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Tag: marketing

North Somerset firm bucks the trend and continues rapid growth

Jun. 24 2011 Latest News, Technology no comments

Insight Data Offices1 North Somerset firm bucks the trend and continues rapid growthWeston-super-Mare based Insight Data has continued to enjoy record growth despite the UK’s current economic trading conditions. The company was formed in 2006 and has doubled in size every two years, growing from 2 employees in 2007 to it’s current 20-strong team, with plans for continued growth and employment.

The company builds industry-specifc, specialist online business databases and gained widespread recognition in October 2009 after winning first place in the North Somerset Enterprise Agency “Business of the Year Awards”.  In early 2010 the firm was awarded membership in the Direct Marketing Association, and in May 2010 completed a major move to new premises to Bridgwater Court, Oldmixon Crescent in the town.

“We have continued to invest in technology, people and marketing throughout the recession, and it is now paying dividends” explains commercial director, Helen Costeloe-Hughes. With 3 to 4 new clients signing up every week to Insight’s online database and software application, it certainly seems to be a winning formula.

As part of its growth strategy Insight recently held a recruitment open day. After receiving over 400 applications for job vacancies, the company invited 40 hopefuls in for a presentation and tour of the business which culminated in 5 job offers. ”If we continue to achieve our growth plans then we expect to create a further 15 – 20 jobs in the next two years” added Helen.

Contact: Helen Costeloe-Hughes, Commercial Director, Insight Data Ltd, 3 Bridgwater Court, Oldmixon Crescent, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 9AY.   Tel: 01934 808293. Web: www.insightdata.co.uk. Twitter: www.twitter.com/insightdata

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Business Update with Terry Gilbert – November 2010

Nov. 04 2010 Business, Latest News no comments

There is the good news and the bad news! Things are changing so fast, October brought the awaited changes to the national minimum wage – £5.93 for 22 + years; £4.94 for 18-22 years and £3.64 for under 18s.

The Government investigated 901 organisations which were set up to oversee individual operations and projects – low and behold – 192 are now on the quango bonfire, 118 have merged and 171 reformed.

Recession information has some very good results. Thousands have asked for debt advice. If you need help go to http://bit.ly/bBhIKi

Government promises 75,000 apprenticeship places at a cost of £250 million per year to rebuild skills shortages.

Lord Young to take office of Enterprise Advisor to the Prime Minister – let’s hope he continues to reduce red tape.

The best news is that the economy has exceeded everyone’s expectations and just look at the FTSE figures.

And the question of the month – What do you call a politician who has lost an election? Answer – a Consultant!

And finally: Congratulations to Kerry and Michelle Michael in pulling off one of the largest ventures in the South West, which will enhance business in the area and bring visitors in from all over the world – long may the Grand Pier prosper!

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Business Update with Terry Gilbert

Aug. 04 2010 Business, Latest News no comments

Fireworks on the sea front signal the start of the main holiday season. Hotels fully booked, restaurants buzzing, lots of visitors to our shores.

All the major indicators are showing slow improvements, but that is fine. We know this is going to take a long time, steady growth without a winter dip would be preferred. Hope you got your business rates and tax credits sorted before 1 August – the door is now closed.

Lots of training available via our office on Oldmixon Crescent – Advertising & Promotion, bookkeeping, business start up courses to name but a few.

North Somerset Business Club – one of the most cost effective networking groups in the region. Get your tickets for the Charity Ball on 2 October – being held on the new Grand Pier. Come and look around and support local business and local charities.

Remember to visit the money saver before any big purchase – I would be surprised if Martin Lewis cannot save you money on most of your shopping, including holidays and flights.

Look for new opportunities at all times, but never forget your regular customers – look after them first.

Quote of the week:

“Be careful of reading health books – you may die of a misprint”

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Cow turns into field, recession finally over?

Feb. 14 2010 Business, Latest News no comments

Well, more figures show the recession is over! Which is good news – they are even predicting a slight run on the Stock Market.

Good news shows some support to SME’s for Research and Development. Tax credits could help small businesses to carry out R & D spending.

Hero’s welcome in the UK. We are asking all of our businesses in North Somerset to consider displaying the logo on the shop door and to offer a value added service eg small discount on products or services. Plus Armed Forces day 26 June is an event that has grown. There is no charge for this and will be of interest to children and adults. Lots of events across the town – look out for the publicity and get involved – show your support to our armed forces.

