The Small Business Co-Llab turns one! See pictures from our networking group in Epsom Surrey

The Small Business Co-Llab networking Group turns one!

In May 2025, the Small Business Co-Llab, the networking group I set up in Surrey, turned one! And as of Jan 2025, we are now the hosts for LinkedIn Epsom & Ewell, too.

When I started the group, I honestly put more thought into my weekly grocery orders than I did for the Co-Llab. Before I set it up, I had only ever been to one network group in my life, once.

But having been chair of the PTFA at St Martin’s, I had met an extraordinary number of parents who had fascinating skills and businesses and were not tapping into each other. I wanted a place to pull everyone together – a place to connect, collaborate and build a community.

Fabulous cake made to match my brand: by Anna-marie’s Delicious confections

 I was very adamant that the meetings would be informal and inclusive; free and welcoming. I didn’t want a place where people felt uncomfortable or that they had to do a two-minute talk. I wanted conversation to unfold naturally and friendships and partnerships to form.

I was also very keen that those in the same industry joined the group, and hopefully were able to share ideas, collaborate or recommend each other rather than consider each other as just competition.

A casual and informal networking platform for local businesses

 And I wanted there to be a bit of business insight – to inspire, to give you tips or just form a point of discussion from an expert in the field. We have had some really interesting talks and insights from accountants; coaches; trainers; designers; social media experts and so on.

 I have been really heartened by the feedback and the fact that many have come time and again.

 I know that some of you have gained work from the group; have been recommended to others by the group or have collaborated with each other. That’s wonderful! If you haven’t, don’t worry – you just never know when the timing is right and you are the one that people think of. I think the connections you make can only help you grow – either through business or what you learn from others. Even if it’s just to have a shared moan and form a friendship with other people who are in the same boat as you.

At the Small Business Co-Llab Networking group

 When we work for ourselves, there are times it can feel isolating and a bit of camaraderie and support is just the ticket.

Connecting at the Small Business co-Llab networking group with LinkedIn

 I think I have also learnt that networking is important. It is one of the ways to be visible in your business and I really don’t think that anything can beat the impression that in-person meetings make. Just consider this: if I was looking for a supplier, and there was a whole host of talent out there, I know I would make my decision based on the one I’d met in person and how they’d made me feel.

 And I also believe that people don’t always know what they would like or need until they meet it. So keep having those conversations with unlikely prospects. You just never know how you can help each other.

 Since we became a LinkedIn Local For Epsom and Ewell, I can see how the platform complements the physical meetings. The combination of seeing people in person and then seeing their posts online, either through photos or stories, helps us get to know them and feel part of their world.