Your Monthly Business Lifeline in Bristol
Running a business can feel lonely.
You’re making decisions that keep you up at night, dealing with challenges your friends don’t quite get, and sometimes wondering if anyone else understands what it’s really like.
We do.
And we meet once a month in Bristol.
Every month, ambitious business owners from across Bristol and the surrounding areas gather for the Entrepreneurs Circle Local Event – and honestly? It’s become the highlight of many of our months.
This isn’t networking where you awkwardly shuffle business cards and make small talk. This is a room full of people who get it – the wins, the worries, and everything in between.
Why I'm Inviting You to Join Us
The EC Bristol meetings have given me:
- Accountability that actually gets things done (not the kind you ignore)
- Real strategies from people implementing them right now, not theories from gurus
- Community with people who understand the rollercoaster we’re all on
- Sanity when I needed perspective from people who’ve been there
I’m not exaggerating when I say this community has kept me sane, sharp, and moving forward.
My background might surprise you. I started as the BBC’s first female football commentator back in 1997. While breaking barriers in the commentary box, I noticed something crucial: the teams that won weren’t necessarily the ones with the most talented individual players. They were the ones where people just clicked.
That insight became the foundation of everything I do now at HFBAC (Hiring For and Building Awesome Companies), where I help founders build their dream teams using our Chemistry First methodology.
But there’s something even more important driving what I do. My son overcame cancer at age 3 with incredible support from Young Lives vs Cancer. Watching him fight taught me something profound about what really matters when the pressure’s on: it’s about having people who show up for each other, make each other stronger, and refuse to give up on the team.
That’s why Jason and I are so passionate about growing our Bristol group. We want more local business owners to experience what we have – genuine support, practical help, and a room full of people who are cheering you on while pushing you to be better.
Free Resources to Help You Grow (Right Now)
Facebook Advertising Resources
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Let's Be Honest... Most Networking Is Awful
- NO 6am starts (we value our sleep, thanks)
- NO awkward ice breakers (cringe-free zone)
- NO endless pitch-fests (we're not here to sell to each other)
- NO dodgy breakfasts (though coffee is always available)
- NO deathly dull presentations (we keep things moving)
What Actually Happens at Our Bristol Meetings?
'Who's Who in 22!'
You've got 22 seconds to tell us who you are and what you do. Short, snappy, and no pressure to be perfect.
Your Successes
Share what's working in your business right now. This isn't bragging – it's helping others learn from what you've done. (And it feels great to celebrate your wins.)
The Shiny New Thing
Every meeting, we share one practical tactic, tool, or strategy you can implement immediately to get more customers. You'll actually use this stuff.
Content Session
A focused session (with workbook!) on a specific aspect of business growth. Real strategies, not fluff.
Your One Commitment
Here's where the magic happens: you commit to one thing you'll implement before next month. The accountability makes sure things actually get done.
- "Hope is not a plan." – Jason
Entrepreneur of the Month
We celebrate one member who's seen great results. (Certificate included. Yes, really.)
Networking
Stay as long as you'd like. This is where you really get to know your fellow members, make connections, do deals, and enjoy the social side.
Feeling nervous?
Don't be. You can participate as much or as little as you want. We don't pressure anyone – if you'd rather observe for your first meeting, that's absolutely fine.
Meet Your Bristol Co-Lead Ambassadors
Helen runs HFBAC, helping ambitious founders build their dream teams through co-founder matching and strategic hiring. With 20+ years of experience, she’s navigated the full entrepreneurial journey – from solo founder stress to successfully selling a business.
Her unusual career started as the BBC’s first female football commentator in 1997, where she discovered that winning teams aren’t built on talent alone – they’re built on chemistry. That insight became the foundation of her proprietary Chemistry First methodology.
Helen has been crowned Entrepreneur of the Month a total of three times (so far) at EC Bristol (November 2025, August 2024 and June 2023). She’s also a Delivery Partner for Virgin StartUp’s Empower100 programme and the British Library’s Business & IP Centre.
When she’s not matching co-founders, helping entrepreneurs and business owners to hire well or leading EC Bristol meetings, Helen is working toward her mission to raise £1 million for Young Lives vs Cancer – inspired by her son’s journey overcoming cancer at age 3.
Jason has spent nearly a decade helping professionals escape unfulfilling jobs and turn their ambitions into thriving businesses. Since 2015, he’s been coaching and mentoring founders through the full entrepreneurial journey – from launch and product-market fit to leadership and scale.
With experience as both a startup founder and a senior leader in large corporates, Jason brings a rare blend of strategic insight and hands-on know-how. He’s calm, methodical, and supportive – the kind of person who helps you cut through the fog and see what really matters.
Currently an Innovation & Growth Specialist with the Natwest Accelerator, Business West and Innovate UK South West, Jason supports ambitious SMEs across the region to scale and overcome barriers to growth. He’s also a certified Flow Consultant, helping entrepreneurs work in their natural strengths rather than fighting against them.
His approach is simple: it’s not just about strategy, it’s about execution – with support and accountability.
As one client said: “Jason has been an incredible help to our startup, guiding us to find direction and focus in times of uncertainty.”
Our Strict 'No A***holes' Policy
We’ve all been to events ruined by people who suck up everyone’s time, treat it like their personal pitch session, or disappear after their bit is done.
Not here.
We make sure you’re surrounded by like-minded, ambitious business owners who are here for all the right reasons. We’re a genuinely friendly group, and we pride ourselves on making everyone – especially new members – feel immediately at home.
We’re a diverse bunch, but what unites us is this: we’re all building something, and we all want to do it alongside people who understand the journey.
How to Join Us in Bristol
You can try us out for a whole month absolutely free.
Through the Entrepreneurs Circle Small Business Bursary, your first month of membership is completely free. It won’t cost you a penny.
Attend your first Bristol meeting, see if we’re a good fit, and experience everything EC offers. When you realize how valuable it is (and we’re confident you will), stick around for just £99 + VAT per month.
1. Sign up for your free month through the Small Business Bursary
2. Book your place at the next Bristol meeting (completely free) here https://eclocal.co.uk/BristolUK/
3. Show up and meet us – we’ll save you a seat
Quick Questions Answered
£99 a month? That's expensive for networking!
We get it.
But here’s the thing – this isn’t just networking, and the Bristol meeting is just one small part of your membership.
You also get:
- Access to 100+ EC Local Meetings across the UK (visit any of them!)
- Huge celebrity-filled Conventions
- Personal help and support
- Tools, training, and templates
- Member discounts
- A community of thousands of business owners
Most members tell us it quickly becomes the best investment they’ve ever made in their business. Try it free for a month and see for yourself.
Why do you need my card details for a free trial?
Two reasons:
- So you don’t miss out. After your free month, your membership continues uninterrupted. (But don’t worry – if you cancel before then, you won’t be charged at all. You can cancel anytime online.)
- Because it works. We tested this. People who enter card details actually use the resources, get results, and see value. Those who don’t tend to sign up with good intentions but never engage. We want you to get maximum value, dive in, and see real results.
Can I bring a friend or colleague?
Can I attend other EC Local Meetings outside Bristol?
The Bottom Line
P.S. Still on the fence? I understand. Here’s what I’d ask you: What’s one business challenge you’re facing right now that would be easier if you had a room full of experienced business owners to help you solve it? That’s what we do every month. Give us 90 minutes, and let’s see if we can help.
Next Meeting Details
Date
Monday, December 9, 2025
Time
6pm for a 6.30pm start
Location
Ruby Jeans Cafe and Restaurant, Shirehampton, Bristol
Cost
FREE for your first month
(then £99 + VAT/month