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Doing networking differently for over a decade.


We are the networking experts for Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire

Opendoorz has always been about making the most of every opportunity. When time is in short supply you need to know that you’re spending it wisely particularly when it comes to your business.
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Bringing the fun

As a business owner or director, all too often you live and breathe your work, but we firmly believe that shouldn’t be at the expense of enjoying yourself. Opendoorz is about creating a supportive, ambitious network for you and your business, one that challenges and drives you but also ensures that you don’t miss out on the fun and we’re pretty good at making sure you’ve got a glass in your hand as well.

Founders Cathy Dunbabin and Sonia Kearns were friends first. With much in common, including a wealth of business and networking experience they recognised the networking arena was changing, with professionals becoming increasingly time poor, and frustrated with the poor return from larger, more traditional networking events.

They realised this was the ideal opportunity to create a professional networking membership group with a difference. And so, in January 2011, Sonia and Cathy launched the first Opendoorz group in central Oxford.

“We shared many of the same values, were heading in similar directions, laughed at lots of the same things and above all trusted, valued and thought highly of each other”

Size matters

The combination of regular, members only meetings with monthly guest events bringing new faces into the mix has proven a key part of the winning formula. The culture Opendoorz has built means members are keen to share their own expertise and learn from others, allowing relationships to flourish and businesses to grow as a result.

The fact that meetings follow a clear structure, but members take the lead and drive the content for each session keeps things interesting, dynamic and lively. Whether it’s sharing ideas, learning something new or asking for feedback there’s always a group of like-minded peers on hand to listen, question and discuss your thoughts with. Add to that the bonus of fabulous venues, good food, delicious drinks and great company and it’s clear to see why the Opendoorz way works.

We now boast 11 groups across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire. Each one is the perfect mix of high calibre business owners and directors all looking for a networking experience that brings real value and lasting relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Opendoorz different?

Honestly? We don’t believe networking is a numbers game.

Opendoorz is built on relationships, not transactions. We create structured environments where trust builds first — and opportunity follows naturally.

No pressure. No gimmicks. Just the right people in the right room, consistently.

2. Who is Opendoorz for?

Established SME owners, typically 40+, turning over £100,000+ and leading growing businesses.

People who:

  • Are past the start-up phase
  • Carry real responsibility
  • Value straight conversations
  • Want trusted peers, not another sales channel

If you’re feeling the weight of leadership and want better conversations, you’ll fit.

3. Who isn’t it for?

We’re not for:

  • Early-stage start-ups
  • Hobby businesses
  • People looking for quick wins
  • Anyone expecting quick guaranteed ROI

We create the environment. You bring the behaviour.

4. How does membership work?
  • 12-month commitment
  • Groups capped at 20 members
  • Two meetings per month
  • Ability to visit groups across the network

We keep groups small on purpose. Depth beats volume. But enable access to the wider network.

5. What actually happens in a meeting?

Our meetings are structured and purposeful.

You’ll experience:

  • Business showcases
  • Professional development (CPD)
  • Open Forum discussions
  • Strategic opportunity updates
  • Honest 1-minute message critiques

It’s interactive. Adult. And surprisingly energising.

6. What are Insight Meetings?

Insight Meetings are structured 1-to-1s between members.

They’re not coffee catch-ups. They’re focused conversations designed to understand each other’s businesses properly, so introductions are intelligent, not random.

Members commit to two per month. That’s where trust deepens.

7. What’s expected of members?

Clarity, not pressure.

Each year members aim for:

  • 4 guests
  • 8 opportunities created
  • 24 Insight meetings
  • Strong attendance

These aren’t targets to chase. They’re habits that work.

8. Does it actually generate business?

Yes.

In 2025 alone:

  • 1,155 opportunities were created
  • £5.8m+ of recorded new business was generated

And that’s only what we can formally track.

The real value often sits in long-term partnerships and trusted introductions.

9. What do members value most?

From our latest 2025 end of year member survey:

Top value areas:

  • Trusted peer relationships
  • Quality conversations
  • Opportunities given and received
  • Being part of a wider business network

Belonging comes first. Business follows.

10. Is there professional development included?

Yes — every meeting includes CPD.

In 2025 we delivered 250 CPDs with over 3,000 attendances.

Topics range from sales and leadership to AI and strategic marketing, always practical, always relevant.

We constantly refine the quality based on member feedback.

11. How selective is membership?

Very.

We curate carefully because quality matters.

Every new member affects the room. We protect culture over speed of growth.

12. How big is Opendoorz?

Founded in 2011.

Currently:

  • 12 Groups
  • 2 regions
  • Around 150 established business owners

We grow intentionally. Not aggressively.

13. What’s attendance like?

High.

On average, attendance sits above 93%.

When people see real value, they show up.

14. What support exists outside meetings?

Members have access to:

  • A dedicated member portal
  • Cross-group visiting
  • Associate Director support
  • WhatsApp community
  • Structured tracking of engagement and opportunities

It’s structured, but human.

15. What type of businesses join?

Service-led SMEs typically in 3 key sectors:

  • Professional Services
  • Creative and Tech
  • Property

Decision-makers. Established operators. Grown-ups.

16. How do guest events work?

Each month we host a curated guest event.

Members invite high-calibre business owners they genuinely respect.

We manage numbers carefully to maintain quality.

Guests often comment on:

  • The calibre of the room
  • The format
  • The depth of conversation
  • The genuine desire to support one another
17. How many guests become members?

In 2025, 47 guests became members.

But conversion isn’t the goal, fit is.

18. What about community and charity?

In 2025 we support:

  • 11 small local charities
  • Raised £65,000
  • Provided Pro bono work delivered by members

We believe business should contribute beyond itself.

19. What if I’m already in another networking group?

That’s fine.

The real question is:
Are you in the right room?

Many members belong to multiple networks, but they describe Opendoorz as the one where relationships feel deeper and conversations feel sharper.

20. What results should I realistically expect?

You can expect:

  • Stronger peer relationships
  • More strategic introductions
  • Greater clarity in how you present your business
  • Accountability and confidence
  • A room that challenges and supports you

You cannot expect:

  • Instant leads
  • A passive membership
  • A guaranteed return without contribution

This works when you show up properly.

So, what are you waiting for? Get involved with Opendoorz

Why not take a chance and see if the Opendoorz way is the professional business support that you and your business are looking for?

Find out more about what matters to us by clicking below.