The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 33: Oct/Nov 2017 | Page 29

CREATIVE THINKING
It’s all in the timing
by Steve Munson, partner at Studio Creative Services
I’m not sure about you, but for me this year is fl ying. As I write
this, there are just 13 weeks until Christmas. Sorry but I just had
to mention it! And before we know it, we’ll be into 2018 and
starting to do ‘this’ all over again.
So, whilst I have the opportunity, like the best accountants,
I thought I might bring up the subject of ‘planning’
- though whatever you do, please don’t take any tax
planning tips from me! I am of course talking about your
marketing strategies for the forthcoming year.
Marketing a business is a necessary task and some
elements can be expensive; brochures, exhibitions,
merchandise, signage, online advertising, PR and a whole
host of options. Some require more investment than
others, yet it never ceases to amaze me the lack of time we
allow ourselves to create this media, for what is in essence
key to generating more business sales.
Often great investment has been made to secure that
exhibition fl oor space, it’s been booked for months, yet
it’s not uncommon for us to receive a call to design and
produce an exhibition stand, merchandise and brochures
within less than a fortnight before t he show.
I’m not sure if technology has played a part in
reducing the timescales over the years, with that “I’ve
sent that email, so you’ve started already – right?” kind
of perception? Don’t get me wrong, at Studio Creative
Services we thrive on pressure and jump through hoops for
our clients, but lack of time costs money, reduces options
and overall can affect the impact any campaign may have.
Engaging with your creative companies early on is key
to create comprehensive campaigns across all mediums.
It can also save an awful lot of money. I’m fi rst to wave
the British manufacturing fl ag, we use a vast array of UK
manufacturers at Studio Creative Services, though we are
limited as to what is available in a short amount of time.
We also design and manufacture bespoke merchandise,
a lot of which is predominantly sourced from the Far East
when we are unable to produce it within the UK. In some
cases, manufacturing and shipping can take weeks –
months even.
Without time and planning clients often have to pick
up additional costs, air freight instead of sea freight for
instance, or make do with products that aren’t as impactful
and can weaken the impact of a campaign. So, if you
haven’t already started planning your marketing strategy
for 2018, perhaps you might like to give us a call, it will
create stronger synergies, save you money in the long run,
oh and there will be a little less stress for us too.
For more info:
www.studio-cs.co.uk
01793 438895
Nothing unusual here? Other than the paperclips which were
specifi cally coloured to the clients brand. It’s the little things...
Brochures Leaflets Posters Business cards Newsletters
Merchandise
Websites
Signage
Exhibitions
Banners
(you name it, we design and print it)
Why not give us a call on
01793 336 004
or pop in for a chat and a coffee
www.studio-cs.co.uk
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017
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