A Night to Remember: Reflections on the Opendoorz Gloucestershire Launch

Opening New Doors in Gloucestershire

Last week at the beautifully refurbished Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester, we celebrated something we had been quietly working towards for months: the launch of Opendoorz Gloucestershire.

Cathy, Kate, and I hoped the evening would capture what Opendoorz stands for: real connections, genuine conversations, and a sense of belonging from the moment people walk in. It did all that and more.

More than 70 business owners and professionals joined us, curious to see what makes Opendoorz different. Within minutes the room was filled with laughter, warmth, and easy conversation. That is what I love most about this community. You can feel when people are there to connect, not just collect contacts — and that feeling never gets old.

When Cathy shared the story behind Opendoorz and why “networking done differently” is so much more than a tagline, you could see it resonate. There were smiles, nods, and that quiet moment when people really listen. It reminded me just how powerful shared values can be.

The feedback has been lovely:

“This was a great event, and a privilege to be invited – thank you, Cathy Dunbabin. Sitting down with these high achievers was a humbling experience – lovely people too. The new-look Kings Head is FAB, will be great for the town as well!”

-Nigel Chute, Chute Design

“It was a really insightful and energising evening. Thank you so much for welcoming me there. I have already shared with a few people in my network about the group and what you are building.”

-Faye Ingram, Co-founder of CoMotion

Guest events across Cheltenham, the North Cotswolds, Cirencester, and Minster in the coming months are filling fast, and the conversations that began that evening are already turning into collaborations and new opportunities.

As a member, director, and shareholder, moments like this make me proud. Opendoorz has always been about putting people first, creating spaces where business owners can share openly, grow confidently, and build relationships that last. And if the energy in that room was anything to go by, Gloucestershire is going to be a brilliant new chapter.

Here is to the start of something really special in Gloucestershire.