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.

17/06/2026

Two events, plenty of conversations, and a great reminder of how strong our local business community really is.

The day started at KCC Growth Day at High Legh Golf Club. Great talks, brilliant networking, and a room full of supportive local businesses. There’s something special about spending time with people all trying to help each other grow.

Then it was over to the Manchester Business Exhibition at Concorde Conference Centre by Manchester Airport. More fantastic conversations, new connections, and even the chance to sit inside Concorde itself. Never thought I’d get to do that.

A special mention too for two brilliant charities supported today, Hospice of the Good Shepherd and The Genie’s Wish. Amazing work being done by some great people.

Right, time to follow up on today’s connections and hopefully enjoy the rest of the sunshine.

16/06/2026

Every local business has a story.

Next Wednesday, we’re heading to Nantwich Gin to hear one of them.

Join us in the heart of Nantwich to hear from Holly and her family about the journey behind Nantwich Gin and their much-loved independent high street business.

Plus, taste the gin that’s made them a local favourite.

Carrot Club Meet-Ups are all about bringing local business owners together in trusted places.

Expect relaxed conversations, inspiring stories, a guest speaker, and the chance to connect with fellow business owners.

No pitches. No pressure.

Just people, places, and conversation.

Fancy joining us?

📍 Cheshire Botanicals, Nantwich
📅 Wednesday 24 June • 1pm–2:30pm
🎟 £15 per person

Spaces are limited.

Book your place via the link in our bio.

15/06/2026

Down in London this weekend catching up with friends.

Even on a weekend away, it’s funny how your business brain never fully switches off.

Walking through the Underground, I found myself snapping photos of these posters. Not because of what they were advertising, but because of how they were designed.

You only see them for a few seconds as you move past, yet every detail is carefully thought through to catch your eye.

A good reminder that sometimes the smallest observations can spark the biggest ideas.

Always learning. Always curious.

13/06/2026

Just wanted to say a genuine thank you to everyone who replied to the email I sent out this morning.

I wasn’t expecting so many kind messages, and I’ve enjoyed reading every one of them.

Over the past few months, Spiky Carrot has been changing quite a bit behind the scenes, and it’s been nice to hear that many of you can see where it’s heading.

If you haven’t had a chance to look yet, I’ve shared a link to the updated website in the comments & bio.

Thanks again for the support. It really does mean a lot.

Chris

11/06/2026

Real visibility starts in real places.

Imagine your business professionally displayed in a quality frame, on quality paper, inside a trusted local business where people naturally spend time.

It’s visibility that doesn’t disappear with a scroll.

It’s one local business supporting another, helping you become more recognised across the local patch just like Bare Helath in congleton.

That’s what Spiky Carrot is all about.

08/06/2026

Looking to meet other local business owners in a relaxed and welcoming setting?

Join us on Wednesday 24th June from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Nantwich Gin & Botanicals for our next Carrot Club Meet-Up.

Come and discover the story behind this growing independent business, meet the people behind the brand, and find out how they got started.

We’ll also hear from Andrea Atkin as she shares her business journey, lessons learned, and experiences along the way.

You’ll have the chance to sample some of Nantwich Gin & Botanicals’ products, enjoy good conversation, and connect naturally with other local business owners.

Places are limited and we’d love to see you there.

Link in bio.

07/06/2026

This weekend’s challenge was building a tomato and cucumber trellis between two pots.

Exhibit A was my first attempt. It looked great until the wind picked up and reminded me that a good idea still needs a solid structure behind it.

Rather than giving up, I left it for a day, thought about what wasn’t working, and came back with a new plan.

Exhibit B is the improved version. Stronger supports, better bracing, and hopefully a lot more capable of handling whatever the weather throws at it.

I’m no tomato trellis expert, but it reminded me of something important. Sometimes you just need to get something built, see how it performs in the real world, then make improvements as you go.

That’s exactly how I’ve been building Spiky Carrot.

The version you see today isn’t the same as the original idea. It’s been shaped by testing, learning, listening, adapting, and making it stronger each step of the way.

Now all I need to do is wait for the tomatoes to grow.

The same goes for Spiky Carrot. There are some exciting new chapters taking shape behind the scenes, and even I’m excited to see where they lead.

Watch this space.

02/06/2026

Popped down to catch up with Simon at Share Your Story in Altrincham today, and it’s always a pleasure hearing what they’re working on.

Like many independent businesses, there’s often far more happening behind the scenes than people realise. Whether you need short print runs, creative design support, photography, video, or help bringing an idea to life, it’s well worth dropping in and having a chat.

They’re also working on launching a dedicated local magazine focused on businesses and stories from across the Altrincham area. If you’ve got a story worth sharing, definitely keep an eye on what they’re doing.

We also have a Spiky Carrot advertising frame inside the shop. If you’d like to get your business in front of local people through trusted venues and become part of a growing local patch, send me a message and let’s have a chat.

Local businesses supporting local businesses. That’s how stronger communities grow.

01/06/2026

No carrots for me, thanks. 🐐🥕

Good job I’m not actually a carrot.

While visiting a Glebe farm, congleton today, I spotted this sign and couldn’t resist taking a photo.

At Spiky Carrot, we’re not about feeding goats.

We’re about helping independent businesses become more visible, more recognised, and more connected across the local patch.

No carrots required.

Just good people, trusted partners, and growing together.

28/05/2026

Yesterday I got the news I’ve been hoping to hear for a very long time, while also never being fully sure if I’d ever hear it.

After finishing all my cancer monitoring, I’ve officially been given the all clear and told I’m classed as cancer free.

Honestly, hearing the word cancer changes something in you. It’s terrifying. There’s no inspirational quote or polished way of dressing it up. It’s just awful. The fear, the unknown, the waiting, it stays with you.

I wanted to share this because when you first hear those words, your brain immediately goes to the worst place possible. Mine definitely did, especially after losing so many family members who are no longer here today. But people do get through it. People do come out the other side. And somehow, after everything, life keeps moving again. That needs to be highlighted more, especially if you ever find yourself in this world.

I was diagnosed with T3 bowel cancer in my mid 30s and didn’t fit the usual picture people expect. I only found out because I suddenly became really ill and ended up with a perforated bowel. Trust me, I would not recommend that experience to anyone. I also ended up with a stoma for a few years, which ultimately helped keep me alive.

So if something feels wrong, even slightly, please get checked. Don’t put it off. Don’t convince yourself it’s nothing.

Weirdly, as much as cancer took from me mentally and physically, it also completely changed the direction of my life. Without going through it, Spiky Carrot would never have existed. I don’t think I would’ve looked at life, people, work, or what actually matters in the same way again. It changes you.

It’s been a long few years. Some really dark moments in there too. But yesterday felt like one of those moments where you can finally breathe properly again, and honestly, even that feels scary too.

Now I’m just happy to still be here. Can’t lie, it feels strange finally being given the all clear, but now I can start thinking a bit more long term and focus more on continuing a journey I’m genuinely enjoying, while growing something I never expected would exist when I first got the news that started it all.

And lastly, just a reminder to lo

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+441618509450

Website

https://www.spikycarrot.com/, https://www.spikycarrot.com/meet-ups/nantwich-gin-cheshire-botanicals-june-2026

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