Archive - November, 2009

Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce joins GWE Business West

November 30, 2009 in Gloucestershire with Comments Off

Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) is looking forward to a future as part of the GWE Business West Chambers of Commerce network.

The permanent merger was passed unanimously at GCCI’s AGM on Tuesday, 24th November.

GCCI will keep its base at Chargrove House, Shurdington, and will continue with its current trading name. Its assets will be transferred to GWE Business West from April 2010.

The merger is intended to secure GCCI’s future. And will give Gloucestershire a louder voice as part of an influential Chambers of Commerce network that also covers Bristol, Bath, and South Gloucestershire. It will also benefit from GWE Business West’s influence and activities across Swindon, Wiltshire and the South West.

Director of GWE Business West Chambers of Commerce, Nigel Hutchings said:  “Our Chambers of Commerce network has many benefits for Gloucestershire. We are delighted they are joining us.”

“Providing business leadership, business membership and business services, GWE Business West is continually expanding its scope. We ensure the ‘voice of business’ is heard in important economic debates, using our partnership links with the public and private sectors. Our range of business support and membership services are regularly reviewed and developed to meet demand. “

GCCI Managing Director John Cripps said: “A merger was the only way forward. This is a highly positive outcome that will give us strength. It ensures our future and will give our members an enhanced range opportunities and benefits.”

GCCI President Martin Quantock pointed out that the county is an essential part of the Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire triangle, and relies on industries such as aerospace, hi-tech companies, and financial services. He said: “The triangle is the highest GDP earner in the UK, second only to London. We must make sure our voice is heard.”

John Savage, Managing Director of GWE Business West said: “Over the next 5 years, we are confident we can substantially grow membership and become the single voice for South West business. There is no catch. The area we cover is a natural gathering. We must work together to expand our influence using our joint interests to keep and grow our local chambers.”

When do you cut your Marketing budget?

November 20, 2009 in Guest Blogger with Comments Off

Guest Blogger: Member Ron Pearce, Chester Presentations

Talk to decision makers in SME’s and larger organisations and they will usually insist that you should never cut back your Marketing spend during a recession. Staying visible to your market and reassuring clients that you are ready, willing and able to do business is vital. Keeping your head down until the hard times blow over is not a serious option for forward focused companies.

Demands on the marketing budget are heavy at any time and in a recession it’s all the more important to carefully assess and try to measure where best to use limited resources. Continuing to run a regular advertisement in your trade journal will remind readers you are still around but is it really good value for money month by month? Allocating more of your spend below the line is worth thinking about. If you are a business to business marketer, branded promotional products can often deliver better £1 for £1 results.

I’ve been looking at a national survey carried out for the British Promotional Merchandise Association. It revealed some interesting attitudes and perceptions. Here are some of them:

Of those surveyed, results show:

  • 92% believe branded merchandise increases company brand awareness.
  • 76% say they can name a brand or company/organisation featured on a promotional item on their desk, without having to look for confirmation.
  • Over half (52%) purchased from companies branded on a promotional product kept on their desk.
  • 82% would keep an item they were given than give it away

The survey identified the top 10 items people keep on their desk. They included pens, calendar, mouse mat, post-it notes, mug, pencil, desk pad, calculator, diary and a notebook.

Most of us are grateful for a Christmas gift of a bottle of something alcoholic to celebrate the festive season, but who remembers who gave them what by New Years day? For less money, giving a branded gift that will be around in 2010 sounds like a better investment to me.

Having been in business long enough to remember previous recessions, I have come to appreciate how essential it is to take care of the customers we have. Keeping in touch with decision makers and reminding ourselves that the best prospect for new business is our existing customer. How often have you called to speak to a client only to find they have moved on? Without making a nuisance of yourself, an occasional email or telephone call, can keep you in the driver’s seat. Having more than one contact in the organisation is also good practice. Surprises are not often pleasant.

We never stop looking for new business but we try to keep the balance right. Ignore your loyal clients at your peril.

Being seen and heard in 2010 will be a priority for any organisations determined to find their way out of the recession. Sending your clients a positive upbeat message builds confidence and trust. Is there an alternative way forward?

To find out more about branded promotional merchandise to help you stay front of your clients minds, click on http://www.chesterpresentations.co.uk/ or call Ron Pearce on 01453 828815.