Dragon’s Den Winner Headlines Connects Network Anniversary Event

Connects Network is celebrating 12 years of free networking events across Staffordshire with a special anniversary event featuring Dragon’s Den winner and motivational speaker Peter the Speaker.

Taking place on Monday June 30 from 1pm to 4pm at The Boulevard in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the one-off anniversary special will combine Connects Network’s usual open networking session with an exclusive guest session led by the returning Dragon Slayer.

The event is being delivered in partnership with The Boulevard, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s newest cocktail lounge and events space, which also hosted Peter the Speaker during this year’s Newcastle-under-Lyme business festival. Be sure to book ahead here.

Founded by Peter Herbert, Director of PH Production Services, Connects Network has spent the past 12 years building a free-to-attend business, creative and community networking platform across the region. Since launching, the network has hosted more than 120 events, welcomed almost 3,000 attendees and featured over 150 local speakers. All who either run, or have run, businesses and projects making a positive impact within the local area.

What started as a single networking event has now grown into a twice-monthly programme operating in both Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent, helping local businesses, freelancers, creatives and entrepreneurs build relationships, share opportunities and collaborate on new ideas.

Peter Herbert said: “I’m incredibly proud that Connects Network has reached 12 years and continues to grow stronger. What started as a simple idea around creating positive connections has become a genuine community that now operates twice a month across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.

“To now be playing a major role in Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Shaping the Future business festival really shows the power of positive connections and what can happen when local businesses, creatives and organisations come together. I honestly can’t wait to see what the next 12 years bring.”

Connects Network is now one of the lead partners behind Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Shaping the Future business festival, which was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

Peter the Speaker previously appeared at this year’s festival at The Boulevard, where his inspiring, energetic and practical session proved so popular that organisers invited him back to headline the anniversary special.

Known for securing investment on Dragon’s Den through his business venture Pet Victus, Peter the Speaker has built a reputation for high-energy talks focused on resilience, mindset and business growth. Speaking ahead of the event, Peter the Speaker said: “I’m incredibly excited to return to Newcastle-under-Lyme after such a fantastic experience at the business festival earlier this year.

“The energy in the room was brilliant and there was a real appetite for growth, positivity and collaboration. I’m looking forward to coming back for this special Connects anniversary event and hopefully helping inspire even more local businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Only 30 guests will be able to attend the special anniversary event, with advance booking required.

Grant Pullen, owner of The Boulevard, said: “We’re proud to be involved as an active part of the local business community and delighted to support Connects Network as they celebrate this milestone anniversary.

“The Boulevard is designed to be a fantastic events and social space for Newcastle-under-Lyme, so it’s great to be able to showcase the venue while bringing people together for such a positive event.”

Remaining proudly free to attend after 12 years, Connects Network says the anniversary event is intended as both a celebration of the region’s business community and a look ahead to the future of collaboration across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.

Head to Connects Network’s website or follow Connects Network on social media to book tickets and find out more information.