Business News
Sponsored by: PLOTT Creative
Building online visibility
By Katie Hale Client Services Director PLOTT Creative
Your company may not be Coca-Cola or McDonalds or any other world-famous brand, but the visuals and words your company uses to promote its message are important. Embracing consistency is
key. Have you thought about brand consistency in digital advertising? Social media? Your website? If you're looking to attract
new clients on the web, you need to be concerned about brand consistency. Here are three simple things you can do to make your brand recognisable everywhere you advertise online.
1. Create Focal Points Set yourself up for success by using the same visual elements everywhere you place your communications to help consumers quickly identify your brand.
2. Create a Style Keeping branding consistent means ensuring that everyone in your business uses the appropriate materials when communicating with consumer.
3. Centralise Having one person oversee your company brand is a huge asset when it comes to building brand consistency across digital channels. SME's often neglect how
things are posted on their company website or on social media, but having an internal 'Brand Ambassador' or using an external agency can help. Ultimately, building brand consistency online is about creating an image that consumers can trust, no matter the size or history of your company.
If you are not sure where to start, PLOTT have offered to audit your website and online brand (Open to all Chamber Members) E:
katie@plottcreative.co.uk T: 01675 434583
12 CHAMBERLINK November 2016 Engine woos Chicago
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce took part in the first Midlands Engine trade mission to show North American businesses how investing in the region could put them in the fast lane for growth. Chief executive Paul Faulkner and
the head of the Chamber’s Department for International Trade (DIT) team, Mark Sankey, were in Chicago as part of a delegation led by Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid MP. Executives from around 20
businesses in the region’s food and drink sector also made the trip Stateside as the Midlands was showcased to an international audience. Your Cook, Panesar Foods,
Grandma Lily’s Christmas puddings, Flower & White and University of
Birmingham were among the companies who participated. A networking reception was also
organised by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. The visit also provided Paul
Faulkner with the opportunity to meet British American Business Council chairman Tom Stevens to discuss the work of the BABC Midlands Chapter and the BABC Conference in May 2017. The DIT team is running a future
markets export event at I-Centrum in Birmingham on 8 November, giving a companies a chance to meet trade experts from 20 high- growth and high-potential countries.
• More international news – pages 26 and 27
Hollis confirmed as chair of the GBSLEP
Business leaders in Birmingham have welcomed the appointment of Steve Hollis as chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). Mr Hollis, who served as deputy
at the LEP since May 2011, took over the reins following former chair Andy Street’s departure to run for West Midlands Mayor in 2017. Greater Birmingham Chambers
of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said the appointment of the former KPMG and Aston Villa Football Club chairman will provide vital continuity. He said: “I have had the pleasure
He said: “This really positive
increase in private sector jobs is part of a wider story – the desire to drive a tangible difference in the lives of people living in this region. “It is this passion for positive
change that has seen this region capitalise on the exciting economic advantages which have come – and will continue to come – our way. “Greater Birmingham will play a
of working with Steve for a number of years in various roles in Birmingham. “We look forward to working with him in this important position. Steve has worked with Andy Street for the last five years so it is encouraging that continuity will be achieved through his appointment as chair.” Mr Hollis said there is a feel-good factor in the region
because of thousands of new private sector jobs created over the last year.
One of the many giant works of art in Chicago
‘This is our time and we have a responsibility to deliver on our potential’
pivotal role in the future success of the UK economy post Brexit. We are the only region with a trade surplus with China and we are ideally placed to play our full part in the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy. “This is our time and we have a
responsibility to deliver on our potential for the benefit of those who live in our region and for the UK.
“While there were still many areas for improvement, particularly around increasing skills – the boost in private sector jobs was hugely positive. “It’s our mission at the GBSLEP to make sure that
everyone feels that benefit and to take advantage of all the opportunities they can bring.” The GBSLEP area has seen a 9.5 per cent increase in
employment numbers from 2010 to 2015 – taking its total to over 880,000.
ESA Group moves into sales
Birmingham-based specialist recruitment consultancy ESA Group has unveiled a new sales division to complement its existing four core market offerings. ESA Sales will help local
businesses source the best candidates for a range of permanent, interim and contract sales roles across all levels, from junior account manager to executive sales director. The launch of ESA Sales
comes at an exciting time for the company, which has seen impressive growth rates since launching in November 2010 with a single marketing division and two employees. Daniel Heathcote, managing
director and founder of ESA Group, said: “Our objective is to double turnover in 2017 which will be challenging but I am confident we can achieve given our continued investment in staff, systems and marketing.” The company has appointed
senior sales specialist Jamie Dawson to head up the new Sales division.
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