A series of ‘round-table’ discussions aimed at promoting dialogue between local businesses is enjoying continued success. The initiative, hosted by chartered accountancy firm Harding Lewis Ltd, aims to bring together business owners from across all sectors of the local economy and provide an open and honest environment within which representatives can discuss opportunities for growth in spite of the pressures posed by the current recessionary climate.
The two-hour meeting was attended by delegates from a truly diverse cross-section of local business sectors, including Edric Cross of the Arg Beiyn Veterinary Surgery, Mark Broderick of DPN Software, Graeme Brooks of Ashgrove Marketing, Richard Corlett of the Private Jet Company and Tracy Quayle of Absolute Scaffolding Ltd. Topics for discussion concerned the merits of various advertising media and their effectiveness within the local marketplace which, in comparison to other broader marketing spheres, requires a more community focused, ‘hands-on’ form of social engagement.
The growing importance of social media as a marketing tool constituted a significant portion of the lunchtime exchange, largely due to the imperative for businesses to better understand the wishes of their target market during times in which traditional research methods are proving to be an often costly extravagance. Also discussed was the establishment of inter-industry partnerships, which is quickly becoming a subject of frequent interest during the meetings. Representatives discussed the potential advantages for non-competing business sectors to consolidate their market research costs in cases where each is trying to appeal to mutually attractive demographics. The meeting was met with an enthusiastic response from all attendees, who praised its practicality in once again realising the shared values of local businesses and business owners.
Andrew Gerrard, Director at Harding Lewis Ltd, commented on the event: “These meetings are proving to be a great success. As a local firm of chartered accountants with a speciality in supporting local business owners, we have experienced, first hand, the merits of promoting solidarity and dialogue between local business owners, particularly in times of global economic uncertainty. We are very proud of the growing popularity of these round-table discussions and are looking to increase the frequency with which they are held in the future.”
Mr Gerrard would like to extend an invitation to all local business owners who would like to take part in any future round table discussions. For further details, please contact Harding Lewis on 01624 679 524.
