Bed&Fed’s Story
I started a little company called bed&fed. We are a no-fuss yet user-friendly organisation here to provide a middle market directory of inexpensive, flexible, quality accommodation for the UK and Irish domestic traveller. So, whether it be for a meeting, sports tour, wedding, or because you’re self-employed, we want you to take advantage of our friendly, personal approach to finding home-from-home accommodation – so please, be our guest…
Annabella Forbes
chiefchick@bedandfed.co.uk
Tel: 05603 662577
www.bedandfed.co.uk
Feedwater’s Story
Feedwater Ltd, would like to welcome Wendy L Martin as marketing assistant to its ever expanding workforce. Having recently completed her science degree she brings, new ideas and bright horizons to expand and develop the well known brand of Feedwater throughout the UK.
Feedwater Ltd is at the leading edge in the water treatment industry, providing our customers with safe, controllable and cost effective solutions for water management.
Wendy already has plans to remain top of our game with more Marketing campaigns, exhibitions and professional literature.
Wendy L Martin
Email: wendy.martin@feedwater.co.uk
Tel: 0151 6060808 ext 224
Feedwater Limited
www.feedwater.co.uk
Shirley Price Aromatherapy’s Story
A farmer called me the local boy made good. He was very kind. Certainly I have been very lucky in business and enjoy my professional life as a local accountant too. A big part of that luck has been in finding the right team to help me get it right.
In 2008 I took on a famous cosmetics firm and aromatherapy college which had been put into administration. The administrator wished me luck. Despite the downturn after 12 months trading and a big change in the marketing of the business it has reported its first profit in 5 years and is number one in Shanghai preserving 11 precious jobs!
Ian Brealey
Shirley Price Aromatherapy
Our interview on BBC Radio Northampton!
Joe Pignatellio kindly raised awareness, on his Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Northampton, about the What’s Your Story website… listen to the interview by clicking the player below:
Crashpadder’s Story
I lost my job at the start of the downturn, and decided to use it as an opportunity to set up my own business; something I had been threatening for some time.
I decided to model the business around the challenging economic climate.
Crashpadder.com gives people with excess space in their home, and people seeking low-cost, short-term accommodation a place to meet. It offers hosts a chance to earn extra pin money, and offers guests a place to stay which is 80% cheaper than a hotel, and far more comfortable than a hostel.
In the 9 months since we launched we have had 1,500 rooms listed in over 40 countries.
By taking a creative approach to business planning and our communications strategy, we have benefitted tremendously from a challenging marketplace.
Stephen Rapoport
Northamptonshire Education Business Partnership’s Story
We at Northamptonshire Education Business Partnership (previously Eblo, Education, Business Link Organisation) work across the county to support students in their understanding of the world of work and help local business get involved with local schools and colleges through engaging in enterprising and strategic workshops.
Never has there been a more important time for businesses and schools to work more closely together. The story below is just one example of how we are bringing together these two different but extremely important sides of our community.
An event devised by NEBP in partnership with Anglian Water and STEMNET saw students work in groups challenging their creative and academic abilities and enhancing their employability skills through teamwork, role play and developing working relationships.
Younger pupils devised a jingle or song about water efficiency, years 5-9 were asked to design a pull up banner encouraging people to be waterwise, years 10-13 were involved in a problem solving project – looking at a real life scenario of ensuring water supply to new houses in Northamptonshire.
The day concluded with a panel of judges from Anglian Water and a local councilor judging all the innovative ideas. So successful was the day the winning banner has gone into production.
Roger Allanson, CEO
Northamptonshire Education Business Partnership
www.eblo-northants.org.uk
Rugby Plastics’s Story
Rugby Plastics have seen a downturn due to recession, but we are fighting back.
We use Email Mailing on a constant basis, postal mailings as often as we can. Then there are telephone sales. We cannot afford to stop, because if potential customers do not hear from us they will hear from someone else.
