A POPULAR Cumbrian networking event came back with a bang to celebrate all the very best of the county's business community.

Following a number of popular events throughout 2022, the networking evening returned to Carlisle last week to kick off the 2023 year, with a number of new 'soapbox stars'.

News and Star: Martin Norris, Joy Yates, Nick Turner and Joshua HolmesMartin Norris, Joy Yates, Nick Turner and Joshua Holmes (Image: NQ staff)

Helen Askew, from Carlisle-based company, The Tipsy Filly, was also on had to share her gin expertise and offering samples to networkers throughout the evening.

Sales Director, Emily Wood said: "A brilliant night, so well attended, with lots of new faces to meet.

"Also great to hear from three brand new businesses on the soapbox and see the diversity and breadth of Cumbrian entrepreneurship. Helen from Tipsy Filly's gin cocktails were a massive hit; a brilliant partner."

News and Star: Helen Askew, from Carlisle-based company, The Tipsy FillyHelen Askew, from Carlisle-based company, The Tipsy Filly (Image: NQ staff)

The event in The Exchange Room at The Halston introduced three new soapbox stars who talked to the audience about what makes their businesses stand out as well as what life is like being part of the Cumbrian business community.

On the soapbox were: 

News and Star: Natalie Barker – Founder and Virtual Assistant, M&M Business SupportNatalie Barker – Founder and Virtual Assistant, M&M Business Support (Image: NQ staff)

Natalie Barker – Founder and Virtual Assistant, M&M Business Support

Dan McAulay – Owner, Dan McAulay Marketing 

Melanie Kinsella – Director, Kinsella HR Solutions Ltd 

News and Star: Melanie Kinsella – Director, Kinsella HR Solutions Ltd Melanie Kinsella – Director, Kinsella HR Solutions Ltd  (Image: NQ staff)

Joy Yates, Group Editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: "Our networking events continue to get better and better. It is amazing to have the continued support of so many regular business networkers as well as welcoming new representatives every month.

READ MORE: Popular business networking event to return to Cumbria for first time in 2023

"It was great to showcase a different room in The Halston and the canapes went down a treat with the fabulous gin cocktails. It's hard to believe we started our get-togethers in August last year and there is still an appetite for the monthly events.

READ MORE: Over 50 businesses attend in-Cumbria networking event

News and Star: Dan McAulay – Owner, Dan McAulay Marketing Dan McAulay – Owner, Dan McAulay Marketing  (Image: NQ staff)

"I'm very excited to announce we will also be hosting another networking event in Kendal in February - as well as our regular Carlisle evening, which next month will be on Thursday, 23rd.

"The LinkedIn support has again been superb and extremely welcomed. Make sure you continue to follow in-Cumbria for regular updates."

To find out more about the in-Cumbria networking events you can visit : https://www.in-cumbria.com/news/networking-events