The first-of-its-kind event was designed to address rising levels of professional burnout in women.
Scores of businesswomen from across the Midlands came together in June to attend a landmark event that redefined what modern networking could look like for female entrepreneurs.
The first-of-its-kind NetworkLocal Reset & Connect Retreat was designed to address rising levels of professional burnout in women, who are often balancing demanding workloads with family commitments, community and leadership responsibilities.
The inaugural event, held at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield, was the brainchild of Lichfield-based networking expert Kellie Johnson, founder of NetworkLocal.
Kellie described “creating high‑impact, authentic experiences” as being “at the heart of what we do at NetworkLocal”, adding that the Retreat “was truly a standout moment for us”.
There is something profoundly powerful about bringing local businesswomen together, especially those stepping into networking for the first time, and watching them bridge that gap between professional growth and genuine community.
Seeing everyone drop their guard, share their expertise and leave with both practical new skills and fifty new friends was incredibly rewarding.
We’ve set a new standard for ourselves with this one, and it’s only the beginning. If you’re looking to scale your connections and your confidence, keep a close eye on our upcoming calendar; we’re already planning the next opportunity to get you in the room.
The event not only featured a masterclass from Kellie on “How to Be the Most Interesting Woman in the Room”, but also incorporated a series of workshops led by respected female business professionals.
These included holistic wellness experts HayLowe Coaching, fitness and nutrition specialists VenGold Transformations, beauty and body sculpting practitioners Sculpt & Smooth with Nomes and accountancy firm Ginger Bucks, who are all based in and around Lichfield.
Hayley Lowe, of HayLowe Coaching, said that “watching a room full of incredible women slow down, connect and prioritise themselves was incredibly special”.
The atmosphere throughout the day was amazing, and I’m so proud of what we created together.
The retreat, which included lunch and a guided breathwork and reset session, also marked the official launch of NetworkLocal’s new “netwalking” series of regular, relaxed outdoor networking events, combining professional connection with the wellbeing benefits of nature.
NetworkLocal champions a more human‑centred approach to networking, recognising that strong business relationships are built on trust, authenticity and wellbeing, and its events are designed to help businesses to overcome barriers, expand their networks and connect in ways that feel natural rather than pressured.
With growing interest in more relaxed networking opportunities that still deliver meaningful results, Kellie – who has also pioneered the MyMidlands’ discount card scheme – is committed to expanding NetworkLocal’s calendar of networking events to meet that demand.
Examples of previous networking events included a team-building race evening at Midland Karting, and cocktail masterclasses from the founder of Tipples & Tonics, Lichfield’s Hannah Green.
For more details on upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities and how to become a NetworkLocal member, please visit networklocal.co.uk or email Kellie Johnson directly: info@networklocal.co.uk