Getting Better Connected

Why network?

No business is an island. You need to build up a good network of business contacts if your enterprise is going to succeed. Networks help you:

• Form strong links with other businesses
• Give you encouragement when you need it
• Give you the chance to learn from other business’ experiences
• Can provide you with essential business information
• Give you the opportunity to showcase your own business
• Build good local links

I work from home. How do I network?

Working from home can be very isolating. But in Torbay there are two new exciting opportunities for homeworkers to make new business friends at the innovative Brixham and Torquay ‘Work Spaces’. These new concepts provide meeting spaces for home-based businesses to meet, work and invite clients and suppliers. The centres work on a ‘gym membership’ style, so you can use them as and when you need to.

The low-cost working environment and private meeting spaces offer an alternative to the loneliness and isolation of the home office. They let workers interact with other like-minded creative and innovative people, as well as giving you a ‘professional’ environment in which to meet clients. It can breathe fresh ideas back into your business, as well as reminding you that there is a world beyond your front door!

Real life networking

Whilst we are doing more networking online, nothing beats the feeling of making ‘real life’ contact with other entrepreneurs. Networking breakfasts  are an ideal way to meet other businesses in your local area. Look out for Friday Breakfast events, that give you a chance to network with other small businesses in your area. You can also sign up to the TDA database to receive regular updates of forthcoming networking events.

How the TDA can help

At the TDA we provide access to our Work Spaces for home-based businesses to network, as well as close partnerships with other business networking organisations. Contact us at to arrange a free, 1-hour Business Plan health check with a Business Advisor, and to find out more about networking opportunities in Torbay.