A local networking group wants everyone to feel welcome

An Exeter-based SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) from very humble beginnings is doing its bit to support aspiring businesses. 

The networking group, G12, has become so popular that Alistair Gleave, an Exeter local with an accomplished professional record working in marketing, has introduced additional business referral groups to keep up with demand. 

Alistair has lived in Devon for 30 years after originally moving here from the midlands. 

Fourteen years ago, Alistair founded his digital marketing agency, GleaveMedia, after identifying a significant gap in the networking world.

He noticed that existing business networking groups often charged high membership fees, making them less accessible to new or aspiring businesses.

“I wanted aspirational businesses to get together in South Devon to connect and make new contacts and business referrals,” says Alistair. 

Above: G12 networking event. Image: GleaveMedia

This September 2024, Alistair started introducing more defined business referral groups that target specific sectors. 

Alistair explained: “On the first Wednesday of every month, we have our referral group, and then on the last Wednesday, we have a more general one that can attract around 25 to 30 people.”

Alistair believes that networking should be an inclusive and supportive process that offers a space for businesses of all sizes who want to grow. 

Alistair said: “At the end of the day, all I am trying to do is get businesses to talk to each other. Businesses that might feel intimidated by the idea of approaching large networking organisations, only to be told they need to pay £1,000 just to join.

“If someone approaches me saying, ‘I know I need to go networking, but I don’t really know what to do’, I’ll ring them up and tell them to come along; we’re really friendly, offer pay as you go, and are not going to pressurise you to join if you don’t want to.”

Above: G12 networking event. Image: GleaveMedia

Alistair often encourages members of G12 to speak during his events, with topics spanning GDPR, eclectic cars, and fitness.

One of the main intentions behind introducing these referral groups is so Alistair can track who referred who and what happened as a result of the referral. 

He plans on using this information to build a repertoire of G12 success stories.

Alistair added: “At the end of the day, people buy people. If you’re not personable, then you’re not going to get anywhere. What I've also learnt from these events is that people very rarely shake your hand when you leave and thank you for coming. So I make a real effort to thank people and invite them to come again, as manners cost nothing.

“We are after people who want to engage with different age groups, males, females, and other businesses. 

“There’s no commitment; just come along with an open mind, lots of business cards, and see what you think about it.”

You can find out more about G12’s networking events via the website.