Updated June 2026
Introduction
Bury Business Exchange is a safe, supportive and collaborative business community.
All members, visitors and substitutes are expected to follow these Terms and Conditions to ensure a positive and professional environment for everyone.
1. Membership
Membership is held by an individual representing one business only.
Membership runs for a 12-month period and may be subject to auto-renewal.
Members will be offered first refusal to renew 30 days before their membership ends.
Membership decisions are made by the committee and are final.
2. Meetings
Monthly Coffee Meeting
Held on the second Thursday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am.
Open to members and non-members.
No professional lockout applies.
Free for members.
£10 per meeting for non-members.
Main Meeting
Held on the last Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm.
Professionally focused with a structured format.
Professional lockout applies.
£20 for members.
£25 for non-members (see Visitor Policy below).
Coworking Access (Members Only)
8am to 10am before the main meeting.
12pm to 4pm after the main meeting.
Includes WiFi and access to tea and coffee facilities.
3. Professional Lockout (Main Meeting)
Each professional category may be represented by one business only.
Categories are locked for the duration of a member’s 12-month membership.
Where services overlap:
The existing member will always be consulted first.
A discussion will take place with both parties.
A new member will only be accepted if all parties agree collaboration is possible.
No business will be added to a locked category without discussion and agreement.
The committee has final decision on all membership and category matters.
The lockout exists to protect collaboration, trust and fairness within the group.
4. Attendance and Substitutes
Members are expected to attend regularly.
If a member cannot attend a main meeting, they may send a substitute.
Substitutes represent both their own business and the member’s business.
Substitutes must follow all Terms and Conditions, including professional lockout rules.
Ongoing reliance on substitutes may be reviewed by the committee.
5. Visitors
Visitors may attend unlimited coffee meetings.
Visitors may attend the main meeting up to two times.
After two visits, they must commit to membership, subject to availability within their category.
Attending as a visitor does not reserve a professional category.
Visitors can request to join a waiting list and will be contacted if a space becomes available.
6. Conduct and Behaviour
All attendees are expected to:
Treat others with kindness and respect.
Communicate professionally and constructively.
Avoid hard selling, pressure tactics or uncomfortable pitching.
Respect differing opinions and experiences.
Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
Contribute to a safe and inclusive environment.
Any behaviour that undermines trust, safety or inclusivity will not be tolerated.
Concerns Process
Verbal conversation.
Written warning.
Removal from the group.
Concerns should be raised with a member of the committee.
7. Collaboration and Community
Members are expected to act in the spirit of collaboration over competition.
Actively undermining members or attempting to recruit members into competing networks is not permitted.
Loyalty, trust and long-term relationships are central to the group.
8. Fees and Payment
Bury Business Exchange is committed to being cost-effective and accessible.
Fees contribute to the running of the group and enhancing the member experience.
Costs
Coffee meetings: Free (members) / £10 (non-members).
Main meetings: £20 (members) / £25 (non-members).
Payment is made via Direct Debit or through the Bury Business Exchange website.
9. Cancellation and Refunds
Membership fees are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed by the committee.
Where membership is paid by instalments, members remain committed to the full 12-month membership term unless otherwise agreed by the committee.
If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they may send a substitute in accordance with the Attendance and Substitutes policy.
Meeting bookings made by non-members may be transferred to another individual with prior notice to the organiser.
Refund requests for meeting or event bookings will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are at the discretion of the committee.
Where a meeting or event is cancelled by Bury Business Exchange, attendees will be offered either a full refund or the option to transfer their booking to a future meeting or event.
Bury Business Exchange accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by attendees in connection with cancelled meetings or events, including travel or accommodation expenses.
10. Membership Decisions and Removal
The committee reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership if conduct does not align with these Terms and Conditions.
All decisions made by the committee are final.
Any concerns or complaints should be raised privately with the organiser or committee.
11. Agreement
By attending Bury Business Exchange meetings or becoming a member, you agree to follow these Terms and Conditions.
Failure to adhere to these Terms and Conditions may result in refusal of entry, suspension or removal from the group at the discretion of the committee.