Business Networking For Rotherham & Barnsley!
Unique Non-Profit Networking Events
‘Embrace the spirit of collaboration!’
Network With Businesses & Support Local Charities!
Our Story - ‘We are in it to help other businesses’
How Rotherham and Barnsley Business Link Started
We met at various networking events over a year and repeatedly encountered each other. It was during a Business Expo at Rotherham United that we began to discuss starting our own networking events. We noticed a gap for face-to-face networking opportunities in Rotherham and Barnsley. Rather than just moaning about the lack of options and the costly subscription fees of existing groups, which ranged from £700 to £1000 annually, we decided to take action and do it ourselves!
Our vision was to establish a relaxed networking environment aimed at supporting smaller local businesses. We planned to make our events inclusive, inviting businesses from all sectors without limiting attendance as some networks do i.e. one builder, one marketer, one accountant etc.
Uniquely Non-Profit Networking
The thing which makes our networking events unique is that there are no subscription fees and tickets are low cost. We decided to be a non-profit networking organisation that is committed to integrating charity into our events.
Every year we will select up to four charities to feature and speak at our events, giving them a platform to share their valuable work. At the end of the year, we share the money we have raised for our chosen charities through ticket sales throughout the year and other fundraising methods.
Our goal is to foster a community where Rotherham and Barnsley businesses and charities alike can thrive through collaboration and mutual support. The spirit of collaboration!
Showcase Business Of The Month
Each month, we invite one local business to give a 15-minute presentation about their business. They present and speak to the other local businesses present at the Rotherham and Barnsley events.
About Our Chosen Charities
Rotherham Hospice provides specialised palliative care, supporting patients and their families through challenging times. As an integral part of the local community, they engage with Business Link Networking events to connect with local businesses and foster community support through networking.
“Providing exceptional care for the people of Rotherham. Our vision is excellence in care for all those throughout Rotherham affected by a terminal illness.”
Caring for patients and families is at the heart of everything the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity does. The charity exists to give every patient the extra care they deserve while supporting colleagues to do what they do best. The funds raised go towards enhancing the health, happiness and wellbeing of patients across Rotherham.
It is the charity’s promise to:
- Fund specialist equipment and resources, ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools they need to deliver the highest standards of care.
- Make the hospital and community sites more comfortable, healing and welcoming for those who need them.
- Provide the extra touches that make a difference to the physical and mental wellbeing of those they care for.
The charity organises a wide range of
fundraising events throughout the year – from skydives, running challenges, and obstacle courses to craft workshops, golf days, and fun community get-togethers. Whether it’s a sponsored walk, a business networking breakfast or the ever-popular Wear It Blue Day, there’s something for everyone to get involved in while supporting a great cause. For more information on this charity, please contact Suzanne or Rachael in the charity team on
01709 426821 or via email at
trft.rhcc@nhs.net.
Barnsley Hospice offers compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, along with support for their families. Their participation in networking events with Business Link helps raise awareness, foster business-community partnerships, and secure fundraising.
“We are a charity providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care to local people living with a life-limiting illness and those close to them. These conditions include cancer, heart and lung diseases and neurological diseases such as motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s disease.”
Barnsley Hospital Charity is all about adding those extra-special touches that make a big difference to patients, families, and staff at Barnsley Hospital. Backed by the kindness of the local community, the charity has funded everything from sensory toys for children with learning difficulties to top-notch neonatal equipment—and even specialist training that helps the amazing hospital team go above and beyond.
Right now, the spotlight is on their Make a Memory Appeal, which aims to raise £300,000 to transform the Care of the Elderly Ward into a bright, dementia-friendly space. Think less clinical and more calming—like a home away from home where patients can feel safe, independent and connected.
And that’s not all! The charity also supports brilliant services like The Well, offering relaxing complementary therapies for people affected by cancer. Past campaigns—like the much-loved Tiny Hearts Appeal—show just how powerful Barnsley’s community spirit can be when people come together for a great cause.
Whether it's a bake sale, a charity run, or simply spreading the word, Barnsley Hospital Charity proves that a little heart goes a long way in healthcare.
Mission
If we help each other grow, all our businesses will grow together!
Core Values
Collaboration
Together we are stronger, mutually supporting each other
Giving Back
Helping the community; local charities and local businesses
Growing Together
As local businesses, we grow and thrive together
Message From David and Daryl
Welcome to the Rotherham & Barnsley Business Link!
As fellow business owners in Rotherham & Barnsley, we are really pleased you have found our website today. The reasons we set up Rotherham and Barnsley Business Link were because…
- We found there weren’t enough face-to-face networking opportunities.
- A lot of the existing networking face to face was aimed at larger businesses.
- We knew if we came together and worked together, our businesses would grow together.
- We wanted to be unique by offering subscription-free, low-cost networking events.
- We wanted to give back to our local community and charities.
If you are a local charity and would like to connect, please email us. If you are a local business in Rotherham & Barnsley and would like to attend, get in touch today.
Let’s grow and thrive together!
Best wishes,
David and Daryl
Meet Your Hosts
David Whittlestone
David Whittlestone, is a highly experienced Mortgage & Protection adviser who also offers Will & Estate planning services. His hobbies include exploring the outdoors, playing Golf (badly), and is a keen supporter of Barnsley FC.
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Daryl Horsfall
Daryl is a talented real estate expert offering a personal service to his clients. As well as a professional estate agent he enjoys relaxing with his young family as well as playing Golf (badly). This makes them quite the double act!
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