Independent Network Forum - The Purpose

The Independent Network Forum (INF) membership is composed of people who work independently, either as sole traders or part of small businesses. The aims of the Forum are to provide Friendship In Business, by:
  • Providing mutual help and support to grow and develop our businesses
  • Sharing expertise, business leads and contacts
  • Providing a confidential sounding board for new ideas and initiatives
  • Referring business opportunities or leads if they occur, there is no pressure or compulsion to do so
  • Offering a social network for people mainly working from home and/or alone
  • Being open to welcoming anyone to the group, irrespective of profession or business (within reason!)

Ethos

The ethos is one of informal networking and structured sessions covering topics offered and requested. INF members are professional people, all of whom have something to offer and something to gain from the group. Membership of any organisation means participation and commitment. INF members are expected to:

  • Attend as many meetings as possible
  • Always respond to meeting invitations - attending or not
  • Be prepared to give a presentation/conduct a workshop/lead a discussion, approximately once a year on a topic of beneficial interest to the group - self generated or in response to a request
  • Promote the group and take responsibility to broaden the membership

INF - Meetings

Meetings are monthly, combining a structured session and the option for a social meal. Topics are items that are important to the group, such as the practicalities of running small business, and informative talks drawing on members expertise and experience.

Meetings are not:

  • A sales forum for members
  • A self pity group

Location and timings of the meetings are designed to maximise attendance and alternate between lunch and breakfast in offer the opportunity to enable members who can't make one to come to the other.

IN Organisation

The Independent Network has a committee to coordinate meeting venues, timings, and deal with the practicalities of running the network. It is also there to provide direction for meetings in reaction to members comments.

Privacy Policy

Your details held on our database are for the use of the Independent Network Forum web site and email systems. We do not, and will not give, sell or pass on your details to other organisations unless you specifically authorise it.

By being on our database however, your details are available for people to find - that's part of the point in being in this network group. If you do not wish your details to be available on the public web, then it is your responsibility to let us know.