The Midlands Business Network Ltd

What The Midlands Business Network Ltd does

The Midlands Business Network Ltd is a privately held, Warwickshire-based B2B events and networking platform that organises exhibitions, speed-networking sessions, and breakfast events for businesses across the Midlands region of England. Its core products are a recurring event calendar — headlined by the Midlands Business Network Expo (~100 exhibitors, 1,000+ attendees per event) — together with tiered exhibitor packages (£495–£1,295+VAT), event sponsorship, and individual ticket sales (£28–£35+VAT). The company also operates a subscription membership programme at £47.40/month or £568.80/year, granting promotional exposure across its newsletter (35,000 subscribers) and social channels (65,000+ followers), discounts on exhibition stands, and free access to networking events.

The underlying platform is built on WordPress with an integrated online booking system, a Member Zone portal for self-service profile and content management, and payment processing via PayPal and GoCardless. A small founding team (Business Directors Julie de Thierry and Bethany de Thierry) runs the operation, supported by a network of strategic partners — including bk plus, Nottingham Business School, the University of Leicester School of Business, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, and MIRA Technology Institute — who co-deliver content such as masterclasses, Carbon Literacy training, microcredentials, and EV/battery-skills programs through the MBN platform.

Monetisation spans four streams: recurring membership subscriptions, one-time exhibitor booth rentals, event sponsorship packages, and individual event ticket sales. Distribution is primarily direct, via the website booking portal, telephone sales, and on-site event engagement, with demand generated through email, social media, content marketing, and earned PR. The business is privately held, has no disclosed external funding, and currently serves only the UK Midlands.

Name

The Midlands Business Network Ltd

Legal name

The Midlands Business Network Ltd

Website

https://themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

B2B Networking Events & Exhibitions

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry-Specific B2B Trade Show Organizers (THAHABAB)

Keywords

• B2B networking events
• Business exhibitions
• Networking memberships
• Event sponsorship packages
• Speed networking sessions

Headquarters

HQ city

Warwickshire

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Monthly and annual membership fees providing access to networking events, exhibition discounts, social media promotion, newsletter features, and website business profiles. Monthly at £47.40 inc VAT, Annual at £568.80 inc VAT.
2. Exhibitor Packages: One-time booth rental at exhibitions including Essential (£495+VAT), Premium (£695+VAT), Ultimate (£995+VAT), and Sponsorship (£1,295+VAT) tiers with varying benefits including stand space, furniture, WiFi, marketing features, and networking access.
3. Event Sponsorship: Sponsorship packages for networking events providing brand visibility, social promotion, exhibition stands, email marketing, speed networking access, speaking slots, and attendee data.
4. Networking Event Tickets: Individual ticket sales for networking events including speed networking (£28+VAT) and breakfast events (£35+VAT). Members receive free unlimited access.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Midlands Business Network Ltd operates B2B exhibitions, networking events, and a paid membership programme for businesses in the Midlands region. Its primary revenue-driving offerings are large-scale Expo events featuring around 100 exhibitors and over 1,000 attendees, supported by Speed Networking sessions, Networking Breakfasts, and tiered exhibitor and sponsorship packages. Recurring Monthly (£47.40) and Annual (£568.80) memberships provide members with promotional placement across the network's 65,000+ business audience, including social media features, e-newsletter placement, website coverage, and discounted or free event access.

