Join us this May to connect for great connections and an incredible story, and have a good time!About this Event
A must-attend evening for professionals, creators, founders, and local leaders.
Join us for one of Derbyshire’s most welcoming and energising networking events, a relaxed, friendly space to make meaningful connections, spark new opportunities, and enjoy an evening of great conversation.
We’re thrilled to be hosted at BEAR Irongate, one of Derby’s most vibrant spaces. Huge thanks to Craig Bunting ☕️✌️ and the BEAR team for opening their doors and looking after us so well.
We are honoured to welcome Paul McAnulty.
Paul leads Rebuild East Midlands, supporting survivors of modern slavery and forced labour across our region. But his leadership journey began with adversity.
As a teenager, he experienced homelessness, family violence and exploitation. Years later, while working in recruitment, he met a young man trafficked into Derbyshire and forced to work without pay. That moment shaped his mission.
Paul went on to serve in Derbyshire Police, working within the East Midlands Serious Organised Crime Unit, tackling gangs involved in drugs and slavery. Today he works directly with businesses, communities and partners to combat exploitation and rebuild lives.
This talk is particularly relevant for business leaders.
Forced labour does not only exist overseas. It can sit within complex supply chains, seasonal labour pressures and subcontracting models. Often not through malice, but through gaps in oversight.
Paul will share practical insight into:
How exploitation infiltrates legitimate industries
Why peak demand periods increase risk
What responsible businesses can do to protect their supply chains
How ethical leadership strengthens reputation and resilience
This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility and the role business plays in shaping safer communities.
What to Expect
✨ An inspiring guest speaker with practical insights you can use straight away
✨ No pressured pitches — just genuine conversations (with an optional spotlight moment if you’d like to share what you're working on)
✨ Fantastic food and drinks
✨ Your first drink is on the house
✨ Warm, open, supportive networking with professionals from every industry
Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, leader, or simply curious to meet great people in Derbyshire’s thriving business community, this evening is designed to help you connect, collaborate, and leave inspired.
Why You Should Be There
- Build new relationships that genuinely move your business forward
- Meet people you want to work with
- Exchange ideas, opportunities, and support
- Enjoy a brilliant atmosphere in a standout Derby venue
- Be part of a growing business community that champions each other
This isn’t just another networking event, it’s a chance to be part of something vibrant, human, and genuinely enjoyable.
We’d love to see you there.
Come for the connections. Stay for the community.
Event Venue
DE1 3FJ, BEAR, Derby, United Kingdom
GBP 15.34 to GBP 16.91
