Business Buzz Kettering will celebrate its first anniversary on 2 April with a special networking event at its new home, Wicksteed Park — marking a milestone for both the business community and one of the town’s most recognisable attractions.
Since launching in April 2025, the monthly networking event has been bringing together local entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies to build relationships, exchange ideas and support one another in a relaxed setting.
Now the group is moving to Wicksteed Park, a venue synonymous with Kettering’s heritage. The anniversary event will also coincide with another landmark moment for the park: the 100th birthday of its iconic Water Chute ride.
To mark the occasion, members of Business Buzz Kettering will be joined by the Mayor of Kettering and the park’s mascot, Wicky Bear, for a celebratory ride on the historic attraction.
The event will begin with a cake and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30am before guests take to the famous ride — creating a joint celebration for both the networking community and the much-loved local park.
Mark Jones, host of Business Buzz Kettering, said: “We are delighted to be moving the successful Business Buzz Kettering to Wicksteed Park, which is such an iconic venue. It feels especially fitting to be celebrating our first birthday on the same day as the famous Water Chute reaches 100 years old.
“I remember riding the Water Chute and visiting Wicksteed Park as a child, and it has been wonderful revisiting Wicksteed Park as an adult and seeing the fantastic grounds they have that can be visited for free, for everyone to enjoy.
“It is also a great venue for lunch and business meetings, and I’m really looking forward to hosting many more as Business Buzz Kettering continues to grow even bigger here at Wicksteed Park.”
Wicksteed Park’s fundraising team say the partnership reflects the park’s long tradition of bringing people together.
Allison Waterhouse, head of fundraising for Wicksteed Park and Wicksteed Charitable Trust, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Business Buzz Kettering to Wicksteed Park. The park has always been a place where people come together, so it’s a natural fit for a networking group that connects local businesses and the wider business community.
“It’s also wonderful that their first anniversary will be celebrated alongside the Water Chute’s 100th birthday, a special moment for both the business community and the Park.”
Business Buzz Kettering meets on the first Thursday of every month and aims to provide an open and welcoming environment where businesses of all sizes can connect and form meaningful working relationships.
The anniversary event on 2 April will be open to members, guests and anyone interested in experiencing the networking group in its new setting.
More information can be found at:
https://www.business-buzz.org/northamptonshire/kettering/
Image: Matt Garratt (Business Buzz Ambassador), Allison Waterhouse, Head of Fundraising Wicksteed Park, Mark Jones, Business Buzz Kettering Host, Kelly Richardson, Wicksteed Park Director, Andrew Browe Business Buzz Kettering Ambassador.
