Our Padel Shed partnership and launch of Get to the Net

The padel chat has been louder than ever in the office lately, and it’s fair to say we’ve got a few enthusiasts in the ranks. Whether we’re playing competitive doubles over lunch or perfecting our bandeja in weekend practice, the sport has quickly become part of the TBB DNA. It’s this shared passion that sparked the idea: why not bring this energy to the wider business community?

The vision quickly snowballed, and now, we’re excited to announce two exciting new developments. First, The Bigger Boat is thrilled to be the official sponsor of Court 9 at Huddersfield’s Padel Shed for the next 12 months. And second, we’re proud to introduce Get to the net – a brand-new venture designed to strip away the stiff, intimidating atmosphere of traditional corporate mixers and replace it with a more confident and comfortable social environment. Here’s a little more about what’s to come.

Breaking the cold corporate mould

Let’s be honest, traditional networking can often feel like a chore. We’ve all been to those corporate events where you’re pinned in a corner of a bustling room, clutching a business card and trading pleasantries with people you might never speak to again. It’s overly formal, often a little awkward, and rarely fosters the kind of genuine connections that lead to fruitful, long-term partnerships.

At The Bigger Boat, we believe relationships form more easily when people feel relaxed and able to be themselves. That’s why the social nature of padel immediately stood out to us. The sport naturally encourages conversation, laughter, and a bit of healthy competition – all things that create the kind of atmosphere where people genuinely enjoy meeting one another. And, having recently been plugged with a £1.3 million investment, Padel Shed’s state-of-the-art facility proved the perfect place to give our mission legs.

What our year-long takeover entails

Over the next 12 months, Court 9 will be home to permanent TBB branding, and you might even spot our name across wider areas of the facility. However, for us, this is about so much more than vanity and visibility. We’re genuinely thrilled to be supporting a thriving local hub that brings people together in a high-energy setting – and it’s a bonus that our brand is woven into this experience. As part of our partnership, we’re delighted to have unique access to the boardroom area in the members’ lounge too, providing a refreshing change of scenery for client strategy meetings that beats a standard office setting any day.

Introducing Get to the net

Alongside our Padel Shed sponsorship, this milestone also offers a natural springboard for Get to the net – our brand-new, TBB-backed brand with a mission to make social spaces feel less fussy and more fun.

Rather than traditional mixers or formal events, Get to the net brings people together through shared experiences on the court. The focus isn’t on rigid agendas or awkward introductions, but on prioritising authentic and energised relationship building by creating an environment where conversations flow easily and connections build naturally. And we have a host of exciting ideas to come. Beyond guest sessions, coffee mornings, and energised evening games, you can expect some more creative get-togethers to appear on our agenda as Get to the net evolves.

Doug Main, our co-founder, has been the driving force behind the partnership and explains why it matters: “Padel is inherently social, which makes it the perfect antidote to the corporate world’s usual ‘suit and tie’ events. By putting ourselves at the heart of Padel Shed, we’re inviting people to ditch the script and actually get to know one another in a more honest and human way. It’s about building a community where a lighthearted game can lead to a longer-lasting connection, without the added pressure. We’re really excited to push it forward.”

Join us on the court

We’re ready to break in the court, and we want you there with us. Our first event is scheduled for 30 April. Whether you’re a padel pro or have never even heard of the sport – let alone mastered your chiquita – you’re more than welcome to join the crew. But places are limited, so you’ll need to move fast.

Book your space here, places are limited.