A local networking initiative, Inspire and Connect, is celebrating over 18 months of growth, proving that face-to-face connection is the secret ingredient for business success in Ilkley.
Launched in 2024, the group has quickly grown to over 90 members. By combining monthly in-person meetings with a dedicated digital support community, the group has facilitated tens of thousands of pounds in referred business and collaborative contracts among Ilkley-based women.
While the heart of the community remains at The Green Room on The Grove, where members meet every Monday morning, the "Inspire and Connect" model has proven so successful that the group is now expanding its first franchise in Farsley, with several more locations set to launch across the region later this year.
Anna Clewlow, founder of Inspire and Connect, said:
"The success we’ve seen in Ilkley is a testament to the talent and ambition of the women in this town. We aren't just swapping business cards; we are building a supportive ecosystem. Seeing local women thrive and generate significant revenue through these connections is exactly why we started."
The group’s unique "hybrid" approach offers face-to-face weekly networking, a digital community via Facebook and direct financial impact with members reporting tens of thousands of pounds in new business generated within the network.
As Inspire and Connect moves into its next phase of franchising, the Ilkley chapter continues to welcome new members looking to grow their businesses in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
For more information visit www.inspireandconnectnetwork.co.uk or email hello@inspireandconnectnetwork.co.uk
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