpool Eagle Lab (12 September at 5pm) another one for those in the built environment, this event is run by building experts to discuss the challenges and trends for being sustainable in construction.
- The Marketing Meetup IRL at Uniform (17 September at 6pm) an informal, friendly place for the marketers of Liverpool to drop the self-branding and meet other experts in a relaxed, sales-free setting.
- Women in Cyber at Baltic Ventures (26 September at 4pm) the inaugural Women in Cyber event in the Liverpool City Region, this month’s event will focus on telling “Women’s Stories” in cybersecurity and the wider tech sector.
Free business events in Birmingham this month
- DisruptHR Birmingham at the Button Factory (5 September at 5:30pm) HR, but better. Hosted at the trendy jewellery quarter, this event features expert talks from those who can comment on the biggest challenges facing teams. And once the business talk is over, it’s party time, with a lock-in held until 11pm!
- Brummies Networking at Grosvenors Casino (10 September at 11am) a monthly networking session for ‘stripped-back’ conversations fuelled by free teas and coffees. No need to impress; just turn up and meet with local, friendly founders.
- The Social Playground at NQ64 (11 September at 6pm) is the most fun you’ll have at a networking event this month. Join The Social Playground’s latest event, at NQ64, to play some retro games while making meaningful business connections.
- Your Next Steps at The Curzon Building (12 September at 5pm) a supportive evening for recent graduates of Birmingham City University. Employers can scout for fresh hiring talent and hear about what the incoming cohort wants from a workplace.
Free business events in Nottingham this month
- The TravelTalks x Europe Showcase (11 September at 5:30pm) every travel-related business under the hot, Mediterranean sun will be at this networking event. Come along to connect with hotels, hospitality groups, tourist boards, and tour operators for an evening of fun, food, drinks, and holiday planning.
- KuKu Connect at Woodborough Hall (11 September at 6pm) is a monthly event that takes place in a different local business. This month, it’s the turn of country house Woodborough Hall to lay out a delicious afternoon tea for ticket holders.
- Design and Innovation Meet-up at Ingenuity Centre (19 September at 6:30pm) a regular catch-up for designers keenos to hear feedback on their ideas and discuss the latest product trends. If you love IKEA flat-pack furniture, this one’s for you.
Free business events in Cambridge this month
September marks the beginning of Cambridge Tech Week, a five day-long celebration of the world-leading experts, innovators, and investors that make up the city’s tech ecosystem.
Taking place between 9-13 September, entrepreneurs can sign up to any of the below all-day events to forge valuable connections and potential partnerships, and learn about Cambridge’s brightest startup stars:
– Welcome to Cambridge (10:30am on Monday 9 September at Bradfield Centre)
– Innovation Day (10am on Tuesday 10 September at Cambridge Corn Exchange)
– The Big Tech Debate (9:30am on Wednesday 11 September at Pembroke College)
– Scale-up Day (10am on Thursday 12 September at Cambridge Union)
– Tech Futures Day (10am on Friday 13 September at Bradfield Centre)
Other free Cambridge business events in September include:
- Walking in the Shoes of Founders at Old Divinity School (10 September at 4pm) held in conjunction with Cambridge Tech Week, this afternoon event includes teas, coffees, and panel discussions on how to get funding as a new founder
- Cambridge Careers Fair at Guildhall (11 September at 10am) an opportunity for young people searching for jobs, and startups that are hiring, to connect.
- Cambridge Vegan Market at Parker’s Piece (14 September at 10:30am) are you a hospitality or retail business looking for vegan stockists? Head to this showcase of animal-free products (and sample some delicious dairy-free eats while you’re at it).
- Lunch and Learn at Together Culture (25 September at 1pm) a roundtable event for entrepreneurs who are interested in everything from art therapy to social value, hosted by coworking provider Together Culture.
- You can also become a Cambridge student for an hour by signing up to the many free lectures and talks available on the University of Cambridge event website.
Best free business events in Oxford this month
Easily the most exciting event in Oxford this September is the Louder Than Words festival, also known as the country’s biggest gathering of B Corp businesses. Taking place over the 14 and 15 September, it promises to be the place to B for B Corps.
Social good entrepreneurs will gather at the main stage at Oxford’s New Theatre, as well as multiple venues around the city, to meet fellow activists, allies, local communities, ‘B’ curious businesses, and many entrepreneurs from the UK’s 2,000-strong B Corp community.
Other free Oxford business events in September include:
- Partners and Pastries at Barclays Eagle Lab (12 September at 8am) a networking event with a chocolate twist. Shake hands with local business owners, and wolf down some delicious pastries at the same time. Win-win.
