Networking community and magazine collaborate as media partners

As lockdown eases and companies look forward to a bright and busy end to 2020, there’s major news from the world of MK business – an energetic new business network combined with a notable new partnership.

Collaborate MK is the brainchild of Tim Lee. It’s a new business networking concept with a new ethos. Tim Lee explains: “The clue’s in the name. I’ve always been passionate about the idea of businesses collaborating – working together, generating success in the spirit of mutual support. It’s in this spirit that I’m thrilled to announce our first major partnership. All Things Business has agreed to become our official media partner.

“All things Business is such a very well-respected publication. I look forward to working closely with Media & Content Manager Dan Cole and team. Their expertise will be invaluable as, in the months ahead, we develop Collaborate MK as Milton Keynes’ premier support network for local businesses.”

Well-known to the MK Business Community, Tim’s enthusiasm for and dedication to the project will come as no surprise. But – even he was stunned by the success of the launch meeting.

“We had 85 attendees for our first meeting. To say I’m thrilled is a massive understatement!”

Tim enjoyed many years in electrical retail management until he joined MK Dons FC, and began to learn about the world of networking, planning countless highly successful networking events at MK Dons.

“It was clear that there’s an almost bottomless well of goodwill in the Milton Keynes business scene. You could almost feel the desire of businesses to help and support each other. I have always wanted to run my own business and I noticed the spirit of collaboration was there. It just needed to be realised. So, here we are with Collaborate MK!”

Regular meetings are the core of Collaborate MK. During lockdown, there are three per month from 10.30 am to noon. Once lockdown is over, there will be a ‘physical’ evening meeting once a month, between 5.15pm and 7.15pm at different locations across Milton Keynes.

The website will have a comprehensive Business Directory and will be filled with regular blogs and articles relevant to the business community, as well as Tim’s own Business Consultancy service.

Members can choose from several membership packages – providing anything from basic membership up to a comprehensive package, where members sponsor events and enjoy enhanced presence on the website, as well as promotional opportunities via social media, publications and radio.

Practising the principles of collaboration, Tim is already working with Mik Lewicki from Amber Digital, Lisa Carpenter and Gail Crowe from Magnifisense, Jon Newsham of Dunore Energy, Sue Garner from Garner Training and Lynne Cairns from Heritage MK.

“I also want to give a special shout out to James Fishwick, Andrew Hall and Kylie Menz who have been terrific advisors to me,” said Tim. “So, my message to business wwners is there is no such thing as a daft question just ask and collaborate!”

Contact Tim Lee on 07786 527845, email tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or LinkedIn message for further details and guidance.