Spiky Carrot

Growing the local patch together.
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Helping local businesses get naturally noticed through visibility inside local venues, business stories, online presence, and local meet-ups.

10/09/2026

You can actually see Spiky Carrot evolving through these posters.

One of the things I’m constantly doing with Spiky Carrot is looking at how I can get more out of what we offer.

Our campaign posters are a great example of that.

Have a flick through these Mabel’s posters and you’ll see how our approach has changed over time.

When I first started, I was still figuring things out. I wanted to get all the information in there and probably tried to make the posters do too much.

But the more campaigns I’ve created, the more I’ve learnt about what works when you’re trying to get a business noticed in the real world.

Over time, I’ve developed my own approach.

Cleaner. More focused. Less cluttered. More curiosity.

The aim isn’t to tell someone absolutely everything about a business.

It’s to give them enough to stop, look and think:

“I want to know more.”

And I think you can really see that progression through Mabel’s different posters.

That’s something I’m proud of because it’s not just about the artwork looking better.

It’s part of what you’re buying into when you work with Spiky Carrot.

You’re getting an approach that has evolved through every campaign, every business and everything I’ve learnt along the way.

And I’m still improving it.

That’s the fun of building Spiky Carrot.

If you’d like us to get our creative hands on your next campaign, drop me a message.

I’d love to show you what Spiky Carrot could do for your business.

09/09/2026

If you’re in Altrincham today, pop into Share Your Story on George Street.

You’ll find Mabel’s lovely new Spiky Carrot poster there, promoting her event catering:

Your Event, Curated.
Beautiful spreads. Proper homemade treats.

https://www.spikycarrot.com/campaigns/mabels-cafe-tea-room/your-event-curated

While you’re there, say hello to the amazing Simon, who can help you capture those special memories.

I love seeing our patch working like this, with local businesses helping local businesses get seen.

07/09/2026

Even Piper knows when it’s time for a little break.

I’m away in Devon this week, and on the journey down I had two lovely voice messages from Spiky Carrot members who’d had enquiries through the network.

That genuinely made me smile.

It’s so good hearing that things are starting to come together and that businesses are getting something real from being part of Spiky Carrot.

So, just like Piper, I’m taking a much-needed little break.

Don’t worry though, the patch posters are still up, the website is still generating traffic, and I’m using the time to recharge ready for the next stage.

And yes, there is another stage.

Actually, there are quite a few!

I’ll be back soon for our next Carrot Club meet-up in Altrincham, and if you haven’t booked your place yet…

What are you waiting for?

It’s a lovely group of independent businesses, and a great chance to meet people, make connections and see what we can create together.

If you’d like to be part of the group and start gaining visibility in different ways, come and join us.

Membership is just a few carrots a month.

05/09/2026

Looking for something new and stylish to wear?

Why not pop into Flair Boutique in Altrincham? They’re currently giving their range a little refresh, so you might just discover something you love.

And while you’re there, keep an eye out for one of our Spiky Carrot patch posters too.

03/09/2026

The kids are back at school.

After the summer break, you might be starting to think about what comes next. Work? Training? Further education? Or maybe you’re just not sure yet.

That’s where the lovely Rebecca at Career Garage Ltd can help.

She’s there to help young people explore their options and take that next step with a bit more confidence.

And you might even spot one of her posters in a few of our Spiky Carrot venues around the patch.

Sometimes, knowing what’s next starts with simply having a chat.

03/09/2026

Between the bread,
the pasta and the wilderness creeping in…

Something appears to be growing on the wall.

A little sign.
A little carrot.
A little more visibility.

Our Altrincham Patch Poster,
finding its home inside The Dunham Barn.

Just a Spiky Carrot,
doing what Spiky Carrots do.

Helping independent businesses get seen,
where people already are.

31/08/2026

Here’s just a few of our members you can uncover through Spiky Carrot, both online and throughout our local patches.

We’ve tagged a few below for you to check out.

Go and have a look, follow them, or even better, pop in and say hello.

There’s always more to uncover.

23/08/2026

If you were at our last Carrot Club meet-up at Oh Shoot! Plants Oh Shoot! Plants in Congleton, you might recognise this little guy.

Everyone who came along went home with a lovely plant, which is exactly what I love about our meet-ups. They’re not just about sitting around a table and networking. They become their own little experience, shaped by the independent business hosting us.

And this time, Nat made sure we all had something to take home.

So, if you were there, how’s your plant doing? Share a picture in the comments and let’s see who’s managed to keep theirs alive!

Our next Carrot Club meet-up is on 15th September at Share Your Story, where we’ll meet another brilliant independent business owner, Simon, and get an introduction to podcasting.

See the bio for the link and come along.

21/08/2026

There’s a little extra technology hiding behind our posters.

That small NFC tag on the back means someone can simply tap their phone and be taken straight to the business behind the poster, or to our patch pages.

Or they can scan the QR code.

Two simple ways to turn a bit of real-world visibility into a chance for someone to discover the Spiky Carrot patch, the businesses involved, and the local businesses getting in front of real customers.

Scan or tap. The choice is yours.

20/08/2026

My thoughts on the Spiky Carrot frames have changed so much recently.

When I first started, I saw them mainly as a way to give independent businesses real-world visibility.

But the more I’ve built Spiky Carrot, the more I’ve realised I’ve got something much more amazing than I first thought.

These frames aren’t just advertising space.

They’re becoming part of the Patch.

A physical reminder that there are independent businesses around us, opportunities to discover them, connect with them and support them.

Sometimes you start building something with one idea in mind, then along the way you realise it can become something much bigger.

That’s exactly what’s happened with these frames.

Maybe the frame was never really empty after all.

Read my latest blog:
https://www.spikycarrot.com/blog/maybe-the-frame-was-never-really-empty

Address

Manchester

Telephone

+441618509450

Website

https://www.spikycarrot.com/

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