Where to Meet Other Small Business Owners in the UK (Without the Awkward Networking)

Running a small business can feel like a lot. Even on the good days.

There’s the weight of decisions, the long hours, the blurred line between personal and professional. And while you might love what you do, it doesn’t always mean you feel supported while doing it.

If you’ve ever searched:

• “how to meet other small business owners UK”

• “business support community for shop owners”

• “networking for freelancers and founders”

• "small business networking"

• 
  

...you’re not alone.

The Problem with Traditional Networking

Too often, “business support” means:

• A Facebook group full of self-promo

• A free event that turns into a sales pitch

• A networking night where you leave with business cards, but no connection

• Heaps of business ideas, but no clarity on what to do with them

For independent business owners, especially in retail, hospitality, lifestyle or leisure, most spaces aren’t designed with you in mind.

They don’t understand how you work. They don’t speak your language. And they rarely offer the kind of consistent, human support you actually need.

What Real Support Looks Like

If you’re running a bricks-and-mortar shop, managing a studio, freelancing behind the scenes, or juggling bookings and rotas, here’s what support should feel like:

• People who understand your world

• Conversations that go beyond “what do you do?”

• Events that are practical and relaxed, not performative

• A rhythm of connection - not a one-off event

  
  

That’s Why We Built the Social Club

The Market & Me Social Club is a business community for people who want support without the cringe.

It’s designed for small business owners and independents in retail, hospitality, lifestyle and leisure, plus the freelancers, creatives and behind-the-scenes doers supporting them.

Inside, you’ll find:

• In-person meetups - from coffee mornings to co-working days and book clubs

• Quarterly masterclasses - on strategy, marketing, mindset and customer experience

• An always-on online community - ask questions, share wins, and talk things through

• Bonus sessions - expert Q&As, member spotlights, low-pressure check-ins

There’s no awkward intros, no sales funnels. Just a space that makes business feel less lonely, and more human.

Who It’s For

• Shop owners, stylists, café managers, PTs, freelancers, salon founders, makers

• Anyone in or around the retail, hospitality, leisure and lifestyle industries

• People who care about what they’re building - and want support that makes sense

Whether you’re a few months in or a few years deep, this space was made with you in mind.

Join the Waitlist

We open the doors a few times a year - and the best way to stay in the loop is to get on the list.

👉 Join the Social Club Waitlist

FAQs

• Is this just another networking group? No. It’s everything networking usually isn’t - calm, useful, low-pressure, and actually enjoyable.

• Do I need to be based in a certain place? We’re starting in London, then launching in other cities across the UK, and our online space means you can stay connected from anywhere.

• How much does it cost? £25 monthly (unless your referred by a current member - £20/month or joining during our launch month - £15/month)

• Do I need to be established? No. You just need to care about what you’re building and want to do it alongside others who feel the same.

Final Word

If you’ve been looking for a business community that gets it - the long days, the real wins, the quiet doubts - the Social Club might be what you’ve been missing. A space to grow with people who actually understand.

👉 Explore the Social Club →