Connect & Reflect is back!

As some of you may be aware, earlier this year Adam Whittaker and I started a new networking event - Connect & Reflect - and the next event will take place on Tuesday 29th September at Manchester Building Society.

As well as the usual networking opportunity, this month we have invited five Manchester business owners to answer questions about their businesses, the challenges they faced setting up, and the advice they would offer to fellow entrepreneurs.

The line up includes:

Eric McBean

For over 40 years, Eric has been creating businesses and initiatives that solve real-world problems. Today, his focus is on developing sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact, support communities and create lasting social value. As Founder of Squosh Compacting Company, he has pioneered an innovative bin store management service that helps housing providers, local authorities, healthcare organisations and businesses maximise bin capacity, reduce waste management costs, improve recycling opportunities and support Net Zero ambitions.

Karen Cargill

Karen is a Wellbeing Consultant, who guides others towards a brighter future, using training, talks and therapy. People don’t have to have a mental health issue to use her services but learning about the traits, triggers and support for a range of subjects from anxiety to more severe conditions like PTSD can be invaluable to your wellbeing and a happy, productive workforce.

John Roche

John is the owner of Notorious Pay Per Click who build and manage profitable paid campaigns on Search Engines and Social Platforms. Along with his business partner he looks after a broad range of clients from home improvements to big insurance companies. If he thinks PPC fits or he can improve the results people are currently seeing he’ll let them know.

Bibicha Muhima Ngeli

Bibicha is the founder of Loboko Ya Ma B, a Congolese food and cultural brand but it has become much more than a food business. It is her way of celebrating culture, creating connections and opening conversations around migration, identity and belonging. Through catering, live cooking and cultural food experiences, she wants people to taste something new, learn something about her culture and hopefully leave with a story of their own. She will be bringing some of her amazing Puff Puff for you to savour for yourself!

Mike Richard

Mike is the Founder and CEO of Talk About It Mate, leading community-led men’s wellbeing work rooted in person-centred values since 2017. His work is about creating the right conditions in which people can thrive. He builds spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest, connected enough to stay, and supported enough to grow — grounded in trust, consistency, and shared ownership. Alongside this, he's a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor (MBACP Registered). That background shapes how he works with people and organisations — leading in a way that is relational, collaborative, and values-led.

To book your free place click here