Why we chose a summer social at padel tennis Sheffield?
At Sorbus Finance, we’ve always championed the value of building relationships — not just through numbers and strategy, but through real connections that grow beyond formal meetings. That’s why this summer, we decided to take business networking out of the boardroom and onto the court
And not just any court.
We recently hosted our Sorbus Summer Social at Padel Tennis Sheffield, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK — padel tennis. The result? A dynamic afternoon filled with friendly competition, laughter, and meaningful conversations, all set against the backdrop of a welcoming and high-energy atmosphere.
A Game Everyone Can Play
For many of our guests — drawn from a wide range of local businesses across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and beyond — it was their first time picking up a padel racket. But that’s one of the beauties of the sport. Padel is accessible, intuitive, and social by design. It combines the best elements of tennis and squash and adds a unique twist: the use of walls, like in squash, to keep the ball in play longer and make for more strategic, fast-paced rallies.
The rules are simple to grasp:
- Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court.
- The ball must bounce once before hitting the back wall, but can be played off the walls after the bounce, adding a new layer of tactics.
- Scoring is the same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game), but serving must be done underhand and diagonally.
- Rallies are longer, movement is more fluid, and it’s less reliant on raw power — making it ideal for all skill levels.
That’s why padel has become the fastest-growing sport in Europe, and its popularity in the UK is skyrocketing. In fact, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) now officially recognises padel as a discipline under its governance, and the number of padel courts in the UK has more than doubled in the past two years.
At Play Padel Sheffield, one of the region’s premier facilities, we saw this enthusiasm in action. From the moment we arrived, the energy was palpable. The courts were pristine, the staff were warm and helpful, and the atmosphere was welcoming to newcomers and seasoned players alike.
A Fantastic Turnout from Our Local Business Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the sheer diversity of local businesses that came along to join us. From law firms and digital agencies to property consultancies, tech innovators, accountants, and marketing professionals — the turnout represented a broad cross-section of the region’s business ecosystem.
What united everyone was the shared sense of openness, curiosity, and willingness to try something new — on and off the court. Many were completely new to the sport, and it was brilliant to see how quickly people picked it up, supporting each other with encouragement and enjoying the collaborative, less-intimidating nature of doubles play.
These kinds of events are a reminder that when you strip away formalities, the strongest professional relationships often grow through shared experience. Whether it was chatting between games, rallying on the court, or enjoying a well-earned drink afterwards, there was a real sense of community spirit throughout the day.
Why We Chose Padel for Our Summer Social
At Sorbus Finance, we work closely with a wide range of SMEs and business leaders, and we understand the value of stepping away from the day-to-day pressures to connect in a more human way. Padel offered the perfect vehicle for that.
Here’s why:
- It’s inclusive: You don’t need to be a seasoned athlete to enjoy a game of padel. Everyone can get involved — and that levels the playing field in the best possible way.
- It encourages teamwork: As a doubles sport, padel is inherently collaborative, which makes it great for relationship-building and team bonding.
- It’s fast-paced and fun: Games move quickly and rallies are long, keeping energy levels high and creating lots of shared moments to laugh, compete, and connect.
The decision to hold the event at Play Padel Sheffield also reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting innovative local venues and community hubs that help bring people together.
Beyond the Racket: Real Conversations, Real Value
Of course, while padel was the centrepiece of the day, the real magic happened in the conversations happening courtside — introductions between businesses who might not have otherwise crossed paths, stories shared over drinks, and connections formed around mutual interests and challenges.
There’s something about swapping your work shoes for trainers and stepping onto a court that strips away hierarchy and formality. It creates a space where people feel more at ease, more themselves — and that’s where the most genuine connections are made.
We had some brilliant feedback from attendees who appreciated the unique format, the chance to meet like-minded professionals, and the opportunity to be part of something a little different.
One guest summed it up perfectly: “I came for the padel, stayed for the people.”
Looking Ahead: More Than a One-Off At Padel Tennis Sheffield
This Summer Social won’t be our last. At Sorbus Finance, we’re committed to being more than just advisors — we’re connectors. We see events like these as a key part of how we add value beyond the numbers, helping to foster a vibrant and supportive business community.
Whether you’re a client, a partner, or simply part of the local business scene, we want you to know we’re here to do more than just work — we’re here to grow together, and have some fun along the way.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, especially those who stepped out of their comfort zone and gave padel a go for the first time. A special thanks also to the team at Play Padel Sheffield, who made the whole experience seamless and welcoming.
In Closing…
As the sun set over the courts and the last games wrapped up, one thing was clear — this was more than just a social event. It was a celebration of community, connection, and the spirit of trying something new.
We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to bring our network together — and if you haven’t tried padel yet, consider this your invitation.
Until then, keep your eye on the ball, your feet moving, and your network growing.
