Business Forums & Networks
Thame, and the surrounding area, plays host to a range of Business networks & forums that you may be interested in being part of.
Thame Business Forum
Established in October 2012, Thame Business Forum is an independent group with Town Council support. It is regularly attended by senior executives from Thame’s larger businesses and employers who do not have a High Street presence and whose markets extend regionally, nationally or internationally, plus some local business-to-business service providers.
It aims to fulfil the role of the now largely defunct local Chambers of Commerce in relation to the non-retail sector. The Forum meets every 8/10 weeks and is hosted in turn by members. If you are interested in attending please email Mike Dyer, Chair of Thame Business Forum, for details of the next meeting.
The aims of the Forum are :
- to establish better links between business, local authorities, and the local community
- to better understand the needs of businesses in Thame
- to identify, discuss, and resolve common issues and opportunities through mutual cooperation
- to identify and discuss the challenges facing businesses in Thame, including infrastructure, skills, and resources
- to encourage better business-to-business communication and networking.
21st Century Thame
21st Century Thame is a partnership between local volunteers and town and district councils, coming together to help ensure Thame stays vibrant and viable as a market town. They come together as a body who can access funding from various sources in order to action projects that improve and add value to the town. We also act as a hub and source of experience for anyone in the town who is looking to run new projects and events. During its 10 year existence 21st Century Thame has helped to bring a range of projects to fruition including:
- Thame Food Festival (now a separately owned event)
- Thame Carnival
- Thame Equipment Bank
- Thame Tidy & Moreton Muck out
- Small Business Saturday
- Great British High Street Awards
- Shop front improvement scheme
- Planters, plaques, walking trails, and Thame leaflets.
They would like to do more. Could you help 21st Century Thame ensure the town continues to be a fantastic place for residents, businesses and visitors? It takes planning and effort to ensure the continued vitality and prosperity of great towns like Thame, and this is only possible through the great support we receive from the volunteers who make up 21st Century Thame. We are currently looking for people and you are bound to have skills that can help, so if you would like to be involved email the 21st Century Thame team.
Thame Ladies Network
Would you like to be part of a social and business networking group for women in and around Thame?
If so, take a look at the Thame Ladies Network Facebook Group to join their fun, friendly group. There is no joining fee and you are free to promote your own business, event, charity fundraiser or even just look for recommendations. We hold Chattercino, a super relaxed “networking” morning every other month on a Friday at The Thatch which is £5 entry and includes, tea, coffee, biscuits and a £1 donation to our chosen charity. This year Thame Ladies Network are supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, so each time you attend a Chattercino, a donation is made on your behalf. We also have a Just Giving Page and are hoping to raise £1000 for this amazing charity. We would love your support and would also love to see you across at TLN, so ladies of Thame, please pop across and join us.
Thame Business Buzz
Business Buzz is a fresh vibe in business networking. This monthly drop-in session is a great way to catch up with the local business community in Thame and Oxfordshire. There is no membership, no booking, just £5 on the door. They normally meet the first Thursday of every month at The Black Horse in Cornmarket (OX9 2BL) in the heart of Thame between 10am-12pm. However due to the current situation they hold their meetings virtually – booking required. They are using a platform that replicates their informal, relaxed, drop-in networking. No need for static zoom conversations, a dynamic café environment where you can move from table to table at your leisure. Here’s a YouTube clip of the Business Buzz Platform to give you an idea of what it looks like.
Thame Women’s Collective
An informal monthly meet up for women in business looking to connect with like-minded women. This is networking event with a difference! A super welcoming and friendly space for women to be inspired and inspire, share and learn knowledge, connect and collaborate, in a relaxed environment.
Whether you are running your own business, have recently made the leap to self-employment or are considering your options, everyone is welcome. Being your own boss and/or working solo can sometimes leave you feeling pretty isolated with little opportunity to talk about your ideas, plans and challenges. Our group is your opportunity to find a sounding board, spark new ideas and create connections with women who are on a similar journey to you.
No pressure. No pitches. No presentations. Simply a room full of women with one goal… to support each other and make networking and making new connections fun!
Our monthly meet ups are in Thame are usually at the end of every month on a Wednesday.