Local business extends support to business community

At the beginning of April local marketing agency Invoke Media launched its generous initiative to offer free marketing support to independently run businesses in Lancashire. Since the initiative launched, over 70 businesses have taken advantage of the free suite of services on offer.

The services, designed to help businesses survive the current period and thrive upon the return of the market, are offered without charge, obligation or ulterior motive, a promise that is backed by a guarantee. 

Enquiries for support were expected to be taken until 30th April, however, the business has extended its offer until the end of May, after continued requests for businesses in need.

Jack Barron, director of Invoke Media said: “Times are incredibly difficult for everyone. If you’re self-employed or a business owner you could be facing the additional prospect of losing a business that you’ve spent years building, or at the very least seeing it set back.

The government schemes have been great, and whilst they may solve short-term cash flow issues, they don’t account for the long-term negative effects on business such as changes in consumer habits, a disengaged workforce, skill fade, and of course, the impact on a business’s bottom line.”

Deciding that the effects of furlough could outweigh the benefits, Invoke has instead shifted their focus to helping as many local businesses as they are able to. 

Jack added: “Aside from just being the right thing to do, it keeps my staff engaged with the business and their skills sharp. In such a fast-moving industry, even a month away from marketing can put you behind.

With so many people at home, either working or being furloughed, there has been a massive increase in digital device usage. I would argue there has never been a more important time for us as a business to be working and driving things forward. There is a captive digital audience. Now is the time for independent businesses to secure market share, level the playing field and take the fight to high-street brands and corporations. We’re helping them to do that.”

Businesses can expect an initial one-to-one call with Jack or a senior account manager, who will find out more about the business and identify the areas that require the most support. Businesses are then triaged, receiving a marketing health check before the scope of support is agreed.

The initiative will be receiving enquiries until May 31st, or until full workload capacity has been reached, with support to continue throughout the crisis period for those successful in receiving support. Businesses wishing to secure free support should enquire without delay to avoid disappointment.

Further details on the initiative and the application process can be found at http://www.invokemedia.co.uk/coronavirus-business-assistance/