FOR thousands of people the reward for their early morning start to get to a networking meeting is a cooked breakfast, gallons of coffee and an hour or more of conversation about the ups and downs of commercial life.

That was until late March, when gatherings were banned, and the lockdown began. Now most networking groups have migrated online.

In place of a real venue, Microsoft Teams and Zoom have become the most popular platforms for virtual get togethers. But they are a pale imitation of the popular events they have replaced where crowds gathered and got to know each other.

“It’s been frustrating not being able to get together for so long,” Mark Barclay of St James’s Place Wealth Management said.

“There’s a growing fatigue with online meetings. They are OK, but no substitute for meeting and talking with people in the same room.”

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He is a keen member of the popular OpenDoorz networking group which has migrated to Zoom to maintain something of its important social as well as business roles.

Like them, other groups including Business Buzz have adopted online formats. All groups are hoping they can begin meeting together again safely. However, it is clear that networking events will not be returning in their old formats any time soon and with more people than ever home working, there is a major shortage of opportunities to have business conversations. Speaking to people from other companies and sharing experiences or making new introductions are vital to the economy.

But Mr Barclay will soon be networking face-to-face again. He has become a leader for a new networking concept which seems tailor-made for our pandemic world.

He is hosting a Natural Netwalking event, which he says is an idea which could not be simpler. “People get together, walk and talk about business and build relationships. It is a relaxed way to get to know people and you get some fresh air at the same time” he explains.

“During a walk there’s plenty of time to get to know people. It is much more stimulating to be sharing something like a walk. People are much more open, and you can get to know and understand and trust people you walk with. And that is great for business.”

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Natural Netwalking was created by Jackie Jarvis and Dawn Lillington, two Oxfordshire women who run their own businesses and share a passion for hiking.

“It’s an idea whose time really has come” says Jackie Jarvis. “Businesspeople walking together, having relaxed conversations, and getting to know each other is absolutely perfect for today’s situation. A walk at any pace is good for the mind, good for the body and it can be good for business too. During lockdown people have recognised the importance of staying healthy and walking has been the most accessible and popular way to exercise. It’s been good for staying fit, but also to maintain good mental health.”

“Homeworking has worked out for many, but excessive screen time and isolation is bad for physical and mental health” Dawn Lillington explained. “So, any business which has staff taking exercise is going to experience the benefits of better general health and wellbeing, all achieved while networking.

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“That’s why we expect this to be really popular.

“The truth is loads of people put on their walking boots or trainers and walk but would never describe themselves as sporty. So, it is great that gyms have reopened, and some sports have restarted, but for most working people a walk is more appealing and accessible.”

South Oxfordshire District Council is supporting Natural Netwalking as a solution to current restrictions on social gatherings.

Robin Bennett, its deputy leader says the lockdown has been hard on businesses reliant on face-to-face meetings.

He says virtual meetings have been successful and enabled enterprises to make new contacts, with other positive benefits including reduced travel time and commuting costs.

He said: “Netwalking is another new and innovative way for us to promote South and Vale Business Support and a great way for business owners to link up in a natural and enjoyable way, while keeping fit and enjoying the countryside.”

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According to Ms Jarvis, their participation shows how people have really grabbed the idea. There are Netwalks taking place in Bloxham near Banbury, Woodstock, Oxford, Abingdon, Benson, Chalgrove, Goring, Sonning, and Reading with additional locations planned for Bicester/Weston on the Green, and Milton Park.

You can find out more about Natural Netwalks at naturalnetwalking.com.

Additional reporting Rod Macrae