If one useful introduction or piece of help came out of this group, what would it be? It could be: - an investor - a lender - a contractor - an architect - a sounding board - or just clarity on something you’re working through You don’t need to explain the whole story. You don’t need to be specific if you don’t want to. A short comment is fine. A quiet DM is fine too. Sometimes the right person is already in the room, or quietly watching.

We’ve had a really good run of conversations this week. Coffee Hours, new faces, and even a deal coming together. That’s exactly what I’d hoped this group would become… I just didn’t expect that last part to happen quite so fast. Before we head into the weekend, I’m curious: What are you working on right now? Or what’s top of your list for next week? At Coffee Hour this week we also had two people who’ve only just started out on their own. They’ve got years of experience in the corporate world, but stepping out solo is still a brave move, and in my eyes, a very sensible one too. One thing that’s already clear is the depth of experience in this group when it comes to running businesses. Helping people take that next step is genuinely enjoyable, and I’m hoping the connections here start firing naturally. If you need direction, perspective, or a sounding board, just drop it into the group. Doesn’t need to be polished. One line is fine. And if you’re switching off completely this weekend, that’s also a perfectly acceptable answer.

Not everyone wants to be front and centre or spend time marketing themselves, and that’s absolutely fine. But I am convinced of one thing....everyone needs something at some point. That’s simply part of growing a business. At least initially, let my role as the host be to help with introductions. A good example from today: after separate conversations with two people in the group, it became clear they should meet each other. Both have only recently joined and were probably still working out what this space is all about. They’re both developers. They both need different things. So a call was set up. One was in Italy, the other in India, so a Teams call it was. Now, who knows where that goes, maybe nowhere, maybe somewhere useful. But the important thing is this: that conversation didn’t exist yesterday. And that’s really what this group is about. You don’t need to pitch. You don’t need to post a polished intro. You don’t need to be visible if that’s not your style. Sometimes it’s just about sharing what you’re working on or what you’re looking for, and letting the rest happen quietly. It might be a comment, a DM, or someone watching from the sidelines who reaches out later. This space simply gives you the choice. If you ever need help, perspective, or an introduction, feel free to drop it into the group — I’ll do my best to help join the dots.

Was good to speak just now. Thanks @Adrian Cormican for facilitating! @Rory Cullen @Jamie Mckinnon - if you need any input or review / troubleshooting on Ampthill, let me know. Email is - nick.stafford@enodia-planning.co.uk Jamie I will try to think where we've crossed paths before. Maybe looking at a site somewhere over the years. Or maybe mutual friends. Or maybe round a pool table by the sounds of it - I used to play for The Chequers then Westoning Rec Club many moons ago! @Yourgos Alexander - will have to look for a time we can arrange a catch up, as I think there may be potential mutual clients we can identify... Cheers!