Through our marketing strategy, we have seen improvements, particularly by winning back some contracts that had turned to the Far East for supply. Things are looking up.
Robin Hupfield
Rugby Plastics
AKO UK’s Story
At AKO UK we have kept on top of our marketing this year by sending out our professional product literature, which has proven to be rewarding. We have also worked on keeping our website up to date, developed our mail shots, taken part in marketing campaigns, and even joined Twitter!
We have noticed a growing number of new customers over the past few months. Keeping in touch with our customers has been the key to our successful business, as we know that they can rely on our quality products to keep coming back for a reliable, friendly and cost effective service.
AKO UK has also recently been helping to keep the Earth ‘green’ by supplying a total of 178 valves into a recycling waste industry.
Heart of England Motorhomes’s Story
Our business was founded on good old fashioned “customer service”
This policy has paid dividends, as this year alone 50-60% of our sales have come from repeat business or customer recommendation, enabling us to invest in new staff and systems in customer support, giving us a clear advantage over our competitors.
Gary Rowlands
Heart of England Motorhomes
Anstee and Proctor’s Story
We have our loyal customers to thank for our continued business.
Most of our new clients come through recommendation.
We have two very dedicated Ophthalmic Opticians who pride themselves in the care of our patients eyes.
We feel, we give ours clients the time and patience they deserve and to that end we have brought in a New dedicated Dispensing Optician, to look after their needs. She has introduced some new and favourite Ophthalmic glasses and ranges of SunSpecs. One particular sunspec range “ Maui Jim has proven to be very popular as they are available in either plain or prescription* certain prescriptions available*
We also have an excellent permanent offer, which enables our clients to buy a second pair of Glasses at 50% discount.
Our latest innovation is to offer 6 months Interest free credit, which is a great help in the recession.
Valerie Harris
Anstee and Proctor Opticians
Charlotte Hupfield’s Story
2009 has been my first year in business as a Ceramic Designer/Maker, and has proven to be a successful one, despite this difficult time in the economic climate.
For me it has all been about getting myself out there, attending craft fairs and exhibiting at shows and events, holding exhibitions in galleries, approaching galleries and shops to stock my ceramics, newspaper articles, and keeping on top of my online promotion. By taking part in each of these ‘adventures’ I have met some great people who are all very supportive. A lot of my business is created via word of mouth generating commissions, which has also helped.
Over the past few months I have concentrated on making products that cater for everyone’s price range and I now have a much broader selection of items. The key element to my work is that each item is unique and individually handmade; making no two pieces ever the same. People love to know that the ceramic product they own by Charlotte Hupfield is the only one like it and cannot be found on any regular High Street!”
Charlotte Hupfield
Ceramic Designer/Maker
www.charlottehupfieldceramics.com
Die Pat’s Story
During these times of market uncertainty, we have found customers “shopping around” more than usual and engaging with our competition more, forcing us to change the marketing strategy. We have adapted our marketing activity in several ways allowing the company to be a lot more customer focused, building stronger relations and generating more opportunities to engage with our customers.
We have achieved this by introducing a quarterly newsletter, sharing Die-Pat and its staff’s news alongside industry relevant topics. We trialled an email promotion targeted at customers providing them with relevant product information, the results being so successful that this is now a monthly event. We implemented a referral scheme via our existing customers, rewarding them for providing us with a lead into similar companies to themselves, increasing our new customer base.
Customer communications are vital during a downturn; this is where our sales and marketing teams have focused a lot of energy continually promoting Die-Pat.
Louise Brander
Head of Marketing
Die-Pat Divisions Ltd
looktouchfeel’s Story
Here at looktouchfeel we have quickly taken advantage of the rise in interest and use of Social Media Marketing. We now offer a range of services to businesses small and large on the initiation and maintenance of a Social Media strategy to market your business/service/product.
Already this has led to growth in this quarter, and we are noticing that many businesses are intrigued by what Social Media can offer them for their marketing spend during the downturn.
