What we're all about
Cognates is a structured, relationship-focused online networking group where professionals meet weekly to connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses through genuine referrals and shared support.
Closed Seats
One seat policy per group
Fortnightly meetings
Online meetings that ALWAYS finish on time!
Where it all started
During 2020, in response to Covid-19 shutting down traditional in-person networking opportunities, an online business community called Cognates was created. It was designed to offer a flexible, supportive space for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect, collaborate, and grow, all from the comfort of their own homes.
As the network began to take shape, it quickly attracted a passionate community and grew into five distinct groups across different regions. Among the earliest members was Sharon Keevins, owner of Kangaroo UK, who stood out for her commitment, energy, and belief in the power of community-led growth.
In early 2022, Sharon officially took the reins of Cognates, bringing with her a fresh vision and a hands-on approach to development. Since stepping into her leadership role, she has been instrumental in rolling out a series of enhancements - both behind the scenes and public-facing - designed to improve the user experience and deliver more value to members.
Under Sharon's stewardship, Cognates has expanded its reach across the UK, while maintaining its personal, community-driven ethos. Her strategic direction has helped the platform evolve into more than just a networking group - transforming it into a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem where members actively support each other’s success.
Sharon continues to lead the network with passion and purpose, ensuring that Cognates remains adaptable, inclusive, and focused on real-world business impact.
Grow stronger relationships
Cognates provide a comfortable environment for you to deepen professional relationships with other like-minded people without having to leave your home or office.
With by-weekly group meetings and regular 1-2-1's our members invest time in one another to really get to learn about you, your personality, your character and more importantly your business. Which naturally leads to winning more work.
At the heart of Cognates is connection – our members work together, share ideas, and open doors to help each other grow strong, successful businesses.
What to expect
Always Online
Structured Networking
Members Education
One to One Meetings
Why members join Cognates Online?
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
We believe that having quality connections where every member fully understands how we can help each business is more important than having a high number of connections. This is why we cap our groups.
UNMONITORED REFERRALS
We do not track our referrals, and this is our strongest and best feature. Instead, we focus on the true foundations of networking, which is building quality relationships. This also means that because we don’t track referrals, we aren’t protective over what leads we get. Thus, ensuring all members are free to help increase the exposure for each member as much as they like.
NO TRAFFIC LIGHT OR SCORING SYSTEMS
We all work together, as a team and nothing is forced. We all genuinely want to help each other and therefore there is no need to have point scoring systems.
ALWAYS VIRTUAL
This means that we are more easily accessible to all, and for those that are usually unable to give up a half day to attend a face to face, are now able to network their business.
The Cognates Team
Sharon Keevins
Meeting Chair
