A new networking group launched in Royal Wootton Bassett
Set in the heart of Royal Wootton Bassett, Cotswold Networking launched its new networking group at The View Gallery, RWB Auctions.
Angela Roberts, founder of Cotswold Networking held the opening event of the Royal Wootton Bassett Venue on Thursday 17th September 2026. She welcomed fifty guests, and the evening was a sell-out. We’re proud to share at Scott Media that our very own Fiona will be the host of this group on a month-to-month basis. Fourteen founder members arrived before the meeting and another six joined on the night. Fiona described the first evening as “amazing and high energy” and everyone shared how much they enjoyed themselves.
Fiona and Angela met almost eighteen years ago at another networking group for women when Scott Media was starting out and Angela ran an accessory company. They kept in touch throughout the years and during lockdown, Angela asked Fiona if she wanted to join the networking group that she was building alongside her day job.
Cotswold Networking has become incredibly successful and now has groups covering Malmsbury, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Witney, Bristol, Corsham, Bath and now Royal Wootton Bassett. Angela stresses that this isn’t just a social event but it’s a chance to network and get to know people. There is a process to the events whereby people swap tables and get to meet others with a minute timer each. The event allows for new connections to be made and existing ones to be strengthened.
As Stefan Thomas, author of ‘Networking for Dummies’ said, big things start with little conversations. Fiona mentioned the group to her client Jon White of RWB Auctions, who said he wanted ‘to get out there more’ and he attended as her guest, making the most of the opportunity.
Angela then mentioned on our podcast that she would like to start groups in other areas including Royal Wootton Bassett but, as one person, there were not enough evenings for her to do that without help. Afterwards, Fiona asked if she was suitable and they discussed options. Jon offered his venue. Barbara of Barbara Leatham Photography then offered to do the photography at the sessions. Fiona has worked with Barbara for over a decade, after writing about her for a column she used to write in the local weekly paper.
Out of the blue, Fiona had a call from Giles Edwards, who she worked with on daytime tv show ‘Flog It!’ for several years and whom she had done some private jobs with – including filming with a Dragon’s Den entrepreneur and a winner of The Apprentice. He was also looking to get ‘out there’ with his company ‘Octopus Films’ which he runs with his wife Ellie – a tv director and producer. He asked if the group needed a videographer and Fiona introduced him to Angela.
And here it is – in the room – with new friends. Ready to build partnerships and collaborations to the mutual benefit of everyone.
Thanks to John and the team at Quercus for providing the most delicious food options before the event for those who wanted it and for running the bar. Huge thanks also to the photographer Barbara Leatham and our videographers Ellie & Giles Edwards from Octopus Films and to our venue host Jon White of RWB Auctions.
If you are interested in joining this great new opportunity, then you can book on for the next event here: