Last week, Laura and I hosted our latest TSME Business Circle at Cecconi's, Bicester Village, and once again, we were reminded why this community is becoming such a valuable space for women across Oxfordshire.

Twelve incredible women joined us for a morning of conversation, connection and community. Some already knew one another, while others were meeting for the first time. Yet by the end of breakfast, it felt as though we had been sitting around the same table for years.

As an Oxfordshire business circle for mums, our vision has always been simple: to create a trusted space where ambitious women can connect, support one another and grow both personally and professionally.

What continues to surprise us is the depth of the conversations that emerge when you bring together intelligent, experienced and supportive women from different backgrounds, industries and stages of life.

This month's Circle was no exception.

A Morning That Almost Didn't Happen

The event almost didn't happen for me at all! After experiencing an allergic reaction the evening before, I woke up feeling far from my best and worried I wouldn't be able to fully participate. Thankfully, Laura stepped in without hesitation. She welcomed our guests, delivered our opening speech and ensured the morning ran seamlessly.

As I sat listening to her speak and watched the conversations unfold around the table, I felt incredibly proud. Proud of Laura for stepping outside her comfort zone. Proud of the warmth and encouragement she received from everyone in the room, and proud of what we are building together as school mums, friends and now business partners.

More Than Business Networking

While everyone around the table was interested in learning about each other's businesses and careers, what stood out most was the depth and variety of the conversations. At one end of the table, women shared stories about finding purpose after difficult starts in life, creative writing, career changes, reinvention and balancing ambition with motherhood.

Elsewhere, conversations flowed naturally between schools, family life, property, finding new employment, supporting children through injuries and navigating the realities of modern motherhood.

There were discussions about skiing adventures, first holidays without parents, confidence, personal growth and future aspirations.

One conversation focused on employment opportunities and how, collectively, we might be able to support one another through introductions, advice and connections.

Another centred on Jo's experience sailing the Clipper Race, which quickly sparked the idea of organising a future sailing experience for our members, an opportunity to challenge ourselves, build confidence and connect in an entirely new environment.

Meanwhile, Morag and I found ourselves discussing Formula One, motorsport and opportunities within the sports industry.

What struck me most was that there wasn't one theme; there were dozens, because that's real life. The women around the table weren't simply business owners, professionals or mothers. They were all of those things at once.

Why TSME Business Circle Exists

That's exactly why TSME Business Circle exists, this is not another networking group, not a room full of business cards and sales pitches and certainly not awkward introductions or forced conversations.

Instead, we wanted to create a women's business networking community in Oxfordshire built on trust, friendship and genuine support, a place where ambitious women can share experiences, learn from one another and create meaningful connections that last far beyond a single event.

The Power of Shared Knowledge

One of the most rewarding aspects of the morning was seeing women openly share recommendations, expertise and opportunities. Jacqui arrived looking fabulous in a beautiful jacket, blouse and handbag, which quickly became a talking point. Before long, recommendations for an independent boutique in Deddington were being exchanged, and several of us were making plans to visit.

It may sound like a small moment, but it perfectly captured the spirit of the Circle: women sharing knowledge, opportunities and recommendations without gatekeeping.

Lorraine, attending her second Circle event, looked effortlessly stylish as always, sparking a conversation around confidence, professional image and dressing for business. This quickly evolved into an idea for a future personal styling event designed to help women feel more confident both professionally and personally.

Having Sue around the table was equally invaluable. As a luxury family travel specialist, she found herself answering questions about October half-term holidays, family travel and whether Dubai might be a good option this year.

At the other end of the table, Jade brought so much inspiration to Liz & Laura, sharing her personal stories and her passion to help children in the care system, its safe to say we were in awe.

Many other conversations happened around children, career changes, and many ended with a big hug.

The expertise being shared was exactly why we believe bringing together women from different industries, backgrounds and experiences creates such value.

In fact, after the event, Sue and I spent the afternoon discussing our upcoming trip to the Gothia World Youth Football Cup in Sweden and exploring ideas for future sports travel experiences for families.

It was a reminder that collaborations, opportunities and exciting new ventures often begin with a simple conversation.

Building a Community for Ambitious Women in Oxfordshire

Our vision for TSME Business Circle extends far beyond monthly breakfasts. We hope to create a thriving community for women balancing ambition, family life and everything in between. A place where we can discuss leadership, marketing, AI, personal branding, confidence, burnout, parenting, travel, wellness and the many topics that shape our lives as women in business.

This will never be traditional networking; there is no pressure to sell, no pressure to impress, no awkward elevator pitches. Just authentic conversations that lead to friendships, support, collaborations and opportunities.

Looking Ahead

We're excited to continue growing our Oxfordshire business circle for mums through monthly gatherings in inspiring venues across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Future locations may include Cecconi's, Ottolenghi, Quod Oxford, RH England, Soho Farmhouse, Estelle Manor and Escapade Silverstone, beautiful settings designed to encourage meaningful conversation and connection.

Alongside our monthly events, we're already exploring ideas for experiences that help women learn, grow and connect in new ways, including:

Personal branding workshops
Style and confidence sessions
Wellness events
Leadership conversations
Sailing experiences
Ski trips
Padel mornings
Business masterclasses
Adventure days outside our comfort zones

At the heart of everything will remain the Circle itself; each month, familiar faces will return, new women will join, and conversations will deepen. Connections will grow and opportunities will emerge. This is not a network; it is a community. Not a room full of contacts, a table full of brilliant women supporting, inspiring and championing one another.

Thank You

As always, Laura and I left Cecconi's feeling incredibly grateful to the wonderful women who joined us, shared their stories and continue to shape and strengthen this growing community.

Thank you for helping us create something special.

We can't wait to do it all again.

Carly x

Co-Founder, TSME Business Circle

For women balancing ambition and family life.

If you would like to come along to one of our Business Circle events please get in touch with Laura and Carly hello@theschoolmumedit.co.uk

Oxfordshire Business Circle for Mums: Building Connections Through TSME Business Circle at Cecconi's, Bicester Village