Product overview

The Midlands Business Network Ltd operates as a B2B networking and exhibition platform serving the Midlands region of England. The core offering is a portfolio of live business events — including large-scale B2B Expos (featuring ~100 exhibitors and 1,000+ attendees), Speed Networking Events, Networking Breakfasts, and Masterclasses — complemented by a SaaS-style member ecosystem. The product architecture consists of two main tiers: (1) events and exhibitions, sold through tiered exhibitor and sponsorship packages (Essential at £495, Premium at £695, Ultimate at £995, and Sponsorship at £1,195–£1,295 + VAT); and (2) membership subscriptions providing ongoing promotional access to the network's 65,000+ business audience, offered as Monthly (£47.40/month) or Annual (£568.80/year) plans that include social media promotion, e-newsletter placement, website features, and free or discounted event access. A Member Zone online portal supports profile management and content submission. The company also sells advertising opportunities through its website and newsletter channels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Monthly Membership Monthly recurring membership at £47.40/month (inc. VAT) providing guaranteed social media promotion, featured placement in the monthly e-newsletter to 35,000 subscribers, regular website features, unlimited access to networking events, a 20% discount on one exhibition stand per year, and speaking opportunities. Designed for Midlands B2B businesses seeking ongoing visibility.
• Annual Membership Annual recurring membership at £568.80/year (inc. VAT) providing all Monthly Membership benefits including social media exposure to 65,000+ followers, e-newsletter features, website coverage, free unlimited access to networking events, 20% exhibition discount, and speaking opportunities, on a 12-month commitment at a reduced effective monthly rate.
• Essential Exhibitor Package Entry-level exhibition stand package at £495+VAT, including a 2.5m x 2.0m stand, furniture (6ft table, tablecloth, two chairs), two complimentary drink vouchers, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 50-word company profile in the Exhibitor Guide, and a social media toolkit. Optional power supply at £85+VAT.
• Premium Exhibitor Package Mid-tier exhibition stand package at £695+VAT, including all Essential Package benefits plus prime stand location, power supply, access to the Exhibitor Breakfast Event for two, a full-page advertisement in the Exhibitor Guide, a featured social media announcement to 65,000 followers, and a post-event attendee list.
• Ultimate Exhibitor Package Top-tier exhibition stand package at £995+VAT, including all Premium Package benefits plus a double-width 5.0m stand in a prime location, exclusive participation in Speed Networking, a pre-expo marketing email to 35,000 subscribers, and a full attendee list with contact details.
• Event Sponsorship Package Headline sponsorship at £1,295+VAT, including all Ultimate Package benefits plus headline brand visibility, a dedicated social media campaign to 65,000+ businesses, a dedicated email campaign to 35,000+ subscribers, a Sponsor Spotlight Video, a featured website article and press release, and a 20-minute seminar opportunity.
• Sponsor a Networking Event Package Networking event sponsorship package at £1,195, including brand visibility across pre-event marketing and the website, dedicated social media posts, a 5m Ultimate exhibition stand in a premium location, a dedicated email to 35,000 subscribers, exclusive Speed Networking access, a 20-minute speaking slot, on-site event branding and merchandise presence, and post-event attendee list access.
• Midlands Business Speed Networking Event Speed networking event format where attendees rotate through structured one-on-one conversations, hosted at venues such as Drayton Manor Hotel and Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon. Free for members; non-members pay from £28+VAT. Includes a welcome drink, networking, and a guest speaker.
• Midlands Business Networking Breakfast Morning networking event featuring complimentary tea, coffee, and breakfast, guest speakers, and structured networking at venues such as Drayton Manor Hotel. Non-member ticket price is £35+VAT; members attend free with unlimited access. Includes a post-event attendee list.
• Midlands Business Network Expo Large-scale B2B exhibition featuring approximately 100 exhibitors and over 1,000 attending businesses, with business seminars, dedicated networking sessions, and speed networking opportunities. Free admission for visitors; exhibitor packages range from £495 to £1,295+VAT. Recent instances include the Stratford Business Expo in 2026.
• Member Zone Portal Online member portal providing personalised access to submit business profiles, post blog and news articles, view subscription details, and update account information. Includes magic-link login option for passwordless authentication. Available to paid members.
• Masterclasses Short educational sessions and seminars (~20 minutes each) delivered at MBN Expos by experienced local business leaders, covering topics such as business lifecycle, financial advisory, sustainability, and professional development. Bundled into Ultimate Exhibitor and Sponsor packages.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,000+ attendees at Expo events
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• University of Leicester School of BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 August 2026University of Leicester School of Business delivers Carbon Literacy Masterclass for Organisations through the MBN platform, providing accredited sustainability training.
• Nottingham Business School (NTU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2026Partnership for networking breakfast events and professional development programs including microcredentials, leadership courses, and coaching programs. Nottingham Business School delivers courses through the MBN platform.
• North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2026NWSLC offers sustainability training and courses through MBN platform including online and distance learning programs, working with MIRA Technology Institute.
• bk pluscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2026bk plus (accounting and business advisory firm) is an official sponsor of the Midlands Business Network Expo and delivers seminars on business lifecycle topics including financial planning, tax strategy, and business growth.
• Birmingham City UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Birmingham City University participates in MBN events including Net Zero breakfast briefings and sustainability bootcamps in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority.
• Marshall HarmonysupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 May 2026Marshall Harmony announced as a sponsor of the Midlands Business Network Expo, providing brand visibility and marketing support in exchange for event exposure.
• MIRA Technology InstitutesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026MIRA Technology Institute partners with NWSLC and MBN for battery skills and electric vehicle training programs through the Supply Chain Transition Programme.
• bk pluscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 April 2026bk plus announced as Official Sponsor of the Midlands Business Network Expo 2026, delivering seminars and providing marketing support.
• University College BirminghamsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026UCB partners with MBN for talent pipeline development, apprenticeships, and professional education programs featured on the news platform.
• Nottingham Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2025Partnership for 2026 Networking Breakfast in Leicester, demonstrating ongoing collaboration for regional business development events.
• Central TechnologysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2025Central Technology hosts Tech Breakfast events and AI/Data Privacy briefings through the MBN platform, positioning as tech industry thought leaders.
• Warwickshire County CouncilsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on themed careers events and Future Careers Fairs program for school and college students across Warwickshire.
• Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough CouncilsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint partnership with Warwickshire County Council for careers events program targeting young people in the region.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Eventbrite: Eventbrite is a self-service event ticketing and registration platform widely used for business events in the UK. It serves as a technology/alternative channel that could either compete with MBN's direct event model or enable new entrants to replicate MBN's networking events at low cost.

