Frequently Asked Questions
Local Micro Network FAQ
Have a question about Local Micro Network, our membership, networking events or exhibitions?
We have answered some of the most common questions below. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us at:
About Local Micro Network
What is Local Micro Network?
Local Micro Network, also known as LMN, is a friendly and supportive business community created to help micro businesses, freelancers, start-ups and small business owners connect, collaborate and grow.
We run networking events, business exhibitions and member opportunities across Northamptonshire.
Who is Local Micro Network for?
- Micro business owners
- Freelancers
- Start-ups
- Sole traders
- Side-hustlers
- Small business owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Local businesses across Northamptonshire
Where is Local Micro Network based?
Local Micro Network supports businesses across Northamptonshire, including Northampton, Corby, Kettering and the surrounding areas.
Our events may take place in different locations across the county.
Who runs Local Micro Network?
Marie Baker – Poppy Eco Hub & Poppy Design Studio
Kerry Baker – Polka Dot Events Management
James Mossop – The Pink Octopus
Membership
How much does membership cost?
Local Micro Network membership costs £25 per year.
Membership runs for 12 months from the date your membership is confirmed and invoiced.
What is included in LMN membership?
- Member directory listing with a link
- LMN email signature badge
- Newsletter
- Opportunity to submit guest blogs
- Access to the private LMN WhatsApp group
- Shoutout on LMN social media
- Members can bring banners to our networking meetings (meetings are charged at an additional cost per meeting)
- Member showcase opportunities at the LMN networking meetings.
How do I join Local Micro Network?
To join, please fill in the form on our join now page found here
How do I pay for membership?
Membership is payable by invoice.
Once you fill in the form to join us, we will send you an invoice for the annual membership fee of £25.
Is membership automatically renewed?
Yes.
At the end of your 12-month membership period, you will be invoiced for a further one years membership but you can cancel the membership if you do not wish to stay a member of LMN.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. You can cancel your membership by emailing:
Please include your name, business name and the email address used to join.
Once your membership benefits have started, the annual membership fee is generally non-refundable.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership?
If you cancel before payment has been made, no membership will be activated and no fee will be due.
If you cancel after payment has been made but before any membership benefits have started, we may offer a refund at our discretion.
Once membership benefits have started, the annual membership fee is generally non-refundable.
Do I have to be a member to attend networking events?
No. You do not have to be a member to attend networking events, unless a specific event is marked as members-only.
However, becoming a member gives you extra visibility and community benefits beyond attending events.
Do I have to attend events to become a member?
No. You can still become a member even if you do not attend every event.
However, attending events is one of the best ways to get the most from your membership and build relationships within the network.
Members Directory
What is the Members Directory?
The Members Directory is a page on the Local Micro Network website where LMN members can be listed.
It helps visitors and other members discover local businesses, and click through to their website or chosen business link.
What details will be shown in my directory listing?
Your directory listing will include:
- Business Logo
- Business website link
Can I update my directory listing?
Yes. If your business details change, please email us at:
We will update your listing as soon as reasonably possible.
Can Local Micro Network refuse or remove a listing?
Networking Events
When do networking events take place?
Local Micro Network networking events usually take place once a month on the:
Second Thursday of the month.
The usual time is:
9.30am – 11am
Event dates, times and locations will be listed on the Networking Events page.
Where are the networking events held?
- Northampton
- Corby
- Kettering
- Surrounding Northamptonshire areas
What happens at an LMN networking event?
- A warm welcome
- Informal conversations
- Time to introduce yourself and your business
- Opportunities to meet other local business owners
- A relaxed space to build genuine connections
- No hard selling or pressure
I am new to networking. Can I still come?
Yes. LMN is designed to be welcoming for people who are new to networking.
You do not need to prepare a perfect pitch or feel confident walking into a room full of people. Just come along, be yourself and start with a conversation.
Do I need to bring business cards?
You can bring business cards if you have them, but it is not essential.
You may also want to bring leaflets, a QR code, or simply be ready to share your website or social media details.
Can I bring a guest?
Everyone is welcome at our networking events, members and non members.
Please check the networking page here for the latest events listed or contact us at hello@localmicronetwork.com.
What if I book an event and can no longer attend?
Please email us as soon as possible at:
If the event is free, letting us know means we may be able to offer your place to someone else.
If the event is paid, the cancellation terms for that event will apply.
Expo And Exhibitions
What is the LMN Business Expo?
The LMN Business Expo is a business exhibition created for start-ups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, micro businesses and small business owners.
It gives visitors the chance to discover businesses, meet suppliers, network with entrepreneurs and find support to help them grow.
Is the expo free to attend?
The LMN Business Expo is free to attend as a visitor.
Visitors may still need to book a free ticket in advance.
There is a charge to book a spot as an exhibitor. Details can be found here
Where is the expo held?
We hold the LMN business exhibitions at venues across Northamptonshire. The venues will be listed here as we announce them.
Who should attend the expo?
- Start-ups
- Entrepreneurs
- Freelancers
- Side-hustlers
- Micro businesses
- Small business owners
- Established SMEs
- Local decision-makers
- Anyone looking for business support, ideas and connections
Can I exhibit at the expo?
Yes. Businesses can book exhibitor stands to showcase their products or services.
You can book a stand by filling in the form on this page here
To enquire about exhibiting, please email:
How do I book an exhibitor stand?
Please fill in the form on this page to submit your interest for a stand.
Then Kerry will send you an invoice and confirm any details she needs from you.
Are exhibitor stands confirmed straight away?
No. Exhibitor stands are confirmed once your booking has been accepted and payment has been received.
Local Micro Network reserves the right to refuse exhibitor bookings that are not suitable for the event or the LMN community.
What happens if I need to cancel my exhibitor stand?
Please email us as soon as possible at:
Cancellation terms will apply as set out in the Local Micro Network Exhibitor Terms & Conditions.
Guest Blogs
Can members submit a guest blog?
Yes. LMN members have the opportunity to submit a guest blog for consideration on the Local Micro Network website. You can do that by filling in the form on this page.
Is every guest blog guaranteed to be published?
No. Submission does not guarantee publication.
Local Micro Network reserves the right to edit, decline or remove blog content if it is unsuitable, overly promotional, inaccurate, copied or not relevant to our audience.
What can I write about?
- Marketing tips
- Branding advice
- Finance guidance
- Social media support
- Business confidence
- Productivity
- Start-up advice
- Lessons from running a business
- Local business support
Social Media And Newsletter
Where can I follow Local Micro Network?
You can follow Local Micro Network here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/local-micro-network
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localmicronetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localmicronetwork/
Will members be featured on social media?
Yes. Members receive a shoutout on Local Micro Network social media as part of their membership.
We cannot guarantee reach, engagement, enquiries or sales from social media shoutouts, but they are designed to help increase member visibility.
Will I receive emails from LMN?
Members may receive LMN emails, including newsletters, event updates, membership information and community news.
You can contact us at hello@localmicronetwork.com if you have questions about email communications.
Contact
How do I contact Local Micro Network?
You can contact us by emailing:
You can also use the contact form on the Contact page.
I still have a question. What should I do?
If your question has not been answered here, please get in touch.
Email: hello@localmicronetwork.com
We will be happy to help.