They are among the most popular business networking events in Milton Keynes, but over the past year, MKFM’s Meet of MK business gatherings have added a new layer of positivity into proceedings, with more than £4,000 raised for charity since last spring.
Well supported by the local business community, the monthly Meet of MK gatherings have become ‘the place to be’ when it comes to networking, socialising and learning about new and exciting prospects within the city’s community.
And in May last year, MKFM decided to give even more back to the city – especially its charities – and used Meet of MK evenings to raise awareness and funds for local good causes.
Since that April event, attendees at the busy meetings have been asked to make a donation to the chosen charity of the month.
And the business community has responded brilliantly, helping the radio station and news hub to raise more than £4,100 for the charity partners.
“We decided to begin using our Meet of MK networking events as a fundraising opportunity and we have been delighted with the response from the business sector,” said Jo Ronan, director of MKFM.
“For our local charities, we asked attendees to donate – we saw these events as an opportunity to give back to our charity partners who support us. And it was so heart-warming to see our local businesses grasping the opportunity and supporting our fundraising. To be honest, I didn’t expect anything less of MK’s business community and I’m grateful for their support last year.”
Among the charities helped last year were: Harry’s Rainbow, Medical Detection Dogs, Ride High, MK Community Foundation, Camphill MK, Al’s Pals, MK Food Bank and Willen Hospice.
Meet of MK was launched eight years ago as an alternative to some of the already well-established networking events in Milton Keynes. The meetings, held on the last Thursday of every month, feature a cross section of industry from Milton Keynes’ vibrant business population including new faces and regular attendees.
Invited guests regularly praise the network gathering, saying it’s hugely successful in bringing local people, groups and businesses together in one room. And charities have benefitted too.
The meetings allow local businesses and charitable organisations to connect in a relaxed yet highly efficient environment. Many Milton Keynes businesses and MKFM clients gave prizes to a charity raffle to encourage donations to the charities. The fun raffles were particularly successful and valuable.
“In May 2025, we made the decision to utilise our Meet of MK business card raffle as a way to give back to our amazing local charity partners,” said Jo. “We’re so proud with the £4,100 raised and plan to raise even more as we carry this initiative into our 2026 events with the goal of doubling the amount this year.
“And knowing the Milton Keynes business community like I do, I have no doubt that we will achieve that.”
The next MKFM Meet of MK event will be on Thursday January 29 from 5pm to 8pm. Both the venue and charity of the month will be announced soon.
For more details about Meet of MK or to book tickets, visit the website here.
