Cirencester Chamber of Commerce

11/06/2026

Summer is on its way - according to the latest weather updates! And that means it's time to head to Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

We are so lucky to have this popular venue here in the heart of Cirencester on Riverside Walk, the footpath from Thomas Street to Barton Lane. (You will hear it before you see it 😂)

Open from April through to September, this historic lido offers heated spring water, family swims, lane sessions, and even a friendly tuck shop, the perfect summer day out for everyone. It can also be hired for private use.

What makes it truly special? Its ethos as it is entirely volunteer-run by an award-winning community team who give their time to keep this incredible local asset alive and thriving. They have even been honoured with a King's Award for Service, a testament to what a community can achieve together. They are currently looking for more volunteers so head to their website to find out more.

So regardless of whether you are a serious swimmer or just want to soak up the sun, this gem is a true Cirencester treasure. 💙

👉 Find out more and plan your visit via the link in the first comment

03/06/2026

Cirencester’s one of those places that quietly grows on you.

It’s got the charm people expect from the Cotswolds, but there’s also a really strong business community here too, creatives, hospitality brands, wellness businesses, property, retail, events and so many independents doing brilliant things.

Also, there are worse places to take meetings than a sunny café in the middle of a Cotswold market town.

Are you a local business here in the town? If so why not tag yourself in the comments so others can see.

Cirencester Chamber | Networking | Local Business | Cirencester | Gloucestershire | Introductions | Business Meeting | Local Entrepreneur | Cotswold Business | Grow your business

02/06/2026

Is your business ready for the biggest shake-up in employment law in a generation?

Join us on Tuesday 24th June | 6–8pm | Ingleside House for our June networking evening and get the knowledge you need to stay ahead.

We're delighted to welcome Nadine McGrath from Orla HR Consulting who will be covering:

✅ An introduction to Orla HR Consultancy and Nadine's background and expertise
✅ What is HR outsourcing / retained HR and how it could work for your business
✅ Your chance to get up to speed on the latest Employment Rights Act changes and what they could mean for your organisation

Whether you're a business owner, manager, or team leader, this is an evening not to miss. Employment law is changing fast, and this is your opportunity to understand what's coming and how to prepare.

Plus plenty of time to connect with fellow local businesses over the evening too.

🎟️ Secure your spot now https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/events/chamber-of-commerce-june-networking-event/

We look forward to seeing you there! 👋

31/05/2026

🎸 We say it a lot, but aren't we lucky to have the Barn Theatre right here in Cirencester?

A genuinely brilliant, ambitious theatre on our doorstep, putting our town on the map for all the right reasons. And we're so pleased that the relationship between the Barn and the Chamber keeps going from strength to strength.

So here's a great offer for our members…

The Barn (in association with TRW Production Ltd) is bringing back Million Dollar Quartet this summer and Chamber members get 10% off with the code COC10. ✨

If you don't know the story, it's a brilliant. On 4th December 1956, four men walked into a Memphis recording studio and, completely by chance, made music history. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley all together, in one room, for a jam session that would go on to shape rock 'n' roll across the world.

Egos collide, dreams take shape, and you get to hear the songs that defined an era such as "Blue Suede Shoes", "Fever", "Walk The Line", "Hound Dog" and loads more all in the thrill of that once-in-a-lifetime night.

It first played at the Barn back in 2022 and people still talk about it. Their audiences asked for it back, so it's returning bigger, better and more rock 'n' roll than ever. 🎤

A great night out with friends and family or a corporate event with the team or clients.

📍 Million Dollar Quartet | The Barn Theatre, Cirencester | This summer
🎟️ Chamber members: 10% off with code COC10 at checkout

Book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux · Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux · Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle

28/05/2026

How to actually make networking events worth your time...

Networking can feel awkward, and the perception of walking into a room full of strangers with a lukewarm coffee and a name badge isn’t exactly everyone’s comfort zone.

But did you know that some of the best opportunities, collaborations and clients come from simply showing up consistently. Not just once but a number of times.

A few things that genuinely help:

✨ Don’t try to speak to everyone
A couple of proper conversations are worth far more than handing out 50 business cards.

✨ Ask questions
People remember how you made them feel, not your sales pitch.

✨ Be interested, not impressive
You don’t need to “perform” networking. Just be yourself and talk about what you do naturally.

✨ Follow up afterwards
This is the bit most people forget. A quick message on LinkedIn or Instagram goes a long way.

✨ Go regularly
Networking gets easier when people start recognising your face. Consistency matters more than confidence.

Most people in the room are feeling exactly the same as you are, they’re just hoping to meet good people and have good conversations.

And that’s really all networking is.

If you know it all makes sense, but just can't bear the thought of turning up without knowing anyone in the room, please get in contact with us before the meeting, and we will happily make some first introductions for you.

What’s your best networking tip? Drop it below 👇

27/05/2026

📢 Tonight’s Chamber Meeting is Postponed

With the warm weather bringing a few too many apologies this week, we’ve made the call to postpone tonight’s meeting and roll the agenda into next month’s gathering instead.

We’d rather have a full room than a half-empty one so sit back, enjoy the sunshine, remember the suntan lotion and we’ll see you next month! 🌞

Keep an eye out for details on the next meeting date coming soon!

Please share with anyone else you think was attending.

25/05/2026

MEET THE MEMBER: A family-run canoe, kayak, and paddleboard hire company set in the heart of the Cotswolds, perfectly located on the banks of the River Thames Cotswold Canoe Hire

Cotswold Canoe Hire is also the home of the much-loved Swan and Flamingo pedalos.

Welcoming everyone from solo adventurers and couples to families and larger groups, they offer something for all.

Available for both general hire and guided, transport-supported tours along the Thames.

cirencester | cotswolds | things to do in the cotswolds | gloucestershire | cotswold summer | cirencester events | cotswold weekends | market town england | cotswold life | visit cirencester

22/05/2026

But we knew this already!

A host of picturesque English towns are known for their bustling weekly markets, but only one has been crowned the best market town in the whole of Gloucestershire

21/05/2026

A new name that reflects just how far their support now reaches.

Cirencester Foodbank has officially become South Cotswolds Foodbank , a change that better reflects the incredible work they now do across the wider region.

What started as a single centre in Cirencester in 2012 has grown into a network supporting communities across more than 210 square miles, helping households from Lechlade to the Wiltshire border and many villages in between.

The new name highlights the reality that support is available far beyond Cirencester alone, while continuing the same vital mission: helping local people facing hardship and building stronger, more resilient communities across the South Cotswolds.

An important milestone for a charity doing truly essential work in our area. 🤍

If you would like to volunteer or find out more about how you can help head to https://southcotswolds.foodbank.org.uk/

17/05/2026

Business owners, we want to hear from you!

While you leisurely drink your coffee this Sunday morning, we would love to know what your biggest business challenge is right now?

Vote below or add your own in the comments 👇

1) 🔹 Finding new customers
2) 🔹 Managing cash flow
3) 🔹 Hiring & retaining staff
4) 🔹 Marketing & visibility
5) 🔹 Time management
6) 🔹 Keeping up with technology
7) 🔹 Other (tell us below!)

Every business faces hurdles, but sharing experiences can spark new ideas, support, and opportunities. Join our networking events and connect with other like-minded business owners.

https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/events/

Business Community | Small Business | Entrepreneurship | Networking | Business Growth | Local Business