A Shropshire networking group, which was launched to offer something different, has marked its first anniversary following a series of sell-out events.
Bathing in Business was set up by business mentor Fran Ash, founder of Fran Ash Mentoring, where she provides independent support to small business owners.
Fran also has a background in business development through Ash Plumbing and Bathrooms, the Telford bathroom design and installation company she works on alongside her husband Dave.
The first anniversary celebration of Bathing in Business was held at Midlands Air Ambulance HQ in Cosford today (September 11th).
Fran set up Bathing in Business as she wanted to offer a relaxed, affordable networking event without any 60-second pitches and without any pressure for business owners.
She also wanted to offer something at different venues and taking Bathing in Business on tour has seen her group visit venues including Frankly Farm Tours, Meeting Point House and Exotic Zoo, along with many others over the last 12 months.
Fran said: “I’m ridiculously proud that my little £5 networking idea has made it to its first birthday.
“I had seen people put off by the very thought of standing up and doing their 60 second pitches and heard people say they were worried they wouldn’t necessarily fit in with formal, corporate networking. I thought there was room in the networking calendar for something different so Bathing in Business was born.
“My main aim was to make my networking group fun and relaxed where real relationships and connections could be made.
“The feedback from the very first sell-out event was phenomenal and it snowballed from there. I’ve had venues reaching out specifically requesting we hold it at their venue, I’ve had many sell out events and most importantly people have made real friendships and business connections which has resulted in long term business for them.
“The support I have had has been unbelievable and I am so proud to have built Fran Ash Mentoring alongside it, using my own business experience to support other small business owners and busy professionals.”
The £5 ticket fee goes towards the welcome treats Fran sources from a local small business for each event.
Fran said as a small business owner, who only had her husband Dave as a colleague, she knew how lonely business could be.
“Running a business isn’t always easy. I know from my own journey that being a sole trader or small business owner can sometimes feel lonely, overwhelming, and even a little bit scary.
“You’ve got all the ideas and the passion, but it’s easy to get stuck, doubt yourself or feel like you’re shouting into the void with no-one to turn to. Through Bathing in Business I feel like we have helped eradicate some of that imposter syndrome for people and helped to grow their business which feels amazing.
“I would like to thank each and every person who has supported my networking event. To see so many people come through the doors over the last year has just been amazing. To see the relationships and businesses grow alongside each other is everything to me,” she said.
To find out more about Fran visit https://www.franash-mentoring.co.uk/ and to book onto future Bathing In Business events follow Fran here.
