Ashby Connect is the monthly event that has been bringing the area's business community together since last year - and 2023 is set to see it become even bigger.

Started by Fishers Solicitors' Marketing Manager, Chloe Murfin, Ashby Connect invites local companies to get together to chat, make contacts and generally get to know one another.

Held at The Beeches restaurant in Burton Road, Ashby, on the final Wednesday of each month, Ashby Connect is a way of letting people know who you are and what business you are in.

That, in turn, is a way to make connections you might not have done otherwise.

Ashby Connect runs from 12noon-2pm which means you can come along for as long as you want. Plus, there is a lunch provided for attendees.

Chloe says the event has proved successful - attracting people from places such as Loughborough and Swadlincote, as well as Ashby.

She also hopes it will continue to grow in popularity.

Chloe said: "We started off in the in back area of the restaurant and didn't have that much space, it quickly became taken over and we moved to the function room at The Beeches. We now have over 60 businesses attend our events each month.

"What has helped us to grow is word of mouth and recommendations from people who've been and returned. Some come here every single month. We have also done advertising campaigns so we can extend the invite to as many relevant businesses as possible.

"The partners at Fishers had the idea of wanting to do something with local businesses and professionals in the area.

"We felt there was a gap in the market, as there was nothing like this in Ashby.

"Each month, we try and make it a topical-themed lunch depending on the time of year. We have guest speakers, sponsors and want to identify new ways of helping businesses and the local community.

"We hope to have an event that will run for many years."

Chloe hopes Ashby Connect will take advantage of the fact that the town's business community is growing along with its population.

She added: "Fishers moved from Ashby town centre to the Ivanhoe Business Park, and we wanted to connect with those other companies.

"But now we're not only connecting with other businesses, but also some outside of Ashby. The feedback's been very positive in terms of the atmosphere of the event. There have been a lot of referrals between people who've attended.

"I would say that Ashby Connect is something that, if you come to, you will return to, and that says it all."

Ashby Nub News spoke to a number of companies who attended the February event.

Sarah Beggan, who runs business marketing support company, Approach, said: "I've been coming here since Ashby Connect started, and what brings me back is, it's local and on my doorstep; plus, the people I mix with here, I feel I can add value to.

"I'm keen on Ashby people working together. This event is for everyone, so there are lots of different businesses here, you never know who might be able to work with who."

Mark Harrison, of the Melbourne-based charity, Mee and Dee, said it is not just established businesses who can benefit from the event.

He said: "Anything that can help promote our charity to businesses in the area is good for us.

"We want to partner up with companies in the area who'd like to work with us. Fishers have given us that ability to come here and start those conversations.

"We've been involved since the start and the benefits are, it's free, which is huge for a charity, plus you get a good mix of people as well as new ones each time. It's a fantastic thing to do."

Stephanie Burge, of Lemon Zest life coaching, added: "I'm reasonably new to networking, and now I realise how massive it is.

"I think I'm just scratching the surface but I'm beginning to see how valuable networking is. Covid made us all a bit lazy and comfortable with doing things on Zoom.

"Now it's important to get out there and meet people. That's a big part of getting clients. I like Ashby Connect as it's for men and women, there's a real mixture of different businesses, but I particularly like the informality of it. It's about meeting a lot of different people, the venue good and they always put a good lunch on; it's got a lot going for it.

"I tend not to come here pushing my business, I like to chat and this event allows me to do that."

Keith Tiplady of Ashby-based Indulgent Chocolates said it was handy for local companies and useful for meeting new people.

He said: "I've made a few contacts here, I had a meeting with someone who helps local businesses and that's been useful for me.

"It's also good to meet people who come up with ideas for your business and can guide me in different directions. But people are just casually chatting, it's informal."

A lunch is provided for attendees

Angela Darar, Business Development Manager at Reach Business Coaching, added: "There's quite a diverse mix of people here, you can look down the list of attendees beforehand and see someone you'd like to speak to.

"It's flexible too, you don't have to be here right on noon and stay for two hours, it's casual and you can dip in. If you come on a regular basis you will make more contacts."

The next Ashby Connect meeting is scheduled for March 29 at The Beeches in Burton Road.