Top Small Business Networking Events in Leeds in 2026

Leeds is packed with opportunity in 2026, especially if you sell B2B services, operate in property and infrastructure, or build in the digital and tech ecosystem. The city has a strong “business first” culture, which makes networking feel purposeful when you pick the right rooms.

Below are 10 Leeds events, fairs and networking communities to help you meet decision-makers in 2026, plus a simple Bizcardy digital business card approach to convert conversations into leads.

Note on dates: Dates and venues are correct at the time of writing, but events can change. Always check the official event page before you book.

Top 10 small business events and networks in Leeds (2026)

1. Business Networking in Leeds for Professionals, SMEs & Entrepreneurs (The Leeds Network)
   Date: 14 January 2026
   Location: Sky Lounge, Leeds
   Website: Event listing

   A structured evening networking event that works well if you want to meet local professionals and founders in one room.

   Digital business card play: Keep one CTA on your card for this event (for example “Book a quick intro call”).

2. Yorkshire Business Fair (Leeds)
   Date: 25 February 2026
   Location: Holiday Inn Leeds - Garforth (Leeds area)
   Website: Official event page

   A strong SME-focused expo and networking event that attracts a wide range of Yorkshire businesses and buyers.

   Digital business card play: Add a “services menu” or “pricing guide” link so prospects can self-qualify.

3. UKREiiF 2026 (UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum)
   Date: 19 to 21 May 2026
   Location: Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock
   Website: Official site

   One of the biggest UK business gatherings hosted in Leeds. Excellent for partnerships, B2B services, property, construction, and scaling conversations.

   Digital business card play: Create a UKREiiF-only card version with a clear “who we want to meet” line.

4. Leeds Digital Festival (city-wide)
   Date: 2026 dates to be announced (two-week festival)
   Location: Leeds venues across the city
   Website: Official site

   Perfect if your business is in tech, digital, marketing, product, data, or if you sell into those teams. Lots of niche events and side-meetups.

   Digital business card play: Add your LinkedIn and one best case study link so follow-ups are frictionless.

5. West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Events
   Date: Multiple dates throughout 2026 (check the events calendar)
   Location: Leeds and West/North Yorkshire venues
   Website: Chamber events

   A reliable option for consistent, local business networking across the region, often with a strong mix of SMEs and established firms.

   Digital business card play: Tag contacts by industry so your follow-up is relevant, not generic.

6. West & North Yorkshire Chamber Events on Eventbrite
   Date: Multiple dates throughout 2026 (see listings)
   Location: Varies by event
   Website: Event listings

   Useful for quickly spotting upcoming chamber events and booking without hunting through multiple pages.

   Digital business card play: Add one “best next step” link, then use the same follow-up message template each time.

7. We Are In Business: Leeds Networking Events
   Date: Multiple dates throughout 2026
   Location: Leeds city centre (varies by event)
   Website: Events page

   In-person networking designed specifically for local business owners. Great if you want repeat attendance and familiar faces.

   Digital business card play: Add a referral prompt to your card: “Know someone who needs this? Introduce us.”

8. Leeds Professionals: Business Events
   Date: Multiple dates throughout 2026 (events calendar)
   Location: Leeds (varies)
   Website: Events calendar

   A useful directory of local business events, seminars and conferences run by Leeds professionals and organisations.

   Digital business card play: Put a short “one-liner” intro on your card so people remember what you do.

9. Business & Networking Events in Leeds (AllEvents listing)
   Date: Multiple dates throughout 2026 (see listings)
   Location: Leeds venues across the city
   Website: Browse events

   Handy when you want something hyper-specific (industry meetups, startup sessions, niche workshops) and you want options fast.

   Digital business card play: Update your card headline to match the niche before you attend (for example “Helping Leeds retailers…”).

10. Trade Shows in Leeds (2025 to 2026 listings)
    Date: Multiple dates throughout 2026 (see calendar)
    Location: Leeds and nearby venues (varies by event)
    Website: Trade show calendar

    If you want bigger rooms with buyers and suppliers, trade shows can work well, especially for product businesses and B2B services.

    Digital business card play: Add a simple “request a quote” link to your card for trade-focused events.

How to use Bizcardy digital business cards to turn Leeds networking into leads

Leeds events move quickly. The easiest way to stand out is to make follow-up effortless for the other person and consistent for you.

• Make sharing instant: QR code on lock screen is the fastest option.
• Use one conversion goal: book a call, request a quote, or download a resource.
• Write one note per contact: what they need, and what your next step is.
• Follow up within 24 hours: reference something specific you discussed.

Quick CTA: If you want a simple digital business card for events, create your Bizcardy card here.