Make the most of this round up of marketing, social media + small business skills, and networking/ co-working events in the local area – plus I've included a bonus couple which are online for good measure! If you're based in/ near Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Keynsham, Bath, Portishead + North Somerset… and looking to grow your network or you business knowhow, well, you're in the right place.
The following information is correct at time of posting, however it is recommended that you visit the website in each case to check the details before making plans, particularly as many events (including free-to-attend ones) may have requirements for attendance or require advance booking.
Let me know if you plan to take part in or attend any of the events I've featured - if it's one I'm going to or hosting myself, it'd be great to see you there!
And of course, if you are hosting a small business skills workshop, event or will be exhibiting at one, then email me the details. If it fulfils the selection criteria before that month's listing is published, I'll try to include it. Ruth 🙂
Making Tax Digital (MTD): What small businesses need to know for 2026
When is it? 2 December, 2 - 2.45pm
Organiser: Enterprise Nation, in association with Google + Saga
Location: Online webinar
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.enterprisenation.com/find-something/making-tax-digital-small-businesses-2026/\
A practical 45-minute webinar is coming up to help sole traders, landlords, and small business owners get ready for the 2026 rollout of the government initiative: Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. This session will break down what’s changing, who’s affected, and how to prepare with the right digital record-keeping and software – plus a Q&A to tackle common challenges and boost confidence around compliance.
Bristol Business Show
When is it? 3 December, 10am - 2pm
Organiser: hashtag events
Location: Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.hashtagevents.co.uk/business-shows/bristol-business-show/
The Bristol Business Show badges itself as the South West’s premier networking event, bringing together business owners, managers, and decision-makers from across the region. And held at this spectacular location, it promises to be a full day of networking, activities, speaker sessions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals… perfect for both first-time attendees and seasoned networking pros.
Stress Smarts: Thrive Under Pressure
When is it? 3 December, 11am - 12pm
Organiser: Small Business Saturday
Location: Online webinar
Price: FREE
More info: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/digital-tour
Supporting the annual Small Business Saturday movement, their week-long 'Digital Tour' is a selection of free business webinars – this session is run by Helen Sampson, a stress coach. She'll dive into what stress really is for entrepreneurs, guiding you through the hidden triggers that quietly affect wellbeing and decision-making. She’ll share practical techniques to help founders handle pressure more effectively, leaving you with simple tools to 'hack' your stress response and feel more in control.
Making your Business Finances Resilient; business support
When is it? 3 December, 11am - 12pm
Organiser: Bedminster Small Business Support Hub
Location: Share Bristol's Library of Things, 47-49 East Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4HB
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-business-support-making-your-business-finances-resilient-tickets-1571202692549
This practical in-person session is being held as part of the partnership between Share Bristol and BrisBES (Bristol Business & Enterprise Support which provides growth support for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Bristol. The advice included will cover protecting your business finances against ups-and-downs and changing market conditions.
Better Bristol: showcasing business opportunities, celebrating success
When is it? 4 December, 10am - 12pm
Organiser: Bristol City Council/ West of England Growth Hub
Location: The Foundation Space, Triodos Bank UK, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AS
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/better-bristol-showcasing-business-opportunities-celebrating-success-tickets-1818790063039
This free morning event brings Bristol employers together to network, share success, and explore the support available through Bristol City Council, including grants, recruitment help, and community-focused initiatives. It’s a great opportunity for local businesses to connect with peers, discover new growth avenues, and get practical guidance on making a positive impact in the city.
The Circle networking
When is it? 8 December, 10 - 11.45am
Organiser: Sophie, Michelle & Rachel of The Circle
Location: Magnolia Mews, Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2JX
Price: £6
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-circle-networking-sophie-michelle-rachel-78266566563
The Circle is a soulful, creative networking meetup for small business owners, healers, and spiritually minded entrepreneurs. Here for the ‘woo’ believers and feelers! Set in a cosy, welcoming space in the village of Frampton Cottrell, north Bristol, it’s a chance to share ideas, find support, spark collaborations, and connect with like-minded people over coffee, cake, and meaningful conversation. Each month has a new theme, guest speakers, and workshops, making it networking that truly feels inspiring rather than forced. December’s welcoming theme is ‘Embracing the dark; interior warmth and cosiness.’
