‘Fun’ networking group expands to Redcar

A North East business network is growing to support local communities.

NetWORK NotWORK, a Teesside-based networking group founded to make professional connections “more fun,” has launched its seventh venue in Redcar, with a Middlesbrough location set to open soon. 

Established in January 2024 by business owners Michael and Kat Carruthers, the CIC aims to combine business growth with community impact, creating an intergenerational network that supports both personal and professional development.

Originally launched at Wynyard Business Park, NetWORK NotWORK now hosts events across Stockton, Hartlepool, Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham, offering opportunities for members to connect in relaxed, engaging environments. 

The Redcar launch at The Regent Cinema marks the group’s latest expansion in the North East.

Kat said: “We wanted networking to feel like ‘not working’ which is why we came up with the name, NetWORK NotWORK.

“At our events, our focus is for our members to connect with others in a fun, informal way. 

“It has been great to see so many valuable connections made in the room.

“Owning a business can be isolating and formal networking groups are not for everyone. 

“We aim to provide a fun, non-committal and informal approach.

“NetWORK NotWORK is a community initiative that has a friendly, informal, fun and educational approach to support socioeconomic development. 

“Our social mindset aims to support the physical and mental wellbeing of its members by creating supportive connections in the local community.”

Kat added: “The launch of Redcar’s NetWORK NotWORK event was a huge success.

“We have established a great presence in Stockton, Hartlepool and across the North, and we will also be rolling out the group to come to Middlesbrough. 

“It was great to see so many new faces and familiar ones in Redcar. 

“The feedback we have received from the event has been great and we look forward to returning to Redcar.”

Beyond networking, the CIC runs several initiatives focused on younger members and those outside employment or education. 

Its programmes include ‘Level Up! Navigating your way to WORK with NetWORK NotWORK’ for NEET individuals, ‘Ignite XP’ for young people aged eight to 24, and ‘Junior Journalism’, which gives pupils hands-on experience in media and skills development. 

These initiatives are supported by local businesses and funding from organisations such as Larch, Thirteen, Asda Foundation, Miller Homes, Believe Housing and Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

Kat added: “It is really important to us to ensure that our local community is supported here in the North East, so we have set up several youth programmes for children and young people to learn about enterprise, develop important skills which will see them through to adulthood, and have fun!”

“At NWNW we believe that every child and young person deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their background.

“Many of the schools we work with are in areas facing high levels of economic deprivation, where pupils may have limited access to networks, opportunities and role models. 

“By working together with teachers, families and employers, we aim to change this.

“Each programme is carefully designed to complement the national curriculum and links classroom learning with real-world challenges, helping pupils understand not just ‘what’ they are learning, but ‘why’ it matters for their future. 

“Our unique ‘Know, Develop and Grow’ approach to education moves learners from exploratory work to practical application.”

NetWORK NotWORK has also strengthened its board of directors, which now includes Michael as managing director; Kat as operations director; Andrew Coxon, as people, culture and learning director; Sarah Dale and Sarah Walker as PR directors; Jon Hocker as learning innovations director; Stephen Hume as finance director; David Porter as marketing director; Geeta Sharma as policy and public engagement director; and Rylie Sweeney as youth director. 

Partners providing specialist support include Adeel Bashir of Nouveau Law for legal matters and Sophie Dodgson of Beesure HR for human resources.

To find out more about NetWORK NotWORK and register for free at upcoming events, see here.

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