Lunch and Learn: How to network with confidence

Katharine Mainprize

Director

Helping business owners turn vision into growth. I’m an approachable mentor and adviser with over 20 years’ experience in brand, marketing and partnerships, supporting organisations of all sizes to grow with clarity and confidence. My career has taken me from senior leadership roles at BBC Children in Need, Very and Chester Zoo, to working directly with small businesses, charities and start-ups through my consultancy, Formed. I specialise in helping business owners take their vision and turn it into a clear, actionable plan. That could mean defining what your brand stands for, shaping your marketing strategy, understanding and reaching your target audience, or creating step-by-step growth plans that deliver measurable results. I’ve led strategies that have delivered income growth, brand transformation and successful partnerships with household names including Asda, Co-op, Nike, WWF and the BBC. But I also understand the realities of running a smaller business – where time, resource and headspace are often stretched. My role is to cut through the noise, help you see the bigger picture, and provide practical strategies you can put into action straight away. I bring creativity, commercial focus and a collaborative style.