On 1st January a number of measures were introduced that will affect almost all businesses and organisations that supply or receive services from overseas – VAT complications.

And finally:

As legislation is increasing in every section, will I need to join the Magic Circle – as I helped a farmer turn a cow into a field on Sunday!

Terry Gilbert is Business Support Manager for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk as well as being the director for the Weston Town Centre Partnership and Chair for Weston 200 and Weston Arts Social Enterprise.
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Local Business in February

Feb. 02 2010 Business, Latest News no comments

Tax codes are a changing – HM Revenue has recently introduced a new National Insurance and PAYE system and is using it to issue notices of tax coding for the first time. This should lead to a more accurate result. If you are concerned your code is wrong, ring 0845 3000 627. It needs to be correct for 6 April 2010.

New rates are still filtering through. Some surprises have been experienced which may need help to rectify. However, some businesses may experience a reduction ie workshops and factories.

There is a lot of reasonably priced and subsidised training to be had across North Somerset – call 01934 418118 for details and dates.

BUY LOCAL – We are being urged to support our local shops. Buying on line is a novelty, but when all the shops are shut down it will be too late to support them, so think about them now, give them your support – use your STAR card for discounts.

Banks are opening up a bit – good business plans and budgets will get a fair hearing on loans and overdrafts, which is progress and good news.

“A problem shared etc” is just as important now as it ever was and proprietors should consider talking to the Enterprise Agency, their bank manager or their accountant.

For the business people who like to gamble – take a look at Penny Sleuth – Google will find it. Some of the shares floated there make 300% profit in two months – of course, some also make big losses.

Lots of good causes coming up:

RNLI Charity Auction and Dinner. To be held on Friday 5 March at The Cove Restaurant, Weston-super-Mare. Tickets £30 per head to include 3-course dinner

Charity Football match for the Children’s Hospice South West. To be held on Sunday 21 March at Clevedon’s Hand Stadium

New business directory being released through North Somerset Council next month. Also business support link on the Council website coming up soon

And finally:

Senior Citizens are officially the nations leading carriers of AIDS:

Hearing aids
Band aids
Walking aids
Medical aids
And finally – monetary aids to their kids!!

Terry Gilbert is Business Support Manager for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk as well as being the director for the Weston Town Centre Partnership and Chair for Weston 200 and Weston Arts Social Enterprise.
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I think you’re amazing. . .

Jan. 07 2010 Business, Community, Latest News no comments

Well you are. It’s true. There, I’ve said it. Unfortunately, there is always a business, charity or service down the road which is even more amazing than you; who has something even more amazing to offer. Sadly, it’s no longer just enough for people to believe that your product does what it says on the label. They want to believe in you and what you do. And they’ll go elsewhere if they don’t.

Hurts doesn’t it?

That’s why, what you say in your advertising – and how you say it – is vital; it can make or break your business. Poorly chosen words (Copy) do not sell. Excellent Copy on the other hand means more customers, more sales, more business, and more money.

OrangeJuiceCopy.com will take what you want to say, and say it better; leaving that business down the road standing (evil laugh). Want to double your sales for example? Then a fantastically worded & expertly crafted Sales Letter will suck in money like a Dyson.

After all . . .

  • It’s okay to have a great website – but is every word working its socks off?
  • It’s okay to have an incredible Product or Service – but do you have the words to sell it?
  • It’s okay to have an email campaign – but how do you get people to open it? How do you avoid the SPAM Filters?
  • It’s okay to have top Google Rankings, AdWords and SEO – but what will make people click through to your site?

None of these, makes people want (or think they need) your product. Only persuasive, powerful words that make an impact with your customers will do it.

Put simply, good advertising sells. Fact.

So, for a fresh, original approach, concise, commanding Copy that will give your business the edge.

Just go to www.orangejuicecopy.com or email oli.johnson1138@gmail.com

Oli Johnson is an Advertising Copywriter and Creative Director of www.orangejuicecopy.com. He’s passionate about working with businesses to ensure they’re making the very most of their products and services, through the words they use across all their communications. He also likes Cherry Bakewells.
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Business success in 2010 will be all about value

Jan. 01 2010 Business, Latest News no comments

Creating value for businesses is far more than merely offering discounts and products at a cheaper price. Although this can work, one of the areas where many businesses fail, is not extending that value to the customers, or to their wider business model and strategy. This value does not need necessarily to be driven by cost – it’s driven by innovation and giving people what they want; it’s about being different – providing the best services (services that are indeed offered by X number of competitors) – enough to stand out. Creating value comes down to thinking what your customers will benefit from – and giving it to them. The ultimate question businesses need to be asking is: ‘Is my product really solving a problem?’ and ‘How does it solve it in a clear, unique way?’