Direct peers

• Enterprise Nation: Enterprise Nation is a UK membership community for small businesses offering networking events, expos, and resource content. It mirrors MBN's combination of membership, exhibitions, and SME-focused programming.
• 4Networking: 4Networking runs regular, structured breakfast and lunchtime B2B networking events across the UK on a paid membership basis. It competes head-to-head for the same SME audience seeking face-to-face lead generation in the Midlands and beyond.
• BNI (Business Network International) UK & Ireland: BNI operates a global chapter-based B2B referral and networking organization with strong UK presence. It is the most direct competitor in structured business networking, using paid membership and regular in-person meetings — a model closely aligned with The Midlands Business Network's subscription networking proposition.

Broad incumbents

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): FSB is the UK's largest membership organization for small businesses, providing networking, events, and policy representation. It is a broader incumbent offering overlapping networking and event benefits to the same SME base across regions.
• British Chambers of Commerce: The British Chambers of Commerce network supports regional chambers offering networking events, exhibitions, and member services to local businesses. It competes indirectly for the same Midlands B2B audience seeking regional networking and event access.
• The Business Show: The Business Show is a large-scale UK B2B exhibition held annually at ExCeL London, featuring exhibitor packages, masterclasses, and networking sessions. It is a broader incumbent offering similar expo products but at national scale rather than regional.
• LinkedIn (LinkedIn Events): LinkedIn is the dominant professional networking platform, increasingly offering in-person and virtual event features targeting business audiences. It represents a broader incumbent alternative for B2B lead generation and networking that competes for the same SME marketing budgets.

Regional players

• Opus Business Networking: Opus runs regional B2B networking events across parts of the UK on a membership basis. It is a comparable regional networking peer targeting SMEs seeking face-to-face connections in specific geographies.
• Networking Midlands: Networking Midlands is a Midlands-focused B2B networking organizer running regular events and exhibitions in the region. It is a direct regional competitor addressing the same local SME exhibitor and attendee audience as MBN.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FTheMBNetwork
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheMidlandsBusinessNetwork
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-midlands-business-network-ltd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Midlands Business Network Ltd