Our Story

Born from a desire for authentic connection, The Last Friday Club began in May 2016 when Debbie Ford of The Chichester Social found herself craving meaningful professional relationships beyond the isolation of solo entrepreneurship. Teaming up with Emily Perry of The People Consultancy, they created the networking community they wished existed—one that prioritises genuine relationships over transactional exchanges.

From our earlier days meeting in coffee shops and bars, we've grown into a vibrant community of 100s, and regularly welcome more than 50 business owners who gather monthly to support, inspire, and collaborate with one another.

What Makes Us Different

We believe in community over competition. Our gatherings embody our EPIC values:

• Engage/Encourage: Everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard

• Purpose: Meaningful connections that serve your business goals

• Integrity: Authentic relationships built on trust

• Community: Supporting each other's growth and success

Whether we're meeting at Rume2, our favourite co-working space, or taking our twice-yearly walks around the City walls (August and December), we create spaces where networking feels less like work and more like catching up with friends.

Who Belongs Here

• Freelancers & Consultants: Service providers, creators, designers, marketers, and tech specialists

• Solo Entrepreneurs: From brick-and-mortar shop owners to digital empire builders

• Small Business Owners: Leaders who value community and collaboration

The Magic That Happens

When you bring together passionate business owners in a supportive environment, surprising collaborations emerge. We've witnessed singing tutors partnering with brand strategists, photographers joining forces with event planners, and countless other creative alliances that have helped our members thrive.

Members regularly share their expertise as speakers, offering valuable insights that benefit the entire community.

Our Promise

Attendance at our in-person, monthly meet-ups will ALWAYS be FREE. No hidden fees, no membership costs—just genuine connection and community.

Join us on the last Friday of every month and discover the power of authentic networking!

Don’t just take our work for it, some of the feedback we’ve received

As you know, our meet-ups are always free (and always will be) – that's our promise to you. But even the best things in life, have some costs. With around 50 amazing people joining us each month, that’s a lot of sweet treats, coffee and tea to keep the energy and conversation flowing!

Big shoutout to RUME2 for being superstars and hosting us, brewing litres and litres of glorious, locally roasted coffee from HOST COFFEE ☕️ every month.

Become a Sweet Treats or Coffee Sponsorship Hero For just a tenner you can sponsor one of our meet-ups. And what do you get? Love and shoutouts for your business on our socials and WhatsApp broadcast channel.

Feeling the buzz? 🐝 Just grab an e-gift card for £10, add a note to indicate if you're sponsoring coffee or sweet treats, and zip it over to lastfridayclub@thechichestersocial.com.

And just like that, you get the warm fuzzies, knowing you’re brewing up something special for our EPIC business community.

Our Members make perfect speakers, through regular attendance they understand their challenges and needs,  This is your chance to share your expertise and experience as a freelancer/business owner. 

The focus should always be one of value and generosity, it’s not just a platform to pitch to a captive audience!

Need to know: 

• a 15-min slot, inc Q&A

• flipchart may be available

• no screen — just you talking

Formats that work well: 5 or 10 tips to XXX to help you XXX

Many of our Last Friday Club folks are already a part of the Rume2 community. But if you are new to them, here’s more about how they align and are our perfect venue host partners:

Rume2 is a contemporary workspace in the heart of Chichester. Rume2work, grow, innovate, network, learn, think and share. Founded by two successful local entrepreneurs, Rosie Freshwater and Lucy Legg-Wills.

They have a variety of co-working and workspace options to suit your needs and budget.

Have a look at their website for all membership options.

*Always the last Friday of the month at Doors open at 8.30am for a prompt 9am start in Rume2, Crane Street in Chichester

Click on the button below to register, it’s FREE!