Getting this right, means you will be able to have a hold over your competitors.

Oli Johnson is an Advertising Copywriter and Creative Director of www.orangejuicecopy.com. He’s passionate about working with businesses to ensure they’re making the very most of their products and services, through the words they use across all their communications. He also likes Cherry Bakewells.
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Merry Christmas from the Chamber of Trade

Dec. 22 2009 Business, Latest News 1 comment

high street image2 300x225 Merry Christmas from the Chamber of TradeThey say the shops turned over £4 billion this weekend alone – who stayed up and counted it all?! I am pleased that expenditure has increased and people are spending today, but they will cut back in January and February – a good time to tighten the belt, but also a good time to network and market your business.

Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Trade are very pro-active, linking with lots of local organisations, including Star Radio.

A slow recovery is now predicted and the recession is over!! That is a general statement, and while I think it is true, this is not the case for all businesses. Some still have to take stock. I will say however, if you grab the nettle you could speed up the recovery by 50%. Plan to grow now.

And finally:

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, but more than that we wish you a healthy New Year. Remember your business is like a trumpet – if you don’t put anything in, you won’t get anything out!!!

Terry Gilbert is Business Support Manager for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk as well as being the director for the Weston Town Centre Partnership and Chair for Weston 200 and Weston Arts Social Enterprise
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The Business Review December 09

Dec. 16 2009 Business, Latest News no comments

Mortgages
As many as one in three customers are paying more than they need to for mortgages. There are so many special offers at the moment and it is a great time to get a free check to see if you are on the right package with insurance also being far too high on some policies.

This applies to business as well as domestic mortgages – Get a free 30 minutes check free of charge for peace of mind – telephone the North Somerset Enterprise Agency 01934 418118.

Innovation
Innovation and diversification are major factors in who will cope with the recession, even during these hard times we see plenty of examples of local companies who are doing well and bucking the trend. In fact many of the world’s largest corporations were founded during times of economic downturn, such as Microsoft and Disney! Some of the positive aspects of a recession are labour is easy to find due to large amounts of redundancies, competition is less fierce due to cost-cutting and rivals going out of business means more trade for those still operating. What is your business doing to stand out from the crowd?

Health & Safety Straightjacket!!
David Cameron is currently reviewing Health and Safety Legislation, and is looking to clear out alot of the bureaucracy involved to help us run our businesses. Its election time in a couple of months so maybe common sense will return!!!

VAT
VAT rates return to 17.5% on 1 January 2010, so remember to update all your books and systems for any finances or invoices due beyond the 31st December 2009

Bank Loans
Bank loans for small businesses allegedly readily available, enquire with your Bank manager today and let us know your experiences in the comments section below!

The Grand Pier
The world will be watching our pier which is growing every day, and is on track for completion for the summer season in 2010. We all need to use this – if they can rebuild the pier, we can all rebuild our business – onward and upward!

Terry Gilbert is Business Support Manager for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk as well as being the director for the Weston Town Centre Partnership and Chair for Weston 200 and Weston Arts Social Enterprise
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Too many local businesses lack Brand-strategy

Dec. 06 2009 Business, Latest News no comments

In the current climate, it’s never been more important for businesses to live and breathe their Brand. It’s who they are; it’s everything they do. After all, we are all nothing less than ‘Global Microbrands’. Everything about a business and its service is built around an understanding of it; the way it acts, the way it communicates with its customers, its partners and affiliates, staff…everyone. So why is it that so many local businesses seem to be lacking a vision for their Brand strategy?

Brand strategy for many local businesses and services seems to stretch to a facebook fanpage and a few facebook events and groups. . . perhaps even a website and an email address. Though all of these identify what the business is, and often what it offers. None of them form a Brand, or a strategy, or a direction. Many don’t even have a brand promise. Even words are brands, and local businesses appear to be failing to notice the power, words/advertising can play in driving business and moving forward in a troubled climate. Without a relevant and powerful Brand strategy, I find it difficult to see how they can survive.

Oli Johnson is an Advertising Copywriter www.orangejuicecopy.com. He is also Creative Director of Kerouac’s Dog Magazine TM – an independently published, underground Magazine for Creatives in Bristol – and Team Cheesecake TM Vintage & Pinup Boudoir photography
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