05/05-11   -   Press releases

The Oyster Club – Networking’s Missing Link

“No rules, no badges, no pitching; just introductions, bubbles and fun. It’s business, of course. It must be The Oyster Club."

This theme completely sums up the ethos and ambiance of London’s most synergistic networking experience, brainchild of entrepreneur, Tanya Rennick.

The concept for The Oyster Club was born in the spring of 2010, arising from her realisation that many people found traditional networking events uncomfortable and pressurised. True to Rennick’s customary focus and determination, once the idea began to take shape, she immediately set plans in motion to make her vision a reality. Less than twelve months later it is a thriving three-tier networking enterprise comprising of The Seed Pearl Breakfast, The Cultured Pearl Evening and the elite Black Pearl Dinner.

It’s Tanya Rennick’s firm belief that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and she has created The Oyster Club with this conviction in mind. Each division of the Club meets a business need: The Seed Pearl Breakfast provides a supportive meeting place where start up and small businesses owners to exchange ideas and resources and benefit from the expertise of more experienced entrepreneurs; The Cultured Pearl Evening is an art based salon style social club for professionals and appeals to those who prefer to make connections business golf-club style, where any networking is almost incidental; The jewel (or should we say “pearl’) in her networking crown is Rennick’s elite Black Pearl Club, which has created a ‘meeting of like-minds’ for successful entrepreneurs, where they can engage in discussion with their peers, meet potential joint venture partners and relax without the fear of being ‘pitched’ to.

“There is so much competition in the business world, these days, that, often there’s little to choose between the products and services being offered," says Rennick. “The element that tips the balance is the relationships we create. We do business with people we like and respect." She smiles wryly, “Not everyone is comfortable standing up and giving a sales pitch in a formal environment. I think the most important relationships develop in an informal setting where people are able to relax and be themselves."

Basing the Club at London’s salubrious Home House was another inspired move by Rennick. The exclusivity of the location, coupled with the luxurious surroundings only enhance the kudos of being an Oyster Club member; judging by its growing popularity, Rennick really does seem to have found networking’s missing link.

The Club recently welcomed Rachel Elnaugh, formerly of BBC’s Dragon’s Den, as a Black Pearl member, which has thrown the spotlight on Rennick’s rising star. Elnaugh has been Tweeting enthusiastically about the Oyster Club on Twitter and named Rennick as one of the new up and coming entrepreneurs to watch this year, as well as naming her as one of her new inner circle members. Rachel is speaking at the Black Pearl dinner, on May 5th, which is already close to being sold out.

Rennick is constantly thinking of amusing, innovative events for the Club. With her typically unconventional perspective she conceived the idea of a photo shoot entitled, “Girls in Pearls" with boudoir photographer Jeanette Lendon of Cocoon Photography, for her female members. The shoot will take place in June and will raise money for the charity Breast Cancer Care. “We’ll have some fun, elevate the profile of our members’ businesses, promote the Club and generate some money for a good cause, all at the same time," enthuses Rennick, “Everybody, wins. That’s what the Oyster Club is all about."