Our inaugural A Novel Way to Network event offered something a little different—and judging by the feedback, it was a real success.

Held in partnership with Cheltenham Festivals and Cheltenham BID, the event invited people to bring along a book they had enjoyed and share why it mattered to them. It created a relaxed and very natural way to get to know one another—not simply by asking what someone does for a living, but through the stories, ideas and interests that inspire them.

Books can tell us a great deal about people. A favourite novel might reveal an interest in history, relationships, science fiction or the way society works. A business or personal-development book may have influenced someone’s career, leadership style or outlook on life. These conversations quickly took us beyond job titles and opened up different sides of the people in the room.

The reading list was wonderfully varied, ranging from much-loved novels such as Far from the Madding Crowd, Normal People and One Day to books exploring leadership, money, geopolitics, climate change and how we use our time.

Recommendations included Essentialism by Greg McKeown, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall and Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. There were also powerful works of fiction, thrillers and science fiction—including The Midnight Library, A Little Life, Ward D and Wool.

Chelck out the Reading List from the events: https://www.c2sgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Novel-Way-to-Network-Reading-List.pdf

What made the event work so well was not simply the choice of books, but the personal reasons behind them. One had inspired a reader to pursue a career in leadership. Another had helped someone replace doomscrolling with reading. Others prompted conversations about communication, identity, purpose, opportunity and the state of the world.

As Holley Cribben from Namadic told us:

“I absolutely loved it! My favourite C2S event since joining in 2023/24.”

Ania from Cass Stephens agreed:

“It certainly was my favourite event so far. Thanks as always, C2S 😊”

David Blaske from Sandfields Care Home added:

“A very enjoyable event and good to meet some new faces. Like most things, it would have been good to have a bit more time together.”

That final comment probably says a great deal about the morning: the conversations flowed so easily that we could happily have carried on for longer.

We were also delighted to welcome Julie Reader Sullivan, the new Chief Executive of Cheltenham BID. It was a lovely opportunity to introduce Julie to members of the local business community and hear more about the role Cheltenham BID plays in supporting businesses and strengthening the town.

Our partnership with Cheltenham Festivals was an important part of the event. Its work extends far beyond the internationally recognised Literature Festival, bringing four world-class festivals to Cheltenham each year across Jazz, Science, Music and Literature. Its programmes unite established and emerging artists, writers and thinkers, alongside extensive opportunities for schools, young people and the wider community. Cheltenham Festivals

At C2S, we have always believed that strong business relationships are built through genuine conversations. There is value in understanding what someone does, but often it is discovering what matters to them, what they are curious about and how they see the world that creates a more memorable connection.

A Novel Way to Network provided exactly that: a chilled and enjoyable few hours, new introductions and conversations that went beyond the usual business exchange.

We are delighted that this will now become an annual event in partnership with Cheltenham Festivals. Thank you to everyone who joined us, brought a book and shared part of their story—and to Cheltenham Festivals and Cheltenham BID for helping us create something a little different.

You can explore the full community reading list here: Novel Way to Network Reading List.pdf

To find out what is coming up across Cheltenham’s Jazz, Science, Music and Literature Festivals, visit Cheltenham Festivals.