CIMA Summer Networking at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Background

In July 2025, I attended a CIMA networking event at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The venue, The Weston, offered a relaxed setting with open views of the park and a calm backdrop for a summer gathering of finance professionals from across the region.

Approach

The structure of the event was simple but effective: time to meet and reconnect with other professionals, supported by food and drinks on the terrace, and a chance to visit Felicity Aylieff’s Expressions in Blue exhibition. The art added an interesting element to the evening without overshadowing the main purpose — giving members the opportunity to build new connections and strengthen existing ones.

Analysis

What made the event enjoyable was the combination of setting, people, and pace. Conversations flowed naturally, with plenty of time to exchange thoughts and experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. The exhibition gave attendees a shared talking point, while the barbeque and summer weather made the event feel sociable and easy-going.

Conclusions

Overall, it was a good event in a very nice setting, with good food and good company. It created a space for meaningful but informal conversations and felt like a worthwhile way to spend a summer afternoon in July.

Recommendations

For CIMA members in the South Yorkshire area, events like this are a valuable way to meet other finance professionals in a setting that encourages conversation without too much formality. Attending can help to broaden networks and strengthen professional ties within the region.

Next Steps

The best way to make the most of CIMA membership is to attend these kinds of events regularly. Each one provides another opportunity to meet peers, exchange perspectives, and stay connected with the wider finance community. A full list of upcoming events can be found here: CIMA Events on Eventbrite.