8 of our favourite events in Bristol for small businesses and freelancers (and one in Cardiff)

RoE is a brilliant bi-monthly marketing event in Bristol, with talks from experts on social media, content, design, tech and more - I particularly enjoy their regular Social Media Sin Bin section.

Our very own Studio Cotton founder Aime did a talk on SEO back in March 2024, which as always, was a real hit.

Along with all that, you also get slices from Bristolian pizza-slingers Pizzarova, and drinks too, for a very affordable £10.

Follow RoE on Instagram for updates.

The Social Circle Network holds monthly networking events, co-working days, and workshops hosted at independent venues around Bristol, from just £6.

Aime went to their business speed dating event - which might sound cringy, but it was the opposite - organiser Sam from Hamlin & Hive thoughtfully paired business owners and prompted the conversations.

Follow @socialcircle.network on Instagram for updates, or on Eventbrite at the link below.

Look, I can't do a round-up like this and not mention the wonderful Website Clinic that Aime runs on the first Friday of every month.

We open the Studio Cotton doors to give help and advice to small businesses, and to provide a space to focus on working on your website around a big table with fellow friendly small business owners.

It's 2.5 hour session for £16.10, which includes a drink and sweet treat from our neighbours, Full Court Press.

Otherwise known as PIP, this event is run by Jess Knights & supported by the Association of Illustrators - you don't need to be a member to attend, but if you are, the tickets are slightly cheaper.

Cai has been to a bunch of their events (he's there in this pic!) and says, "their unique, varied events are a great way to meet other illustrators. Sometimes it's a workshop or a panel on industry nights, other times it's a fun social drawing activity."

Follow @pipillustration on Instagram to see what events they have coming up.

I'm sure you've heard of Adobe - they make innovative products and technology that helps you create, whether that's with Photoshop, Illustrator, or Lightroom.

They also hold events all over the world, including in Bristol, and they come very highly recommended by my creative pal Rachel.

Aime headed to their free Content Circles event about "growing your brand and community online," and said it was aimed more at content creators than businesses, but the swag was top-tier, the venue, drinks and nibbles were great. There was also opportunity to mingle and network.

Ok, this one isn't in Bristol - Talk Event is based in Cardiff, which is only 40 minutes away, and it's a lovely excuse for a jolly across the bridge.

It's a super friendly event in a stunning venue, and they have a panel of speakers or one special guest - Aime has been a speaker for them twice.

Talk Event is a monthly event for product and service based small businesses, and tickets cost £19. You can sign up to their newsletter to get notifications about upcoming events and find out about guest speakers before anyone else.