About Local Micro Network

A Friendly Business Community created for micro businesses, freelancers and start-ups

Local Micro Network was created to bring micro businesses, freelancers, start-ups and small business owners together in a relaxed, welcoming and supportive way.

We know that running a small business can be exciting, but it can also feel lonely at times. You may be brilliant at what you do, but finding the right connections, support and opportunities can be difficult when you are working on your own or growing a small team.

That is why Local Micro Network exists.

LMN is here to help local business owners connect, collaborate and grow through friendly networking events, business expos, member opportunities, guest blogs, directory listings and supportive conversations that continue beyond the event room.

Why we created Local Micro Network

Networking should not feel intimidating, corporate or uncomfortable.

We wanted to create something that feels different – a business community where people feel welcome, conversations happen naturally and genuine relationships can grow over time.

Local Micro Network has been built for people who want more than a quick sales pitch or a stack of business cards. It is for business owners who want to meet like-minded people, share ideas, find support and become part of a local community that understands the journey of running a small business.

Whether you are just starting out, side-hustling, freelancing, building a micro business or running an established SME, LMN gives you a place to be seen, supported and connected.

Who Local Micro Network is for

Local Micro Network has been created for:

Micro business owners
Freelancers
Start-ups
Sole traders
Side-hustlers
Small business owners
Entrepreneurs
Local businesses across Northamptonshire
Business owners who want relaxed, friendly networking

You do not need to be an experienced networker to get involved. LMN is designed to feel approachable, supportive and easy to be part of.

What we do

Local Micro Network supports small businesses through:

Friendly in-person networking events
Member directory listings
Business expos and larger events
Guest blog opportunities
Member social media shoutouts
Private member community spaces
Business blogs, resources and local support

Everything we do is built around helping small businesses become more visible, more connected and more confident.

Meet the founders

Local Micro Network was founded by three local business owners who each bring different skills, experience and creativity to the network. Together, Marie, Kerry and James have created LMN to support micro businesses, start-ups and small business owners across Northamptonshire.

Marie Baker

Poppy Eco Hub & Poppy Design Studio

Marie Baker is the founder of Poppy Design Studio and co-founder of Poppy Eco Hub.

Poppy Design Studio is a WordPress website and graphic design studio with over 21 years’ experience in the creative and digital industry. The studio supports businesses with professional websites, branding, design and digital presence.

Poppy Eco Hub is a B Corp certified business and the first UK company dedicated to creating eco-friendly, WCAG accessible websites. The company is built around sustainability, accessibility and helping organisations create websites that are better for people and the planet.

Marie brings web design, marketing and digital experience to Local Micro Network, helping shape LMN’s online presence, membership platform and creative direction.

Kerry Baker

Polka Dot Events Management

Kerry Baker is the founder of Polka Dot Events Management, a Northamptonshire-based events company with more than two decades of experience in event and project management.

What began as Kerry’s passion for organisation, creativity and celebration has grown into a trusted, friendly team dedicated to delivering exceptional events of all sizes.

Kerry brings extensive event management experience to Local Micro Network, helping create welcoming, well-organised networking events, expos and business opportunities for members and attendees.

Her experience ensures LMN events feel professional, friendly and easy to attend.

James Mossop

The Pink Octopus

James Mossop is the founder of The Pink Octopus, a logo and brand specialist based in Corby, Northamptonshire.

The Pink Octopus helps businesses create a visual identity that cuts through the noise and speaks directly to the people they want to reach. Working with clients across the UK and around the world, from ambitious start-ups to established businesses, the goal is always the same: to help businesses get seen in a sea of faces.

James brings branding, logo design and creative strategy to Local Micro Network, helping ensure LMN has a strong, memorable and distinctive identity.

Our mission

Our mission is simple:

To help micro businesses connect, collaborate and grow.

We believe that small businesses become stronger when they are surrounded by the right people.

The right conversation can spark an idea.
The right connection can lead to a collaboration.
The right recommendation can open a door.
The right community can help you feel less alone in business.

Local Micro Network exists to make those moments happen more often.

Our values

Friendly

We want everyone to feel welcome, whether it is your first networking event or your fiftieth.

Supportive

LMN is about encouragement, connection and helping each other move forward.

Collaborative

We believe collaboration is one of the most powerful ways small businesses can grow.

Relaxed

No hard selling. No pressure. No uncomfortable atmosphere. Just real conversations.

Local

We are proud to support businesses across Northamptonshire, including Corby, Kettering, Northampton and the surrounding areas.

Why LMN is different

Local Micro Network is designed around micro businesses and start-ups.

We understand that many small business owners want to network but do not always enjoy formal rooms, pressured pitches or events that feel too corporate.

LMN is different because it is created to feel approachable, friendly and useful.

We focus on building genuine relationships, creating opportunities and giving members ways to stay visible through networking, directory listings, social media, blogs and community support.

Join the Local Micro Network community

Whether you are starting out, growing your business or looking for more local connections, we would love to welcome you into Local Micro Network.

Come along to one of our networking events, explore our members directory, read our business blogs or join us as a member.

Connect, collaborate and grow with Local Micro Network.