In the very first episode of Love Local, host Jen Cornish is joined by Katie Evans, founder of The Shire Collective, a community-driven networking group supporting independent business owners across Berkshire and beyond.

Katie shares the journey of how The Shire Collective began—born from her own need for connection after moving out of London—and how it’s grown into a nurturing space for entrepreneurs to meet, share, and grow together. From her signature Coffee with Purpose mornings to coaching programmes and wellness events, Katie talks about the importance of building authentic relationships in business and why traditional networking doesn’t work for everyone.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for small business owners, especially those who:

• Feel isolated or overwhelmed running a business solo
• Are looking to build meaningful, supportive business connections
• Want to lead with values, not just hustle
• Are considering networking or coaching as a path to growth
• Struggle with visibility or confidence when marketing themselves

• Katie and Jen also discuss the importance of brand identity and tone of voice, how lived experience and formal training shaped Katie’s coaching approach, and why small, intimate events can lead to deeper, more impactful business friendships.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, this episode offers a gentle but powerful reminder: you don’t have to do it all alone.

Links and Resources:

Visit The Shire Collective: https://www.theshirecollective.co.uk

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshirecollective

Join a Coffee with Purpose event or coaching group via Eventbrite (links available through the website and Instagram)

For more on Jen and her work creating standout websites for local businesses, visit: https://www.jennifercornish.co.uk

This podcast is recorded at and produced by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk