22 minute read
Reboot your marketing with a fully funded insights report
Sussex Innovation has launched a new suite of fully funded reports for start-ups looking to gain a deeper understanding of their customers and markets, or refresh their social media and PR.
For early-stage founders, time is at a premium, meaning that the day-to-day work of running the business can often leave little time to research new opportunities or reflect on your marketing channels. Even working in collaboration with an agency or taking part in one-on-one sessions with a consultant can often prove too much of a distraction.
“Our team has delivered cost-effective research, sales and marketing consultancy for our clients for many years, so we’re aware that everyone’s needs are different,” says Helena Jevons, Sussex Innovation’s Head of Sales and Marketing. “Customer priorities and behaviours have shifted dramatically during the pandemic – we’ve never seen such rapid changes in our 25-year history, so it’s an important time for businesses to take stock and re-evaluate their strategies.
“Some founders aren’t looking for a mentoring relationship over months and years; they want straightforward recommendations. They want to know what headline insights we can fi nd out for them, and what actionable steps their marketing team can take to move the business forward in the short term.” With this challenge in mind, the Sussex Innovation team has launched fi ve new reports that are designed to be delivered by its research and marketing advisors quickly and effi ciently, while demanding as little time as possible from business owners.
These projects can also leverage funding from the European Regional Development Fund, meaning that eligible start-ups can also get their report free of charge.
Businesses can pick any one of the fi ve products and will receive a simple online questionnaire to help them describe their situation and requirements. The questionnaire acts as a briefing document for Sussex Innovation’s advisors, who need no further information to carry out their research and deliver the report.
THE SUITE OF INSIGHTS REPORTS INCLUDES:
n Competitor Analysis: understand the range of choices available to your potential customers, and where the opportunities lie. Who is the competition and what is their positioning? How do they package and price their offer? Who are they targeting? Using market-leading research reports from the likes of
Frost & Sullivan, learn what customers currently do, why they do it, and where your brand could gain maximum traction.
n Mini White Paper: part research tool, part marketing collateral, a mini white paper is designed to provide a unique insight into the trends within your industry. It can be used to inform your strategy and get a head start on your competition, or to provide a whole calendar’s worth of marketing messages that will position you as thought leaders with your fi ngers on the pulse. n PR Starter Pack: get help shaping and writing a press release about the news story you have to share, or building a press pack to pitch your spokesperson for media appearances. Includes a bespoke database of UK press contact information, and a guide to contacting media and selling your story.
n Social Media Audit: optimise your social media presence and content marketing strategy with a deep dive report on your current activity, along with recommendations for future tactics. Includes an audit of three of your most commonly-used social channels, analysis of successful strategies employed by other brands in your space, and inspiration for future content marketing campaigns.
n General Research: do you have a burning research question not covered by any of the reports above?
Whatever market insights you’re hoping to uncover, send your brief to the Sussex Innovation team and they’ll use their full range of tools and expertise to fi nd an answer. If you’re interested in receiving a fully funded insights report for your business, or would like to explore a more hands-on package of one-on-one consultancy and practical support, you can get in touch with Sussex Innovation and start your project straight away using the appropriate link below: n Competitor Analysis n Mini White Paper n PR Starter Pack n Social Media Audit n General Research.
If you’re not sure which approach is right for you, are looking for different support, or would simply prefer to talk to the consultancy team, visit https:// info.sinc.co.uk/enquiries to share the details of your business and its needs.
These support products are funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.
Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.
For more information visit www.gov.uk/ european-growth-funding
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NETWORKING IS KEY
To become well-regarded in your fi eld, you need to make sure that your name is known fi rst. So, I always recommend networking as much as possible to make great connections and simply get your name out there a bit more. Of course, in-person networking is quite tricky at the moment, so don’t be afraid to take things online and utilise social media (in particular LinkedIn) in order to forge new business connections and put yourself on the industry’s radar.
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THINK ABOUT PR AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Another great way to get your name out there and also give yourself some more credibility as an expert in your fi eld is to seek out PR and other media opportunities. You can approach publications and submit articles or comments, or create your own opportunities by publishing a blog or social media page where you can share your opinions, news, and anything else relevant to your industry. Any true expert wholeheartedly believes in the value their opinions can bring to the industry, so why not get out there and share them whenever you can?
Any business owner dreams of becoming an expert in their chosen fi eld. But how can you stop dreaming and make this a reality? Gareth Johnson, a business growth consultant from Chrysalis Growth is here to share his top tips for becoming an expert, no matter what you may do.
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SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
What do all well-liked experts have in common? The fact that they share their copious knowledge with others! Whether you speak with people who are just starting out and want to learn more about the industry, or share the latest news with your colleagues, talking about your fi eld at every available opportunity will certainly help to cement your name as an expert. Look out for opportunities to give talks, mentor others, and share your opinion in discussion and debates, both online and in-person.
Of course, becoming an expert in any fi eld takes time, focus, and consistent effort. It’s not something that happens overnight! Through Chrysalis Growth, I coach other business owners to achieve growth and see the value that they can bring to their industry.
If you’re looking for something similar, I would love to hear from you! Please visit my website at www.chrysalisgrowth.com, or email me at info@chrysalisgrowth.com
ARE YOUR PREMISES READY FOR THE RODENT RETURN?
With the country beginning to unlock, Cleankill Pest Control is reminding businesses to check they have the right measures in place to stop an infestation of rodents.
It is often said that a dog is a man’s best friend. However, for rodents, it could be said humans are their best friends. Pre-pandemic, our social lives and working routines gave them plenty of food and harbourage.
That all changed in March 2020 as the country went into lockdown to deal with COVID-19. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) reported a 51% spike in rodent activity in the Spring of 2020, with a further spike of 78% during the November lockdown. Cleankill, which covers the whole of the south of England, has since reported a further year-on-year increase of 27% in rodent related callouts in the fi rst two months of 2021.
Lockdowns have had two major impacts on the rodent populations of our cities. Firstly, without the constant presence of human activity, they have been able to breed unhindered. It’s been estimated an extra 30 million rats were born in the UK in 2020. Secondly, because places like offi ces, factories and food outlets have been closed the rodents have moved into new areas to fi nd food. With children returning to school and the Government’s roadmap underway, now is the time for businesses to make sure their pest control contracts are in place as the return of workers to offi ces, shops and factories may mean an increase in infestations. In some cases, the rodent problem might have already existed but gone unnoticed during lockdown. In other cases, rodents might choose to return to the places that have traditionally supplied them with food and harbourage.
Paul Bates, Managing Director of Cleankill Pest Control, explains: “It has been a tough year for everyone except, it would seem, rodents. Our fi gures from across the last 12 months show how well rats and mice have adapted to lockdowns. As people return to their places of work, we are predicting a big increase in pest control issues relating to rodents.
“Employers are legally required to provide their employees, customers, and other stakeholders with a safe working environment. That means making sure their preventive pest control systems are in place and working.” Infestations can be very costly. Even if a business avoids closure or fi nes by the council’s Environmental Health office, treating an infestation will be more costly than employing effective preventive measures in the fi rst place.
Paul added: “We know it has been a diffi cult year for businesses. Everyone is looking for a way to cut costs but, the truth is, cutting preventive pest control is a false esconomy. Over the years, we’ve seen businesses of all sizes take a gamble with their pest control and then end up with large fi nes and damage to their reputation, not to mention the risks to the health of staff and customers.”
Launched in 1995, Cleankill Pest Control has its head offi ce is in Croydon, Surrey, with local offi ces in East Sussex, Bristol, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire.
Go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477.
At this point we are all facing the reality of restrictions in foreign travel and need to be careful of where we book our next far flung adventure to, but the Maldives is looking far better than many other fantasy destinations. By Tess de Klerk
THE MARVELLOUS MALDIVES!
The Maldives has never been on the UK government’s red zone list therefore home self-isolation on return is sufficient. That is unlikely to change as over 40% of the island population have been vaccinated and the number is growing rapidly. Visitors are required to provide proof of a negative Covid test taken within 96 hours of arrival and that will negate any need to isolate there. In other words, freedom to enjoy the marvellous Maldives from the moment you step off the plane!
British Airways will be restarting their direct flights to the capital, Male, in May meaning soft, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters will be just 11 hours away (UK gov dependent). Added to that, great deals abound and a few days in paradise can be bought on any budget. Come on - be brave and book!
Maldives’ 26 dazzling atolls dot an area of 298 square kilometres of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean and derives its name from Sanskrit, which describes the nation beautifully as ‘Garland of Islands’. Its geographic location ensures year-round sunshine and even the rainy season offers great travel as the rain simply cools the day a bit without spoiling your fun. I love the Maldives, not only for its dazzling natural offerings but also for its people. I have stayed in incredible super-lux resorts as well as the less pricey more rustic options which tend to be more scuba diving oriented, and I have always found the friendly staff to be genuinely kind, warm and flawlessly hospitable.
Here I sample just a few of what this exquisite archipelago has to offer...
BASK IN LUXURY
The Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa & Voavah
Pampering starts from the moment you step out of Male airport as you’re whisked away on the luxurious catamaran, the Four Seasons Explorer, to either the sophisticated Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru retreat, part of Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve or the sister property, Kuda Huraa, which is a lush tropical island close to Male. The island is renowned for its exceptional surf and easy charm. The main site of Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru is pure tropical grandeur known for luxury, innovation, wellness and conservation. The resort spreads 103 thatched bungalows and villas of contemporary Maldivian design across the island’s lush jungle wilderness. Huge outdoor spaces include private infinity pools, mezzanine-level lofts accessed by a spiral staircase with direct access to the beach or turquoise lagoon.
Four Seasons also opened an ultra-luxe private island, called Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, a secluded haven that transcends the private island experience for a maximum of 22 guests.
ECO AWARE & A BIT RUSTIC
The Barefoot Eco Hotel, Haa Dhalalu Atoll
See the real Maldives while staying at the Barefoot Eco Hotel - this is one of the few hotels based on an inhabited island. Hanimadhoo, in the far north of the Maldives, has a population of more than 2,000 farmers and fishermen. The simple but chic, sustainable hotel is in the middle of a traditional village complete with school and mosque. In the late afternoon village families go down to the beach to relax and watch the sunset. A totally different experience than the hermetic luxury of being pampered in a resort island. Be aware that alcohol is banned on the inhabited islands but a floating bar is a five minute boat ride away!
DON’T MISS THE DIVING
Atolls are by definition formed of coral and as such the islands offer plenty of great opportunities for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts all across the Maldives. The El Nino phenomenon of 2008 caused unprecedented coral bleaching in the area but mother nature is slowly but surely healing and is receiving a helping hand from various interesting coral rehabilitation projects, some of which welcome volunteers.
DIVERS PARADISE
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
A long-standing favourite with serious divers, this resort in South Ari Atoll is a 25-minute seaplane trip from Male airport and has a total of 184 rooms. The dive centre is one of 11 in the Maldives, run by the extremely professional Euro Divers – guaranteeing a very high standard of instructors and guides. There is an excellent house reef and more than 40 good sites to explore including Vilamendhoo Caves and the Khudarah Thila which explodes with vibrant soft corals. From June to October, there is a fantastic manta ray dive. Day trips are frequently scheduled to nearby Mamigili, which has been designated a whale shark national park. One further treat is the night ‘fluo’ dives - a night dive with a special filter on your mask - a fluorescent coral experience not to miss.
FUN IN THE SUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Conveniently located just a thirty-minute speedboat transfer from Male Airport, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is one of the archipelago’s favourite family-friendly resorts. Home to lush jungle interiors, encircled by soft white sands and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean - which guests can explore by way of complimentary kayaks, paddle-boards and glass-bottom boats. The snorkelling here is also exceptional where you can expect to meet the seasonal manta rays and kaleidoscopic collections of fish, turtles and reef sharks that frequent the reef all year round.
For younger guests, the Dhoni Club (3 to 12 years) has indoor and outdoor play spaces such as treehouses, climbing walls and dhoni boats - with an ever-changing events calendar, encouraging kids to embark on pirate adventures, cooking classes, treasure hunts and arts and crafts workshops.
Excellent overwater suites or beach and pool villas can also be booked in a variety of sizes. But what really makes this resort stand out as a favourite among families is the array of attentive touches: like the junior bathrobes and slippers for younger guests, the excellent children’s menus in all of the resort’s restaurants and the fact that children under six can eat for free during their stay.
GETTING THERE
Best pp deal l found for August: Singapore Airlines from Heathrow £626. Stop in Singapore Qatar Airways from Gatwick £802. Stop in Doha
Personally l would stay over in Singapore for a night or two at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and swim in one of the most amazing pools in the world.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE
By Maarten Hoffmann, Senior Motoring Editor
The electric car sector is exploding with just about every manufacturer lining them up and companies such as Jaguar and Ford clearly stating that from 2023, they will cease production of fossil fuels models. This is quite a shift and a race if ever l have seen one.
On my drive now is the Swedes’ first full electric model, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8, to give it its full title, and l have to say it is absolutely cracking. Volvo’s Recharge is the company’s sub-brand, one that will encompass all of its hybrid or fully electric cars. CEO Håkan Samuelsson reckons electric vehicles will account for 50% of Volvo’s sales volumes by 2025.
Outside it is a very good looking car thanks to British designer Ian Kettle, who was stolen by Tesla not long after its reveal but his job was done. The lines are smooth, the new wheels are superb and there is not much l would change about it. The P8 is powered by a 78kWh lithium ion battery pack mounted under the floor, that feeds two electric motors, with one on each axle to provide all-wheel drive. Power output is 402bhp, torque a stunning 487lb ft, which in turn translates to 62mph in less than five seconds. Very un-Volvo. They claim a WLTP range of 260 miles and you can charge 80% of that in around 40 minutes. On a standard domestic 7-11kW wall point charger you’re looking at eight hours. For those who have not driven an EV, l should point out that the acceleration is not just quick, but the smooth linear progression is stunning. With no oily cogs moving around and pistons pounding away trying to keep up you have just constant acceleration that seems never to want to stop. It acts like a slingshot and launches you out off corners, and the blast off the line will leave the vast majority of fossil-fueled cars languishing in your wake, with a look of total shock on the driver’s face. It is a tad addictive but, of course, punishes you on the battery range if you like to bury your foot into the Wilton.
Around town it is a blast to drive and so easy as to render the current driving test obsolete. Aided by a multitude of cameras with one of the clearest resolution images l have ever seen on a car camera. Parking is a breeze too. The one thing that it takes time to get used to is the regenerative braking. When
TECH STUFF
MODEL TESTED: Volvo XC40 Recharge ENGINE: 78kWh lithium-ion POWER: 402bhp SPEED: 0-62mph 4.7 seconds TOP: 112mph RANGE QUOTED: 257 mls PRICE FROM: £53,155
PLATINUM
you release the go pedal, the car quite dramatically starts to slow down without the need for the brake pedal. Once you get used to it, there is very little need for the brakes at all. Foot off gas at the right time and it will roll to the lights and stop itself awaiting your next command. I would think that brake pad manufacturers are screaming into their cocoa.
The ride is pretty good too with front suspension by McPherson strut with coil springs, and there’s a multi-link set-up at the rear and it pretty much sucks up everything our shameful British roads can throw at it.
There’s also an enhanced Pilot Assist, which relies on Google Maps for speed limits and bends in the road. Volvo is probably further along the road to autonomous driving than most, but the P8 doesn’t drives you nuts with warning chimes should you stray across a white line.
Inside you have the familiar quality of Volvo with a great 12.3in hi-res digital display developed with Google including maps, Play Store and Google assistant (that actually works!) and you can sign into your own Google account and personalise the lot. One little item that l found odd is the range, as this is shown as a percentage rather than how many miles you can achieve, which is not terribly helpful if you suffer from range anxiety but then Google will guide you to the nearest charger and tell you if you are going to make it. It’s just all a part of the automotive mentality adjustment that we are all going to have to deal with. There is oodles of space inside for six-footers, front or rear, and the carrying capacity of 413 litres is good, with an extra 31 litres in the front where the engine would normally be.
I enjoyed my week with this car but you do have to consider that, at £53,000, it is nearly twice the price of the fossil version but then, in the long-term with zero petrol bills, zero road tax and greatly reduce garage bills it is likely to work out at a very good deal in the longer term – and what price saving the planet?
This is nothing less than the most dynamically capable Volvo ever.
er charges may be payable. 2. Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. 3. Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and retailer deposit contribution (where applicable). *Orders/ credit approvals on selected E-Class Saloon models between 1 July and 30 September 2019, registered by credit approvals on selected E-Class Saloon models between 1 July and 30 September 2019, registered by 31 December excluding Mercedes-AMG models. Guarantees may be required. Offer cannot be used in 31 December excluding Mercedes-AMG models. Guarantees may be required. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Subject to availability. Over 18s only. Finance is subject to status and provided by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA. Sandown Group is a credit broker and not a lender. Sandown Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated consumer credit activity. All New and Approved Used cars sold by any Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer is subject to a purchase fee of £129 inc VAT. Prices correct at time of going to press 07/19. Images for illustrative purposes.ww
The Sandown Group
Here at Sandown, our customers are our main priority. We have over 35 years experience in the Mercedes-Benz brand, so we’re proud to call ourselves experts in the field.
Our dedicated team are here to assist with your every need. Whether you’re looking for your next new model, or need a little help maintaining your current pride and joy, we are committed to providing you with the best service possible. We are just as passionate about your vehicle as you are, so when you choose to visit a Sandown retailer, you can rest assured that your experience will be nothing short of first-class.
We have seven retailers throughout Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire located in Basingstoke, Dorchester, Farnborough, Guildford, Hindhead, Salisbury and Poole, each equipped with a friendly and knowledgeable team. So if you’re in need of a service, are searching for your latest vehicle upgrade, or are on the hunt for a fleet of business cars, we’re the people to visit.
We look forward to welcoming you with a smile at your local Sandown Mercedes-Benz retailer soon!
0330 1780038
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