Apollo Bristol 'Elevate' networking
When is it? 9 December, 8 - 9.30am
Organiser: Apollo Business UK
Location: Leigh Court Business Centre, Pill Road, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA
Price: £10
More info: https://apollobusiness.co.uk/series/apollo-bristol-elevate
This in-person Elevate session hosted by the Apollo Business team offers structured, yet friendly, networking for Bristol professionals, with open mingling, 60-second pitches, and a bite-sized expert talk to spark fresh ideas. These groups are all about productivity and the Power Team system is highly valued! Attendees can exchange referrals in a supportive format, making it a great space to build genuine connections and new business opportunities.
Strikes networking
When is it? 10 December, 12.30 - 2.30pm
Organiser: Hughes Isaac & Co
Location: Roxy Lanes, 13-29 Union Street, Bristol BS8 3RA
Price: £15
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/hughes-isaac-co-93173157353
This relaxed lunchtime networking meetup at Roxy Lanes mixes conversation with a bit of bowling, creating an easygoing space to meet new contacts and spark collaborations. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to grow your network, chat with like-minded professionals, and enjoy a break from the workday. Organised by south-west based accountants Hughes Isaac & Co, its ideal if you don’t like formally structured networking.
Exclusive Business Owners Networking - Bristol
When is it? 10 December, 6 - 9pm
Organiser: Network One
Location: Bristol Grand Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EL
Price: FREE super-early bird ticket/ £15
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/network-one-112911297891
A friendly, welcoming event from this community-centred organisation which operates small business meetups nationwide. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, founders and like-minded people in the small business world to network, share ideas and grow; meaningfully.
Business Misfit Networking - North Bristol
When is it? 11 December, 10am - 12pm
Organiser: The Business Misfits Network
Location: Serendipity Labs, Aztec West (Second Floor), Park Avenue, Bristol BS34 6FG
Price: £20 + booking fee
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-business-misfit-networking-north-bristol-tickets-1084897771439
The Business Misfit Network’s Bristol meet-up is a playful, feel-good alternative to traditional networking, bringing together founders, creatives, freelancers, and “corporate rebels” who want to do business with heart, fun, and authenticity. This festive session is set to mix relaxed connection with networking games designed to spark genuine relationships, fresh ideas, and creative collaboration. It’s all about showing up as your true self, ditching stuffy formats, and joining a supportive community that champions individuality, purpose, and a little bit of mischief.
Design with Canva for Beginners - skills webinar
When is it? 11 December, 6 - 9pm
Organiser: Cool Ventures
Location: Online webinar
Price: FREE for qualifying attendees
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cool-ventures-limited-2352051914
This practical, beginner-friendly online workshop from the Cool Ventures team is perfect for anyone who wants to get to grips with Canva and start creating great-looking graphics with confidence. Led by me, Ruth Southorn, it'll walk you through the key features of this online tool, how to customise templates, and the common pitfalls to sidestep, all so you can design on-brand social media visuals, marketing materials, professional business stationery (and more!) without the overwhelm. It's a free, fully-funded session for local businesses in B&NES and South Glos Council areas. Check you qualify when booking using the link.
Root & Rise
When is it? 15 December, 10am - 12pm
Organiser: Hils Crisp
Location: Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PL
Price: £20 + booking fee
More info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hilscrispbusinessalchemiste
Described as “witchy wisdom walkshops”, these monthly Root & Rise events are the chance to connect with like-minded, spiritual business owners looking for time to pause and reflect, away from the pressure of ‘screen’ life. Ditch the isolation and running on empty – this session is facilitated by Hils Crisp, ”business alchemiste”, who will guide you through spacious connection and soulful interaction back to reset the nervous system and find clarity. Inspiration, and ‘being’ not just ‘doing’, are powerful reminders and resources you’ll takeaway from the energising experience.
For transparency… this post was created by my human hands with quite a lot of help from my brain. Not a LLM.
The image used to accompany this listings post was created by AI, still with plenty of help from my brain.
The full AI policy for Swallowtail Social can be found here.
