So what's LinkedIn Local all about and why should you come to the summer social?

LinkedIn Local is a meet-up idea which started in Australia in 2017 and has since become a global movement. The idea is very simple, to put the social back into social media and to meet the person behind the LinkedIn profile. It's also a great way to connect with new people in an informal business context (& amazing space) and build genuine relationships.

Location: Matthews Yard is an arts & creative hub in the heart of Croydon and is a 10 minute walk from both East and West Croydon stations.

Charity Partner: We will be collecting donations for Evolve Housing + Support during the summer social.

Evolve Housing + Support enable homeless people in Croydon to move off the streets and rebuild their lives. Your donation will go towards their accommodation and services, ensuring that the homeless people of our local community get a second chance to live happily and independently, like you or I.

How will your donations be spent?

Details of Evolve's new development in Croydon;

- 50 unit property for homeless people

- Comprised of 4 x 2 bed flats; the remaining as 1 bed flats

- Some units will be used as temporary housing for homeless families

- Some units for ‘housing first’ accommodation i.e. for the most entrenched rough sleepers

- Most units will go to homeless people who are in our hostels who now have jobs and are ready to move on to independence yet cannot afford London ‘affordable’ housing

- The development will have a dual positive effect of providing affordable accommodation for homeless people ready to move on; whilst freeing up accommodation in our hostels for more homeless people in need of accommodation and support

- Land has already been secured with development looking to start within the next 12 months

The development has come about as part of a European wide campaign which we have been appointed to spearhead a programme of ending rough sleeping in Croydon by 2020. #CRZero2020

PLEASE NOTE:

There will be a loose structure and open networking at the event. People do business with people they know, like and trust. This is NOT an evening to 'sell' or 'pitch' to each other.

We do not encourage:

❎ Actively prospecting for clients or customers

❎ Selling your product or service openly

By all means, please do bring your business cards but please try to get the know the person first versus leading with your pitch. Please help us to keep #LinkedInLocal events pitch free (at least in Croydon)

* During the event we may take photos / videos of the event and promote it on social media. You are also encouraged to do this using the hashtag #LinkedInLocal and #Croydon

I look forward to meeting you all!

Don't take my word for it - check out some recent testimonials:

Our thanks to Jennifer for taking the Digital to Real Life with the first Croydon LinkedIn Local. Super turnout and great mix of local businesses, look forward to the next one.

Rajan Amin Cert CII, Coversure & Chair, Croydon Chamber of Commerce

A great event - informal, friendly and productive. Re-established contact with people who are on my network, but somehow we had lost human contact! Would love to participate again.

Jivko Hristov, Lead Manager London Economic Development Company

I really enjoyed meeting local business people at the LinkedIn Local Croydon event organised by Jennifer Corcoran. It was an informal networking event giving me the opportunity to chat with a diverse group of people. It was also a chance for me to go to Matthews’ Yard for the first time. I shall definitely be going back.

Jim Burdett, Managing Director, Pitman Training Croydon

The LinkedIn Local based in Croydon showed me that networking in a relaxed atmosphere can be fun. I managed to build upon existing relationships with colleagues and clients. Additionally, I also met new connections without the pressure of having to discuss business directly.

Leslie Lewis-Walker, Lewis Walker Video

LinkedIn Local Croydon is a brilliant way of meeting local businesses and extending your online networks with some face-to-face networking. I enjoyed meeting lots of business owners at the first Croydon event. Congratulations to Jennifer on such a great event and here’s to the next one!

Jane Rogers PR

The first Linkedin Local Croydon was a resounding success and packed with so many interesting and friendly local business owners. Thank you Jen for organising a brilliant event and I can’t wait for the next one.

Yolande @ Yolande De Vries Photography

As an introverted business owner, networking is one of those things that I tend to find a bit daunting. However, Jennifer is such a welcoming host and a great connector of people that I immediately felt at ease as soon as I arrived. The whole vibe of the event was fairly relaxed, down to earth and I really enjoyed the evening.

Raquel Fernandes, the Mighty fox BRAND DESIGN

The #LinkedInLocal event in Croydon was a big success. It was a great opportunity to catch up with people I know and meet others too. The atmosphere? Warm and convivial. Looking forward to the next one already...

Brian McGee, Freelance writer, editor & content producer