A business support organisation in Northamptonshire has announced the departure of one of its directors.

Marie Baker co-founded the Northamptonshire Business Network (NNBN) with Simon Cox in January 2022 to provide support to small businesses and charities in the county, helping them to make connections at events and grow. Since then, the organisation has firmly established itself as a core part of the local business community, representing 174 members and expanding its service offering to also include a digital magazine, workshops, annual visits to the Houses of Parliament, and its own business awards – the NNBN Business Awards.

Prior to establishing NNBN, Simon and Marie worked together to launch the Kettering Business Network in 2015, a networking group which brought businesses based in Kettering together to attend regular events to see how they might be able to work together. This was a resounding success and led to the creation of the Corby Business Network, the Wellingborough Business Network, the Daventry Business Network and the Northampton Business Network.

When COVID meant in-person events went on hold and businesses needed help, Simon and Marie decided to bring everything together and create a countywide membership support organisation that gave businesses what they needed to continue and prosper.

Marie, who also runs two web design agencies, Poppy Design Studio and Poppy Eco Hub, has taken the decision to step back from NNBN to concentrate her time on growing her own businesses. She officially stepped away from NNBN and the NNBN Awards on Thursday 18^th November. Simon will continue to operate NNBN and the NNBN Awards.

Marie said: “Simon and I have poured so much time and energy into getting NNBN to where it is now and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved.

“However, Poppy Eco Hub and Poppy Design Studio are both growing quickly and I have been presented with so many great opportunities that I need to explore.

“I wish NNBN and its members the best of luck for the future and am so grateful to have been a part of their business growth journeys.”

Simon added: “Marie and I have worked together for ten years now, and she has been a major part of NNBN and our business community.

“During that time, I have seen Marie and her businesses grow and flourish and I wish her luck for the future.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Marie for everything she has contributed to NNBN over the years, and her previous support of the various local business networks which led to the creation of NNBN.”

NNBN members will continue to see the same level of service with their membership and events will continue to run as normal. Plans are also underway for the 2026 NNBN Awards and organisations looking to sponsor them are encouraged to contact Simon at hello@nnbn.co.uk.

To find out more about NNBN, go to https://nnbn.co.uk.