Collaborate MK

Collaborate Mk is the only networking in Milton Keynes that we sponsor. The reason being, it has the greatest volume of sector agnostic and growth hungry small business owners in the city (in my option). Take that as bias, or deep endorsement; you decide.

There are a myriad of ways to engage and a range of membership options suitable for all budgets.

Location:: Typically I attend the monthly ‘big one’; the in-person, open to all, public early evening event, the location of which traverses the city from MK Gallery in CMK, to the Delta Marriot at Kents Hill, Cranfield University, Hazard Alley and MK:U. The various locations have different vibes, attract a surprisingly different tribe and therefore optimises your total opportunity. Not to mention the lively WhatsApp group you are added to as a member on selected packages..

Format: of this IRL* evening event (4.30-7pm) is informal networking on arrival, accompanied by a small feast of grazing options (changes depending on venue), beverages and a large group of entrepreneurs to talk to. Presentations follow from the event sponsors, short 3 mins max spotlights to inform, upskill or self promote and a 5 minute showcase speaker. There is a business card draw after each talk (to make sure you stay awake and tuned in) and there’s some fab prizes from MK Dons tickets to boxes of ‘I love catering’ doughnuts and branded golf umbrellas. More informal networking follows and sometimes -even long after the advertised close-there are groups gathered at the bar, building relationships and underlining Tim’s ethos that networking is about getting better acquainted; not selling.

There are also sessions for:

• Online virtual group

• Netwalking

• Olney businesses

• Buckingham businesses

• Breakfast/Brunch networking

• CoWorking Sessions

• Gold Members Workshops

Costs: Your first event is free of charge; just select ‘first visit’ on the booking form.

Membership prices vary but start from £48 per annum, up to £47 per month**.

Sponsorship opportunities also available.

Founder: The group was founded by Tim Lee during lockdown; first as an online group and laterly in-person. Tim is synonymous with MK connectivity and networking. There’s hardly an SME he isn’t connected to or has a link into. He has a huge ‘support team’ who help with everything from powerpoint slides, badges and promotion of events to support for new joiners and website design.

Typical Attendee: This group does attract a wide range of entrepreneurs, and is not sector or gender specific, but predominately I find small and micro business owners, solopreneurs, consultants and small teams/outsourced support.

Upsides: A vast array of faces and options for availability and preference, active whatsapp group for members, supportive, engaged community. The support team are happy to aide you as a nervous or first time visitor, just ask on arrival (or in advance) for support.

Downsides: Vast array of faces (!) you couldn’t possibly connect with everyone on one event, so follow up time is required and strategic planning to really optimise the investment.

Top Tip: This community is a huge opportunity; carve out the time to immerse yourself fully, to make the most of it and to follow up with 1 2 1s between sessions. Explore the website directory and get stuck in.

*IRL: in real life

** prices correct at time of writing