Construction Networking Events
First Wednesday of Every Month in Colchester, Essex
Hi, I’m Vish, an electrician by trade and the founder of Onward Shift. I host a free monthly Walk & Talk networking event for people working in construction and related trades. It’s a chance to build genuine connections, support your mental wellbeing and grow your local network, without the pressure or formality of traditional networking.
Where & When
- Location: Salary Brook entrance, Bromley Road, Colchester (by the entrance sign)
- Time: 7:00pm
- When: First Wednesday of every month
- Duration: Around 1 hour (varies based on the group’s pace and route)
During the winter months, we stick to well-lit public roads. When the evenings are lighter, we explore more scenic routes, including Welsh Woods. Some walks may be a little more challenging than others, but every walk starts and finishes at the same meeting point.
There’s no cost and no pressure. Whether you’re there to chat, listen, meet new people or simply take a breather from the day, you’re welcome.
Top 10 Benefits of Walk & Talk Networking Events
- Supports Mental Wellbeing: Getting outside, moving and talking with other people can provide a welcome break from the pressures of work and everyday life.
- Builds Community: Meet other tradespeople and construction professionals from your local area.
- Gets You Moving: An hour of walking provides a simple opportunity to get outside and be active.
- Encourages Conversation: Walking side by side can make conversations feel more natural and less formal.
- Networking Without the Pressure: No pitches, presentations or awkward introductions just genuine conversations.
- Creates Industry Connections: Meet people across construction, from tradespeople to managers and business owners.
- Provides Time to Switch Off: Stepping away from work for an hour can give you some space to clear your head.
- Creates Consistency: Meeting at the same time each month gives people something regular to come back to.
- Builds Your Local Network: Get to know more people working across construction in and around Colchester.
- Completely Free: There are no membership fees or charges to attend.
Who Is It For?
- Construction workers
- Tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers and carpenters
- Site managers and contractors
- Construction professionals and business owners
- Anyone connected to the industry who wants to meet people locally
Why Walk & Talk?
Traditional networking isn’t for everyone. Walk & Talk brings together movement, conversation and professional connection in a much more relaxed environment. Whether you’re on the tools, managing teams, running your own business or just starting your career in construction, you can simply turn up, walk alongside other people in the industry and see where the conversation goes.
Join us on our walks (no fees)
Book your place above, or head over to Eventbrite to see our upcoming events
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people don’t when they first come.
That’s the whole point, it’s a chance to meet others in construction in a natural, low-pressure way.
Not at all.
You can talk as much or as little as you like. Some people come just to listen and clear their head.
Yes, but not in the traditional sense.
There are no pitches, no pressure and no awkward introductions. Just real conversations while walking.
The walk will usually still go ahead unless conditions are unsafe.
If anything changes, we’ll update attendees in advance.
Around 1 hour, depending on the group and route.
All walks start and finish at the same location.
We recommend booking so we have an idea of numbers, but the event is free and you’re welcome to join us.
Yes, completely free to attend.
Anyone in construction or connected to the industry whether you’re a tradesperson, business owner or just starting out.
You’re still welcome.
These events are built around construction but anyone who wants to listen, connect and be part of the conversation can attend.
Yes. Free on-street parking is available nearby.
Yes. Routes are chosen based on safety and conditions.
In winter months, we stick to well-lit public areas.
Of course. Just make sure they book a space too so we can manage numbers.
Pictures From Our Walk & Talks
