From friends to co-owners; Lancashire business thriving past the pandemic

From colleagues to co-owners, Katherine Milburn and Caroline Lobatto launched Refined Marketing just seven months before the pandemic took over our newsfeeds. Despite the most challenging obstacle, a new business could come up against – 20 months down the line, and the dream of running a successful marketing agency tailored to support small local businesses is still alive.

"It has been a tough twelve months, but not even a pandemic will get in the way of us creating some great content for our clients. We have had to work differently, repurposing materials, and getting to grips with networking 100% online. Katherine and I refer to our agency work as an expedition we are on, trekking together, maybe this is our greatest adventure?" said Caroline Lobatto, content director at Refined Marketing.

Katherine and Caroline both joined forces armed with previous experience of running marketing departments. The duo has a skillset in graphic design and copywriting teamed with decades of experience within the world of marketing. Their industry knowledge is rooted in – engineering, marine, technology, and construction. The agency - initially launched focused on those areas; however, since COVID-19 they have now adapted and broaden their reach with clients in other sectors including book publishing, project management, finance, and retail.

"We both met managing a marketing department for an SAP Consultancy and worked well together. The realization hit that we had the experience, drive, and skills to offer marketing support to specialized industries on a larger scale. Historically we have both enjoyed working in technical industries. Building our first year of the agency, we have naturally played to those strengths and prior experience, "said Katherine Milburn, design director at Refined Marketing.

Adopting a consultative approach, the agency's focus includes supporting as many start-ups and small businesses as they can. Giving back to the local community is also high on the agenda,

2020 saw Refined Marketing supporting Nugent Christmas appeal and the team hope to help other charities in the community this year.  As Refined Marketing approach their 2nd birthday, it is evident that responding to the challenge of the pandemic and focussing on networking locally has contributed to the client portfolio growth. 

Refined Marketing based in West Lancashire are offering FREE Discovery calls, and Marketing Strategy reports to help support all small businesses and startups. Get in touch to book yours today [email protected]

www.refinedmarketing.co.uk