An Unreal Start to 2026

An Unreal Start to 2026: GROW Networking Goes from Strength to Strength  

If January was meant to ease us gently back into the working year… nobody told GROW Networking. 

Our latest GROW event was nothing short of unreal, with more than 50 businesses in the room at Hurlston Hall. The buzz, the conversations, the connections being made — it was clear from the moment the doors opened that this was going to be a busy one. GROW really does keep growing every single month, and we love seeing so many businesses choosing to grow with us. 

A Story That Started in a Back Garden… 

One of the standout moments of the afternoon was hearing from Derry Green, who shared the journey behind building his business from the ground up. What began as a simple lockdown camping experience in the back garden has since grown into a multi-million-pound business in just a few short years. 

Derry spoke honestly about the realities of building a business — the risks, the challenges, the setbacks, and the moments where you have to back yourself even when the path ahead isn’t clear. It was inspiring, relatable, and reassuring for anyone who’s ever had an idea and wondered, “Could this really work?” 

And let’s be honest… we know exactly how many people went home and Googled “Derry Green Dragons’ Den episode” afterwards 👀 

Big Energy, Big Plans for 2026 

We also took the opportunity to share some of the exciting plans coming up for GROW in 2026 — and there’s a lot to look forward to. From new events and formats to more opportunities for members to get involved, speak, collaborate, and promote their businesses, the year ahead is shaping up to be our biggest yet. 

We’re also opening up event sponsorship opportunities, so if your business would like to support GROW and gain exposure to a brilliant room full of local businesses, we’d love to hear from you. Sponsorship packages are currently being pulled together — watch this space. 

Connections, Conversations & Community 

As always, one of the best parts of any GROW event is the room itself. With so many familiar faces alongside lots of new ones, there was a real sense of momentum. Introductions were short and snappy (by necessity!), conversations flowed, and there was plenty of business being done long before the pizza arrived. 

This is exactly what GROW is about — real connections, genuine support, and a community that actually wants to see each other succeed. 

Looking Ahead 

We’re already gearing up for our February event, where we’ll be welcoming: 

• Helen from Hurlston Hall, sharing what’s coming up over the next few months and how GROW members can benefit 

• Hope Funeral Care, who have promised a fascinating and not-at-all morbid presentation — can they put the “fun” in funeral? We’re intrigued… 

If this event was anything to go by, February is going to be another busy one. 

Thank You 

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, spoke, listened, laughed, and connected. Whether it was your first GROW event or your fiftieth, you are the reason this network continues to thrive. 

We can’t wait to do it all again next month. 

See you soon,
The GROW Networking Team