'Supportive' business network group from Worksop clinches top award
The North Notts branch of a business network known as The Growth Community was praised for ‘punching above their weight in their support for each other’ as they were crowned Group of the Year in the network’s 2026 awards.
Founder of The Growth Community, Nicky Thomas, said: “I’ve been really impressed with the way the North Notts group have been working together.
“They have always punched way above their weight in terms of the support they offer each other and the business opportunities they create.
“Over the past 12 months, they’ve gone up a gear and put greater effort into growing the group organically and examining how they can improve the experience for
guests.
“As a result, new members have joined the group, they’ve had higher guest numbers at meetings and they’ve been able to offer help and support to more people. A really successful team effort!”
The Growth Community has 15 networking groups across Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and virtually.
The North Notts branch won Group of the Year out of six branches in the running for the accolade.
Group leader, Andy Lyons from Andrew Lyons Photography, added: “I’ve been a member of the North Notts group for several years.
“Not only has it enabled me to grow my business, but when things have been tough, I’ve had a team around me who have been there for advice, motivation and just generally supporting me through it.
“We all know that being in business can be a bit lonely at times, so meeting up with such a positive group of business friends every two weeks really makes a difference.
I love how everyone genuinely wants to see each other be successful.”
The North Notts group meets fortnightly at Worksop Turbine near Gateford.
The group has nine members, including marketing, photography, financial, legal, mortgage, leadership, accounting and utility professionals.
Nicky added: “Sitting in on one of the North Notts networking meetings is really inspirational. They always have so much to share about how they collaborate and
support each other’s growth and success.
“The Growth Community is a business networking community, and we are all about working together. So, it’s great to see a group living and breathing this so effectively.
“If you’ve not visited this welcoming group as a guest, I strongly recommend that you do.”
Businesses can attend any Growth Community meeting up to six times a year for free.
The next North Notts meeting is on Thursday, April 2, from 10 to 11.30am. For more information or to book your ticket, visit: https://www.thegrowthcommunity.co.uk/locations/northnotts