A Year of Connection: Reflecting on the 13 Business Networking Events MBH Hosted in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what has become one of the most successful years of my career. Hosting 13 business networking events was never an initial goal, but it unfolded into a journey that reshaped my purpose and deepened my connection with the business community. What started as a simple intention to bring people from the north together evolved into a series of events that brought people from diverse backgrounds and industries together to truly connect and network.

Each event carried its own personality. Some were lively from the moment the doors opened; others were more intimate and targeted, allowing conversations to unfold at a deeper pace. But across all thirteen events, one thing was always consistent: the genuine desire people had to connect. There is something powerful about watching strangers arrive with uncertainty and leave with new contacts, new ideas and new confidence. Seeing individuals find their place in the room reminded me exactly why I love hosting these events.

Women in Business Events

One of the greatest privileges this year has been meeting such a wide range of professionals and being able to mould MBH into the networking platform in Manchester.

This year I started my own series of events, centred around female empowerment and feminism. This started as a targeted event for International Women’s Day in March, which ended up being the most successful event MBH has ever seen, with fantastic female speakers such as Celia Gaze and Beckie Taylor who both empowered the room speaking of their resilience in business.

Every woman at this event brought something unique. Stories, insights, lessons and ambition. These interactions expanded my understanding of what our business community truly looks like: diverse, driven and genuinely supportive. The conversations didn’t end when the events did, many stayed with me long after the event finished, shaping my ideas and inspiring new ways to create even more meaningful events.

After the success of my international Women’s Day event, I decided to create a bi-annual series of events revolving around women and so Women in Business was born. My first event of this series was in November and was another knock out event with over 40 female business owners, founders and professionals together to collaborate and connect.

I managed to get another two fantastic female speakers, Nicky Wake and Hedi Shah. Two completely different backgrounds but with one key voice between them, female empowerment. Nicky spoke of her time struggling with becoming a widow and struggling with alcoholism. She used her intense feelings of grief and addiction and made it into a platform to help people. Nicky is now a successful business owner for multiple dating apps specifically for those how are sober or widows. She is also now happily sober and living her best life with her son. Hedi, a body and wellness coach spoke of her barriers when moving to the UK. She spoke about the barriers that come with being a female immigrant, where English isn’t her first language and how that could’ve been the be all and end all of her professional career. But it didn’t stop her, Hedi showed us how to really be at one with our bodies and managed to get a room full of women in full dance mode at 11am on a Wednesday.

I got this fantastic review from the women in business event that really blew me away:

“That. Was. Amazing.

The calibre of the women in that room was incredible. There were people from all walks of life – every single one of them talented, skilled, and PASSIONATE about what they do, which is so infectious.

And the speakers! So much variety, there was something for everybody. I think ‘women’s’ events are hard to nail for most organisations (probably because they don’t have enough women informing the strategy ). But that was just perfect. And empowering.

It didn’t feel like anyone was doing a hard sell. More like we’d all come together to genuinely connect and lift each other up. I don’t think bi-annual is enough tbf  – I’d say one every quarter, at least.

Honestly, you should be so proud of yourself.”

Connections That Grew Beyond the Room

The purpose of these events has always been to encourage authentic and valuable networking, connections that don’t just begin and end with a business card or a quick follow on LinkedIn. This year, I saw relationships turn into new collaborations, referrals, MBH memberships, long-lasting friendships and support systems that continued well beyond the event date. These outcomes are the true measure of success. Hearing months later that two attendees are now working together or supporting each other reinforces the importance of creating these events.

Growing as a Host and Community Builder

Hosting thirteen events this year taught me a lot, one of them being that I’m not too bad as a public speaker. Being pushed into the lime light with these events was daunting at first but now it comes quite naturally to me, and that’s something I never thought would be the case. Not only did I host all 13 of these events I also planned my own wedding, was a guest on a podcast, planned a baby shower, planned my own 30^th birthday party and raised almost £1000 for charity. This year has been a true testament to my own personal growth and resilience. Not only that and maybe most importantly, I learned more about the impact I want to make moving forward.

Looking Ahead: A Bigger, Bolder 2026

If 2025 was the year of expansion and exploration, 2026 will be the year of refinement and growth. I am already planning an enhanced line-up of networking events designed to be even more impactful, more intentional and more supportive for professionals and business owners at every stage.

In 2026, attendees can expect:

• new themes and formats
• more opportunities for meaningful connections
• industry-specific sessions
• deeper conversations and facilitated networking
• continued focus on community, collaboration and professional growth
• new and exciting venues

Join MBH in 2026

If you attended an event this year, thank you. You helped shape something remarkable. If you haven’t yet attended, 2026 is the perfect time to get involved.

Register your interest in upcoming events, join the mailing list, or reach out directly if you’d like to collaborate, attend, or get involved in any way.

I can’t wait to welcome new and familiar faces as we continue building a community where connection truly matters.

Here’s to 2025 and welcoming 2026.

– Leah Bentley-Godwill, MBH Events Manager