FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check out the most frequently asked questions below. However, if you don’t see the answer to your question… don’t worry! You can contact us using the button below, or via the mobile number at the top of the page.
General Questions
How do I join network NOTWORK?
To join, simply complete the registration form on the Sign Up section of the website. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes of your time.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO JOIN NETWORK NOTWORK?
You are eligible to join NetWORK NotWORK if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. You are a resident in a NetWORK NotWORK location and own and/or manage or are a leader of a business.
2. You own, manage or are a leader of a business that is based in a NetWORK NotWORK region.
3. You own and/or manage a business that has a substantial existing client base in a NetWORK NotWORK (your membership will require approval from a NetWORK NotWORK group committee member).
4. You are a resident within a NetWORK NotWORK location and are in the process of starting up a new business.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME TO BE A MEMBER and attend meetings?
Membership and attendance at meetings is free of charge. You will also get a free member profile and business listing on this website and your business will be shared on your local NetWORK NotWORK group social media and within mailing lists.
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU MEET?
Currently face-to-face meetings are only taking place in NetWORK Wynyard as this is the first location to launch. Meetings will be held every Tuesday morning 9.30am-11.00am at Wynyard Park House, Wynyard Business Park, Wynyard, TS22 5TB. The launch event (first meeting) will be held on Tuesday 30th January 2024 at 9.30am. You must be a registered member of NetWORK Wynyard to attend their meetings. Refreshments will be available from the on-site cafe.
Meetings for other NetWORK groups will be launched soon. You will be notified about your group’s news and events via email, newsletter and the NetWORK NotWORK social media.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A MEETING?
The programme of events at each meeting will vary. You will not be required to refer to other businesses within the netWORK and will not be required to formally present your business to other members (if you wish to do this you may). Meetings will predominantly be an opportunity to socialise with and gain support from other members. There will also be an educational segment within most meetings, which will be led by a registered member or guest speaker. If you would like to speak at an event or nominate a guest speaker, email info@networknotwork.co.uk .
WHAT IF THERE IS ALREADY ANOTHER BUSINESS REGISTERED THAT OFFERS THE SAME SERVICES THAT I DO?
That is great! NetWORK NotWORK does not restrict attendance based upon business category as there is no recommended/required referral scheme in place. Meeting other businesses who operate in the same field as you can enable you to share ideas, refer clients to each other if you are not the right ‘fit’ and gain valuable peer support. Growing together ensures success.
WHAT DO I DO IF I OWN/MANAGE MULTIPLE BUSINESSES?
If you own, manage or lead more than one business and either you and/or your businesses meet the eligibility criteria, please complete a registration form for each business to ensure they all get featured and promoted online.
WHAT IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE OWNERS/MANAGERS IN MY BUSINESS?
Multiple individuals may attend and represent the same business, however they must all be either business owners, managers or leaders and meet the eligibility criteria of either living or working in a NetWORK NotWORK location. Each individual must complete a registration form.
AM I ALLOWED TO JOIN OTHER NETWORKING GROUPS?
Of course! At NetWORK NotWORK, we do not have a competitive ethos and do not aim to replace or emulate existing business networking groups. We do not operate a mandatory referral scheme and consequently, you should not breach the rules or recommendations of any other networking groups. We also recommend groups such as the Tees Valley Business Club, North East Chamber of Commerce and Business Network International (BNI).
ABOUT OUR NETWORK
About Us
NetWORK NotWORK CIC (community interest company) is a free-of-charge, local business community in the North East of England. The NetWORK was established to promote business growth within Wynyard, its founding locality, and allow business owners to form valuable connections and to gain support when needed. Since its inception, the NetWORK now spans from Middlesbrough to Northumberland. Owning a business can be isolating and formal networking groups are not for everyone. We aim to operate a fun, non-committal and informal approach that does not require referrals or other formal recommendations to be made.
NetWORK NotWORK CIC does not operate a formal referral scheme and does not aim to compete with well-established networking groups and organisations. NetWORK NotWORK is a community initiative that utilises a friendly, informal, fun, and educational approach to support socioeconomic development. Our social mindset aims to support the physical and mental wellbeing of its members by creating supportive connections in each local community.
We hope to work with and alongside local authorities and larger organisations to support you in the best way we possibly can.