Review by Josie Armitage
I have been attending Find It In Farsley for about a year as I was looking for a small, local networking group with like-minded small business owners.
I knew Clare Clifford from Sunshine Digital Media, as she provides me with accountability for my social media through her Shine Online Club. Clare set Find It In Farsley up.
I have found the group to be supportive (everyone offers genuine help), and it provides the opportunity to spend time in good company every month.
I love the co-working sessions every other month as I can get so much work done. The group grows from strength to strength.
Clare says: “I set up Find It In Farsley small business networking in 2023 to support small business owners and ‘solo-preneurs’. Working alone can feel very isolating, so the aim was to create a support network for small business owners that isn’t competitive or sales driven.
“We are all about collaboration more than competition.
“Sometimes, we co-work and hold each other accountable for getting through our lists; other times,we have guest speakers to help us learn and develop our skills.”
The group meets on the second Monday of the month at Cup 19. Tickets are £5, which is donated to the Farsley Rehoboth project.
Jackie Scargill, from Gratzie Gifts, said: “I like the group because they give me great feedback and brilliant business support as I am a small business.”
Julie Cotton, the Farsley Freelancer, says: “Setting up and running a small business is not for everyone. Often, it can be lonely and isolating working from the kitchen table or, if you are lucky, the spare bedroom.
“Being able to meet other small local business owners is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, ask for peer support, or gain local clients.
“The Find it in Farsley networking group allows this to happen on a monthly basis, organising regular speakers, co-working time and even the odd outdoor activity.
‘The relaxed and supportive atmosphere has allowed me to grow my client list as well as gain my confidence to attend larger events.”
Ruth Freestone, from Baker and Co Accountants, says: “Each session is expertly hosted by Clare, who strikes that perfect balance of making everyone feel welcome without putting anyone on the spot. The atmosphere is relaxed yet purposeful, with a genuine focus on supporting local small businesses.
“One highlight for me has been the Pitch Your Problem sessions, where each attendee shares a challenge, and the group brainstorms solutions together.
“The insights shared were incredibly valuable, and I left feeling energised — ready to tackle my own ‘frog’ (you know, that task you’ve been avoiding!).”
Members actively support each other across social media, and collaborations have blossomed as a result.
l Book your place via Eventbrite. Follow Find It In Farsley on Instagram.