Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables.
Founded Talking Tables back in 1999 in time for the millennium celebrations and now employing 50+ people and selling worldwide from FMCG to small independents and everything in between.
I have valued being part of a Forum. After each monthly meeting I have a takeaway to apply directly to my own business and I always leave with a topic to reflect on – be that a management style or a new business tool. It is very supportive and comforting to have the Forum leader cheering you on, likewise one’s fellow Forum business founders.
We’re probably the biggest British success story you’ve never heard of. (Unless, of course, you work for John Lewis, Waitrose, Selfridges or Barnes and Noble. Our B2B customers are the A-list of UK retail). From eco cups to cake toppers, Talking Tables has become the go-to brand for innovative, sustainable, and design-led products that add fun and style to every occasion. If it helps a customer 'host it and love it’, then we design it, and manufacture it.
Why choose Helm?
Helm’s community has become the most established Club for scale-up founders in the UK. Our member's businesses spread across all industries, ranging from SaaS, deep-tech and bio-tech to property, manufacturing and retail.
Membership frequently asked questions
FAQs
Who should apply?
Helm members are founders of established, high-growth businesses. Many have been with us as they took the journey from scale-up through to exit or stepping away from the business. We welcome applications to join from founders of any stage from scaling (£1-10m, 10 staff), through scaling and stepping back (£10M-£20M / 100+ staff) to life after your business.
What is the time commitment?
You get out of Helm what you put into it. There are multiple ways to get value from accessing the experience of other members in our digital community, to attending Forum (for 3 hours per month) to attending our digital or in-person events but there is no fixed time commitment. But you will get more value from Helm the more you spend time sharing insights and experience with fellow members.
How many events are there?
We run 2 to 3 events per week but do not expect you to come to them all. We put on a variety of events to help members with different challenges and interests. We normally see members come to an event every 1 to 2 months.
Will this be a distraction?
No. One additional benefit that Helm members often mention is how a tip, insight or piece of wisdom from a fellow member has saved them repeating mistakes made by others. Helm can help you navigate a better route to business success.
I’m fairly well connected and plugged into other communities, do I need this?
We have a lot of respect from the entire founder ecosystem. But from experience, each network offers something unique. If you’re looking to support business growth and develop your own personal journey to health, wealth and your positive legacy, there isn’t a better place than Helm.
Will members be trying to sell to me?
Helm was founded in 2003 to create a space for founders to have open and honest conversations, without being sold to. A lot has changed since those early days, but our 'Give and Get' ethos has held true. Helm started as a reaction to the feeling of being sold to at networking events and we protect that feeling every day for our members.
I work in corporate finance/law/recruitment, is this community for me?
No. While our members might be your target market, we’re a network for pioneering founders. Our events are a safe space for members to share experiences and be open and honest with other founders and to learn from each other. We don’t accept non-founder staff as members.
What are the Guiding Values of Helm?
You can view our Guiding Values here, including the Give and Get ethos which shapes everything we do and ask of members. To summarise though we are inspired and driven by growth. We want to help our members succeed in their journey of business and personal growth that creates positive impact and delivers more than it takes.