Thursday Threads - Finding Your People: A Morning at Heyford Park Business Network
- Stuart Ashley
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
How a relaxed local meetup turned into a reminder of why connection matters in business
Introduction
Tuesday morning at the Heyford Park Business Network was one of those events that leaves you buzzing long after you’ve left the room. It was brilliantly attended, full of familiar faces and plenty of new ones stepping in for the first time. For me, it was also a milestone — my first time attending as a Community Connector, supporting the flow of the event and helping people feel at ease.
If you’ve ever wondered whether networking is worth the nerves, the time, or the effort… this one was a perfect reminder that the answer is a resounding yes.
The Problem
Running a small business or being self‑employed can be surprisingly lonely. You spend so much time in the work — serving clients, juggling tasks, keeping things moving — that it’s easy to forget how important it is to step out and connect with others who “get it.”
Common challenges I hear from founders and early‑stage business owners include:
Feeling isolated or unsure who to talk to
Worrying about attending networking events alone
Not knowing what to say or how to introduce themselves
Feeling pressure to “perform” or pitch
Struggling to find genuine, supportive business communities
And honestly? I’ve felt all of those myself at different points.
The Simple Fix
A relaxed, human‑first networking event — like the Heyford Park Business Network — changes everything.
The ethos of the group is simple:
No pressure. No pitching. No pretending. Just real conversations with real people.
As a Community Connector, my role is to help make that happen. I introduce people, help conversations flow, support anyone who’s feeling a bit nervous, and make sure the space feels welcoming and easy to step into. It’s a natural fit for me — I love helping people feel comfortable, supported, and confident.
And if you’re someone who gets nervous walking into a room full of strangers, this is exactly the kind of event that helps you gently build confidence without any of the usual networking awkwardness.
The Results
Tuesday’s event was a brilliant example of what happens when you bring good people together:
Returning businesses reconnected and shared updates
New attendees were welcomed instantly
Conversations flowed naturally
Collaboration sparked without being forced
People left feeling encouraged, supported, and energised
That’s the magic of a community‑driven event — you walk in as strangers and walk out with ideas, connections, and a renewed sense of momentum.
Why It Works
The Heyford Park Business Network has a few things going for it:
It’s relaxed and friendly — no membership, no pressure, just £10 on the door and a warm welcome.
It’s built around genuine connection, not sales or pitches.
It attracts people who care — small business owners, solopreneurs, creatives, and service providers who want to support each other.
It’s consistent — meeting monthly at The Baton in Upper Heyford.
It’s community‑led — with Community Connectors (like me!) helping the event feel easy to join and easy to enjoy.
And for me personally, it aligns perfectly with what I do at Stuart Ashley PA — supporting founders, easing pressure, and helping people feel more organised, confident, and capable in their business.
Quick Action Checklist
Thinking of coming along next time? Here’s your nudge:
Check the date: 24th February at 10am, The Baton, Upper Heyford
Bring a notebook (you’ll get ideas!)
Come as you are — no pitch needed
Say hello when you arrive — I’ll be there to welcome you
Stay open to conversations; you never know where they’ll lead
And if you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. Most people are. You’ll be in good company.
Bullet Points: Why You Should Join Us
Friendly, relaxed networking with no pressure
A mix of returning and first‑time attendees
Great for confidence building
Perfect for small business owners and solopreneurs
Community‑led support from people who genuinely care
A chance to meet collaborators, clients, or simply like‑minded humans
A brilliant way to stay visible and connected locally
An easy step into growing your business without the overwhelm
If you’d like a free, informal chat about your business, your next steps, or how I can support you as a founder, I’m always happy to meet for a brew. Just reach out — no pressure, no hard sell, just a conversation.
And hopefully, I’ll see you at the next Heyford Park Business Network event.
To book an informal chat with me, please visit my website.
Disclaimer
Whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure this information is accurate, Stuart Ashley takes no responsibility for any errors contained within. Please conduct your own research before making business or financial decisions.
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