Question 1

What is Colchester.Network?

Accepted Answer

Colchester.Network is an online community for small business owners within 20 miles of Colchester. It's a focused, ad-free space to find local clients, suppliers, and collaborators — without the noise of social media.

Question 2

What happens when I join?

Accepted Answer

After signing up, you'll complete a quick profile (business name, what you offer, what you need). Then you're straight into the directory, discussion spaces, and opportunity board. Most members make their first connection within the first week.

Question 3

Is it an app?

Accepted Answer

Colchester.Network is a Progressive Web App (PWA). Visit the site on your phone, tap 'Add to Home Screen', and it works just like a native app — with push notifications and a full-screen, standalone experience.

Question 4

Who runs this?

Accepted Answer

Colchester.Network is built and run by Marc Allington at Solve with Software Ltd, a Colchester-based software company. Marc is a local business owner himself, and built this because he saw first-hand how hard it is to find quality local connections.

Question 5

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Plans start at £9.95/month or £99/year (save £20). Founding Members lock in a rate of £49/year for life. Every plan includes all features.

Question 6

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every plan includes a 14-day free trial. We collect your card details upfront, but you won't be charged until day 15. Cancel anytime before then and you'll pay nothing.

Question 7

Can I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anytime. You can cancel directly from your account settings. You'll keep access until the end of your current billing period. No cancellation fees, no questions asked.

Question 8

How do member referrals work?

Accepted Answer

When you hear someone needs a plumber, accountant, designer — whatever — send the intro to the right member in one click. They can credit you as the source when it turns into work, so the favours you do for the network are visible, not invisible. It's how local businesses have always passed work — now with a proper trail.

Question 9

Is there an events calendar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every member-run event — networking breakfasts, workshops, open houses, meetups — lives in one calendar. Browse what's coming up, RSVP in a click, and host your own without paying Eventbrite fees. Your event reaches every member directly.

Question 10

Can I hire from the network, or list myself as open to work?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both. The Jobs board lets any member post roles — from one-off sub-contract gigs to full-time hires — and filter applications from members. Individual members can also flag themselves as open to work (with a CV attached) and be discovered by businesses hiring. Everything stays inside the member network; roles aren't syndicated to public job boards unless you choose to.

Question 11

What are Business Challenges?

Accepted Answer

Challenges are short, structured programmes members can join — a specific goal, a cohort of other members doing the same thing, and a dedicated space to share progress and swap tactics. Think 'post one piece of content every weekday for 4 weeks' or 'land three discovery calls by month-end' — finished together, not alone.

Question 12

Can I publish articles?

Accepted Answer

Yes — any member can write long-form articles directly from their profile. Articles are published to the community feed and, once approved, indexed on the public site for SEO — a useful way to build authority and attract enquiries from outside the network.

Question 13

How is my business data handled?

Accepted Answer

We're UK-based and GDPR-compliant. Your profile and posts are only visible to paying members by default — business profiles can optionally be made public for SEO. We don't sell data, don't run ads, and don't share your details with third parties. You can export or delete your data at any time from account settings. Full details are in our Privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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