- Open Day For Businesses at Oxford Brookes (12 September at 10am) an opportunity to browse the resources available at Oxford Brookes university, and attend free sessions on the Use of Technology and AI, Marketing Analysis and KTPs.
- The Marketing Meetup IRL at Grassroots (12 September at 6pm) similar to its sister event in Liverpool; a community event for local marketers to meet and market themselves in a social, friendly space.
- Entrepreneurs should also check out the University of Oxford’s free public lectures for business tips and talks from the experts.
Free business events in Bristol this month
Bristolians can attend three back-to-back intensive business workshops at Bristol Central Library as part of the city’s ‘Ready, Steady, Grow’ series. Titled Introduction to starting a business the series is led by local experts, and covers fundamental topics such as:
- How to use ChatGPT in your business (2 September)
- Guide to business numbers (11 September)
- Building a business plan (18 September)
- Essentials of starting a business (25 September)
Other free Bristol business events in September include:
- South West Founders at Runway East (4 September at 6pm) monthly meet-up for people based in the South West who were, are, or want to be tech startup founders.
- Busting the myths of equity investment at Engine Shed (5 September at 6pm) an event that aims to unpick the complicated and esoteric topic that is equity funding. Discover who angel investors really are, and what funding options are available.
- Creating Black Excellence at University of Bristol (6 September at 10am) a conference for Black entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges around carving their unique space and voice in the UK business landscape.
- Funding Workshop at NatWest Accelerator (12 September at 5pm) pitching in reverse. Funding providers stand up to sell the range of services and opportunities they have available for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
- Employers’ Forum at Novotel Bristol Centre (18 September at 5:15pm) an opportunity for employers and employees to learn about two key trends for their recruitment strategy; diversity, inclusion, and social value practices.
Free business events in Cardiff this month
- Diverse Founders Networking Night at Cardiff Eagle Lab (3 September at 6pm) sponsored by Barclays Black Founder Accelerator, this event is aimed at minority business owners and addressing the unique barriers they face to access support.
- Mastering D&I Conference at Principality Stadium (16 September at 9am) an all-day occasion celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that Welsh businesses have implemented, and ideas for how companies can be more inclusive. Features a talk from paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE.
- Celebrating Female Founders at Cardiff Eagle Lab (19 September at 6pm) hear from successful female CEOs about how to tackle specific challenges faced by women in business, such as the funding gap.
- 3-Day Business Bootcamp at iungo CBTC (16 September at 9:30am) workshops are ideal for green entrepreneurs, but they can be fleeting. This 3-day programme takes things slower. It offers one-to-one support from advisors, networking opportunities, plus a LinkedIn digital certificate to cement your new skills.
Free business events in Edinburgh this month
Following a month of raucous comedy and alternative shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the city quietens down somewhat for business events. But there are still a few social occasions to get your brain pumping..
- Unfiltered Edinburgh at 37a Castle Terrace (4 September at 8:30am) an unorganised opportunity to connect with tech entrepreneurs in Edinburgh. Run by CodeBase Edinburgh, founders can drop-in for a casual chat, and then hotdesk.
- Funding Socials at People’s Postcode Lottery (26 September at 10am) a ‘blind date’ style meeting between investors and social enterprise leaders, designed to offer fresh ideas and connections to help boost income generation.
- Quiz at CodeBase Ltd (26 September at 5:15pm) hosted by Dave from Barclay Eagle Labs, this event brings together the Edinburgh business gang for a bit of fun away from the office desk. And yes, free swallies and snacks are provided!
Free business events in Glasgow this month
- 8 Networking Coffee Morning APR at The Alchemist (11 September at 9:30am) a business club for founders who don’t mind necking a cocktail at 9:30 in the morning. If you’re visiting the 8 team for the first time, you’ll also be able to attend for free.
- Tech Leaders Forum at The Corinthian Club (11 September at 5:45pm) it’s been a year of change for the tech sector. This forum will discuss the skills and values required for tech leaders today. Includes a Q&A, networking time, and refreshments.
- Connect / Create Glasgow at The Studio (16 September at 5:30pm) a networking evening and a chance for entrepreneurs to test out their business idea in the field, by going face-to-face with their best target market focus group: the local community.
- Glasgow Small Business Network at Bank of Scotland Argyle Street (19 September at 11:30am) is a networking group organised by the BoS. All Glaswegian founders are invited to the meet and greet, followed by some light bites.
