Existing companies
Providing easy to access, relevant support to existing companies, helping them to grow and succeed, is central to an enterprise strategy. To ensure companies take up offers of assistance, it is necessary to develop awareness of, and confidence in, business support organisations and the services they provide. We have worked with Business Links and Chambers of Commerce on brand building, promotion of targeted services, awareness raising campaigns and the communication of success stories. The basis of much of this work is case studies of client companies who have taken up products and services and who can demonstrate tangible business benefits.

New start businesses
Small businesses are a vital part of a thriving economy which makes it important to provide encouragement and support for people to set up their own company. Unlike the existing companies sector, the market is not clearly defined. Communications need to reach out into the wider community to help attract a good cross section of new business starts. Our experience covers local promotional campaigns, the development of an awards scheme for new businesses and the management of a regional series of events to encourage people to start their own company.

High growth companies
Companies that have the potential for significant wealth and job creation can make a real impact on a local or regional economy. Many high growth companies do not see mainstream business support as appropriate because their needs tend to be specific and specialised. This means adopting a different approach to communications from existing and other new start companies. We have experience of developing and promoting a new brand to position the offer to high growth companies in the business market. The use of case studies to promote success stories helped to build credibility and confidence in the brand.

Social Enterprises
Unlike traditional businesses, social enterprises exist for reasons other than profit, such as to provide a community service. Despite high profile examples like The Big Issue and Jamie Oilver’s 15 Restaurant, they are generally not well understood and are not always able to take advantage of mainstream business support. An effective communications strategy for developing social enterprises needs to spread the message about what they are and what they do as well as promote relevant services. We have worked on the development of one of the UK’s leading models of delivery for social enterprise support, providing advice and management of communications involving funding organisations, local networks, clients and the media. Case studies have helped to raise the profile of the support service and social enterprises in general.

Education and business
Schools have long recognised the value of working with local companies and the need for young people to have an understanding of the business world before they make their career options. Enterprise is now part of the national curriculum and the self-employment route is explored and encouraged where appropriate. We have experience of working with schools, colleges and universities. Recent projects include coordinating media activity for the first national Enterprise Week for schools, enterprise awareness competitions and placements.