Rick O’Neill, BA(Hons), FRSA
Creative Director,
looktouchfeel
Universal Trimming’s Story
I was given notice of redundancy in March 09. I applied to companies for possible employment, all telling me the same thing they had no vacancies at this time. I was forced in April to claim unemployment benefit, i was determined this was not for me and i was not going to continue claiming benefit.
I decided to start my own company Universal Trimming & Upholstery. With the help of JR Press, producing business cards and flyers, i began to market my business. Initially work was very slow with lots of promises and no work. Then i approached Rose Narrow Boats of Brinkow, and the work has begun to flow in from them. I also will be teaching basic domestic upholstery, one night a week from September for Opportunities Centre in Nuneaton. I have been recommended by other companies to customers. I am still building the business and my reputation, I am determined to make this succeed. In the economic downturn this was my way of some sort of stability. People cant afford to replace, so repair is another option available and also gives a unique style.I am always pleased to give recommendations and ideas to customers, i offer free qotations, and a first class service.
Custom Glaze’s Story
Custom Glaze is very proud of 28 years of Success.
There are no secrets, just common sense and good Service. Quality and Service are paramount in every industry. We have a dedicated team for after service as well.
If problems arise we deal with them quickly and professionally. We also have a very comprehensive show room in Milton Keynes
We get business by recommendation, which is why we are still here.
This is how we stay and survive in business.
John Fletcher
Managing Director
Custom Glaze is very proud of 28 years of Success.
There are no secrets, just common sense and good Service. Quality and Service are paramount in every industry. We have a dedicated team for after service as well.
If problems arise we deal with them quickly and professionally. We also have a very comprehensive show room in Milton Keynes
We get business by recommendation, which is why we are still here.
This is how we stay and survive in business.
John Fletcher
Managing Director
Chocolates With Style’s Story
I am a web designer based in Towcester and I also organise Women-only networking events. I have been hit by the downturn in both businesses but didn’t want to give up. I have therefore launched a new business to help supplement my income. I have branched out into Personalised Chocolates! This should add to my income and keep me going through the bad times as everyone wants to treat themselves especially at times of celebration (birthdays, anniversaries, wedidngs). Branded Chocolates can also help to improve brand awareness and with the use of special offer wrappers, can encourage new customers to come and try your products.
Frances Woollard
Founder.
Heyford Fishery’s Story
Since taking over the Heyford Fishery, we have made many improvements, to encourage people to use this facility.
In this time of downturn people need to relax and pursue their hobbies, so we have taken this very seriously.
We have restocked the lakes, upgraded all the facilities. There are hot and cold refreshments, Hard standing Car park as well as fishing tackle and bait shop.
This is a major part of our business and as such we give it the attention it requires.
Fiona Dennett
Marketing Manager.
Dennett’s of Daventry’s Story
Here at Dennetts we have had a surprisingly good year so far.
We have worked hard to make sure that we cater for everyone’s needs and price range.
We do need to make sure that we can supply what the customer prefers and to that end
We have always catered for three markets.
The cheaper end of the range, the mid-priced range and then the top end of the range.
We have found this year, that people have gone for the middle range, which is well priced and good quality.
We are constantly improving our shop and Garden Centre
Fiona Dennett
Marketing Manager
Mello Office Supplies’ Story
It’s not all bad out there.
We won the award this year for outstanding growth from the Industries largest distributor.
Achieving the highest service levels that we know of in the industry has helped us gain 32 new Customers in the last 5 weeks.
Keeping up with our marketing helps to keep our customers up to date with latest offers and relevant topical products.
Mello Office Supplies has a policy of trying to generate new customers, near the existing delivery addresses with leaflet drops, this enables us to help the environment and keep costs low which ensures that we can keep our prices as ‘keen as mustard’.
Bob Smith
Managing Director
Mello Office Supplies
Compucover’s Story
For us it’s business as usual by maintaining our existing marketing strategies.
We grew the business last year and are still continuing to expand, despite the difficulties some companies are facing.
