Member Article

Chester solicitors saddle up to support cycling network group

Professionals from Cheshire and beyond are getting on their bikes for networking sessions with a cycling spin.

The Networking on Two Wheels group, which includes representatives from businesses across the county, mixes networking sessions with bike rides across the English and Welsh border.

Originally formed in 2015, the group offers a unique alternative to traditional networking activities, such as breakfast clubs and lunches.

It was first started by David Jones of Lloyds Bank who, on retirement, enlisted the help of Steph King and Joseph Fletcher-Hunt, both solicitors at Chester-based Aaron & Partners, to continue the group.

Both Steph and Joseph are still regular attendees and the day-to-day running of the club is handled by Fraser Crewe, Director at Chester-based BA Commercial.

Fraser said: “Since the formation of Networking on Two Wheels in 2015, the group has continued to go from strength-to-strength.

“We were motivated to create a networking group that offered something different from a corporate environment, or a golf course, and cycling was the perfect choice – particularly as it continues to grow in popularity.”

The popular event is sponsored by a different company each month. The most recent ride was sponsored by legal firm Aaron & Partners, which provided refreshments for riders at the half-way point.

Networking on Two Wheels now has over 80 members and attracts more than 20 regular riders each month. Between them, members have clocked up well over 1,000 miles of cycling.

John Devoy, a Dispute Resolution Partner at Aaron and Partners LLP, is one of the members of the group. He said “Networking on Two Wheels is a great way to meet up with other local businesses and professionals and has the added benefit of combining networking with exercise in what can otherwise be a very sedentary profession.

“We have several keen cyclists in our office, so when we were invited to join the group, it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to combine an element of our working life with a personal interest we have and help us to keep moving.

“The common interest in cycling that all members have means that starting a conversation requires no effort and riders can move effortlessly through the group to ensure that everyone is spoken to.”

Aaron and Partners’ Real Estate Solicitor Steph King is also a regular attendee at the networking group rides. Steph balances her full-time job alongside competing in triathlons for Great Britain. Earlier this year she celebrated a top 10 finish in her age group at the Hamburg Ironman Triathlon.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit and really helps focus the mind,” said Steph. And we all know how important exercise is in boosting productivity levels and reducing stress, so there are even more good reasons to attend networking events such as this one. I’d highly recommend it.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam .