Manchester Evening News Features Localito Founder: The Kitchen Table Story Taking Greater Manchester by Storm

The Manchester Evening News has published a powerful feature on Lee Berrow, founder of Localito — Greater Manchester’s independents-only marketplace.

After losing his previous business because he couldn’t compete with big online platforms, Lee sat at his kitchen table and decided to build something better. That something became Localito — a platform built exclusively for independent shops, makers, and service providers across Greater Manchester.

No big chains. No 30% commissions disappearing to big tech. Just local businesses and local people keeping money where it belongs.

The Response Has Been Incredible

The article has resonated strongly with people across Greater Manchester. At the time of writing, the Manchester Evening News Facebook post has reached nearly 8,000 likes, with hundreds of comments and shares.

You can see the viral Facebook post here:
Manchester Evening News Facebook Post

The MEN’s own syndication team has also reached out, asking to push the story more widely to other media outlets outside of their network.

You can read the full feature here:
Manchester Evening News Article

It has also been picked up on Yahoo News:
Yahoo News Version

Why This Story Matters

This isn’t just a nice story about a local founder. It highlights something many independent business owners across Greater Manchester feel every day — the struggle to compete with big tech platforms that take money out of our communities.

Localito was built as a direct response to that. A platform where independent businesses can sell online, offer same-day collection, and give shoppers real cashback that stays local.

What’s Next for Localito?

We’re currently preparing to scale the platform and bring this model to more towns and cities across the UK. The goal is simple: make shopping local easy, rewarding, and something people feel proud of again.

If you’re an independent business in Greater Manchester and haven’t joined yet, now is a great time. Founding partner benefits are still available.

If you’re a shopper who wants to support local businesses and earn real cashback, you can download the app here.

This is just the beginning.

Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, and supported the story so far. The response has been genuinely moving.

The Bottom Line

Independent businesses in Greater Manchester deserve a fair chance. Localito exists to give them one.

Read the full Manchester Evening News feature:
Manchester Evening News Article