Good service and continuity are so important for us, and not losing out on any opportunity that presents itself.
Stuart Burgess,
Compucover.
Whilton Mill’s Story
Here at Whilton Mill we have found that Corporate events was the first thing to be affected. We have combated this by offering packages, and money off promotions. We have produced a package with The Holiday Inn, which we are about to launch and 15% off vouchers.
We launched a £30 Grandprix karting evening with food, this has seen us have our busiest ever August on the Mill track.
We now offer Gift Vouchers for one of many experiences at Whilton Mill, these are proving to be very popular. Everyone relates us with Karting events, but we have such a diversity of attractions for corporate and family.
These include, Karting, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and Crossbows. ATV quad bikes, Off-road & 4x 4 driving, Corporate meeting rooms, Team Building and Fun days. We have lots to offer and we never stop marketing ourselves.
Daniel Parker
Whilton Mill
B&V Water’s Story
Throughout the recent problems the UK has been facing B & V have pushed forward their Marketing more than ever. After re-branding our image by getting a new logo the work was non-stop and we have taken the opportunity to get our ‘new look’ out there while other companies have shied away from Marketing. We now have a new website and 2 successful campaigns behind us – and the work isn’t stopping there! We have more plans to get to the top of our game with more Marketing campaigns, exhibitions and professional literature. We believe we have changed the ‘downturn’ around to work to our advantage!
Siobhan Moll
B&V Water
Evergreen Gallery’s Story
One of the most productive campaigns we ran in 2009, was to let local business know that we were more than just an art gallery. We are the perfect venue to host small groups of customers or staff and use our creative enviroment to get across their sales messages.
Geoff Fone
Evergreen Gallery
Goodness Direct’s Story
We opened out our creative/ideas process to include a wider group of the work force.Some of the ideas from the warehouse and sales staff were excellent and low cost. For example, offering our healthy produce and organic fruit & veg to locals for collection thus removing delivery costs. Redesigning our bi-monthly product catalogue giving it more of a ”magazine’ feel with more company history & ethics plus supplier profiles, so customers feel more ‘in touch’ with product origins. Both incentives have been well received.
Lesley Cutts,
Goodness Direct
Dove Naish’s Story
At DNG Dove Naish we acknowledge that during times of economic uncertainty it is important to ensure existing clients are maintained and kept happy.
Everyone is on the look out for ways to cut costs so we have been sure to maximise on the value and quality of the service we deliver to clients. With that in mind we have increased the amount of marketing activity generally and have re-assessed our client care standards in the process by making recommendations where extra services could provide savings and add efficiency.
Victoria New ACIM – DNG Dove Naish
Butcher’s Pet Care’s Story
Our strategy for communicating with our market is primarily one of sponsorship.
We committed to being the primary sponsors of the Great North Dog Walk and decided to create a leaflet which portrayed Butcher’s brand values, our story and our range of brands in an eye catching, consumer-friendly way. Creativity was key to the campaign as was quality, timing and budget.
We also decided to become the sole sponsors of the New Year’s Day parade 2009. For this campaign we set out to create a leaflet that would welcome in the new year, with fun resolutions for dogs, in order to encourage consumers to buy Butcher’s products and make their dog “as fit as a Butcher’s Dog.”
Caroline La Niece – Butchers Pet Care
Cablectrix’s Story
For over 10 years we at Cablectrix have been pro-active in our marketing iniatives. Our marketing strategy revolves around promotional products.
We have taken design and production advice on Year Planners, Mouse Mats and other promotional products which in turn have helped promote our new and improved web site along with all the companies Cablectrix distribute for.
We send out over 1000 wall planners annually with our supplier’s logos on, and also feature some sponsored adverts from suppliers.
As a direct result of our promotional item marketing, we have seen substantial increases in sales of battery powered tools, hand tools and crimps manufactured by a German company called Klauke.
Martin Emery – Cablectrix Ltd
