Friday breakfast at the ISCA Centre
Your first Friday
Walking into a room of people you don't know at quarter past seven isn't most people's idea of fun. So here's exactly what happens, and the good news is it's a lot more relaxed than you might think.
Running order
How the morning runs
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7:15
Arrive for a hot drink or juice and a chat
Someone from the committee will say hello and introduce you to a few people. Nobody's going to corner you with a sales pitch.
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7:30
The meeting starts
The chair runs through club news and a few thank-yous between members. Then we go round the room and everyone, guests included, gets 60 seconds to say who they are, what they do and their answer to the question of the week.
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8:00
Breakfast
We move through for a cooked or continental breakfast. This is where most of the real conversations happen.
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8:30
The main slot
Usually a guest speaker, a member talking about their business or an "expert in the spotlight", where the room quizzes one member on their specialist subject. Some weeks it's a group discussion where members bring a problem and the room helps solve it.
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9:00
Done
You're on your way with a full stomach and, more often than not, a couple of useful contacts.
Away days. Every so often we swap the venue for an away day, like a walk around Haldon Forest followed by breakfast, a morning at Darts Farm or a visit to a member's premises.
The 60 seconds
About that 60-second intro
It's not a pitch competition. Each week the chair sets a question, and everyone, guests included, gives their name, what they do and their answer. You learn far more about people than a job title tells you, and nobody's ever stuck for something to say.
If you're feeling nervous, keep it simple: your name, what you do and a quick answer is plenty.
A few questions we've asked
What's something you believed about your industry five years ago that you've completely changed your mind on?
What's one habit or routine that you think makes you better at life or in your business?
What's a local Exeter or Devon business, place or thing that you think more people in this room should know about?
Practical details
Getting there
Where
The ISCA Centre, Summer Lane, Exeter EX4 8NT, next to Exeter Arena in Whipton.
Parking
Free on site, with plenty of spaces.
What to bring and wear
Business cards if you have them. Otherwise, just wear whatever you'd normally wear for work. Some members come in suits, some in jeans, and nobody minds either way.
Cost
Your first two visits are free. Your third and final guest visit is £15, breakfast included, paid by bank transfer before the meeting.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Do I have to join after visiting?
No. You can come as a guest up to three times to see if it suits you. If it does, you can apply to join after your third visit.
What if someone in my line of work is already a member?
We only have one business per profession, so check the member directory first. If something overlaps, we'll have a quick word with the existing member before your visit. Sometimes businesses with a specialism can sit side by side.
How often do members come?
Most members come most Fridays. The minimum is one meeting a month, because we know business gets busy. If you can't make it, you can send someone from your business instead.
Is it the right group for a sole trader?
Yes. Plenty of our members are sole traders or run small teams. What matters is that you're the owner, manager or one of the people who makes the decisions. Still weighing up your options? Our guide to networking groups in Exeter compares the main ones honestly.
Do I need to own the business?
No. Members include owners, partners, directors and branch managers. What matters is that you run the business or its local office, can make decisions for it, and can come along most Fridays.
Can I bring a colleague?
One person represents each member business, but a colleague can come instead of you when you can't make it.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes. As well as cooked or continental, there are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan breakfasts. Just mention it in the booking form so we can order the right one for you.
How do I book?
Fill in the booking form and our membership secretary will confirm your date. Please book by 5pm on the Tuesday for that Friday, as we order breakfast first thing Wednesday.
Come and have breakfast with us
Your first two visits are free. Your third and final guest visit is £15, breakfast included.
Book your first visit