Networking Event for Creatives in Berkshire
Here’s why have I decided to start my own creative networking event in the Berkshire area
Photos by Nicola Belson
I’ve been living in Reading, Berkshire for over 10 years, and in the last 5 years I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator working at live events and weddings across the uk and hosting workshops and events.
During this time, I’ve met so many amazing creative business owners and artists through the arts charity Jelly, and the Caversham Arts Trail, as well as connecting with fellow creatives who I’ve met online, through communities such as The Best 90 Days Ever and Hype Yourself.
I have attended many local networking events for small businesses including ‘The Business Nest’ but I realised there wasn’t an event that spoke to the experience of running a business as a creative person.
I actually applied for funding to host some local networking events, and although I wasn’t successful in securing the funding, I decided to go ahead and host the events myself anyway and learn as I go.
I chose the Reading Biscuit Factory cinema as the first venue as they have a large cafe / bar community space and they are super supportive local businesses and artists and they host a range of events from life drawing, to wine tasting, record sales, games nights, drag bingo and more. I’ve hosted art workshops there in the past and I still love visiting the venue to see films and attend other community events.
“Fabulous first event Helen! You created a really welcoming, fun and relaxed vibe to the networking”
Venue secured, now I just needed a guest speaker!
Once I had the venue confirmed, I needed to find a speaker. I had coffee booked with Kendall Marie Platt at Adventures With Flowers, who I met through the Hype Yourself community online.
Kendall often does public speaking at events, so I invited her to be our first speaker at the first event in April 2026. She is a horticultural therapist, and her talk was called ‘Soil To Soul: Finding Balance Beyond The Grind’.
Her talk was a real hit, and I loved that she bought real plants and flowers for guests to sniff and touch during the talk. She inspired all of us to reconnect with nature and our gardens, even if its just for 20 minutes a day.
“It was a lovely event to be a part of and you were brilliant at speaking in front of everyone”
Why linking up with other local creatives was so important to me
I also asked local photographer Nicola Belson who I met through a wedding photoshoot I took part in back in December. Nicola is also growing the branding photography side of her business so I thought she would be a great fit to capture the first event. I love the photos that she took, as they really capture the joy and fun of the group.
I was really nervous to host this first event, but I was really inspired by how many of my existing network booked tickets, and shared it with their community as well. We had a really interesting mix of different creative businesses from architects, to photographers, illustrators, videographers, graphic designers, jewellers and more.
“It was a brilliant event - looking forward to the next one!”
“Such a lovely group and a great atmosphere! Looking forward to the next!”
Thank you to everyone who left wonderful feedback. These are just some of the comments from business owners that attended and this is what has encouraged me to continue hosting these events.
The next event will be hosted at South Street Arts Centre on 6th July 2026.
You can find out more about upcoming events at https://www.helenridley.com/berkshire-creatives-networking
Hello I’m Helen, a live illustrator based in Reading, Berkshire. I create create joy and connection at weddings and live events, developing bespoke artwork for brands and private clients, and through my mindfully creative workshops and retreats.
If you would like some more information about how to work with me, please click get in touch via my contact form or email me at hello@helenridley.com
You can also keep up to date with my upcoming events and latest illustration projects by signing up to my mailing list.
