Local marketing consultant celebrates her first year in business.

Lisa Coates of Acorn Marketing is celebrating her first successful year in business this May. The Marketing Consultancy, which aims to help small businesses develop their marketing practices and give them the tools to take their businesses forward, began as Lisa faced redundancy in late 2010.

Lisa has worked with fourteen clients in the past year from all over the UK in a variety of industries. Her first client was local pudding manufacturer Country Puddings, who she has forged a strong partnership with which continues to grow as the company moves into its second year of developing their marketing even further.

"Lisa has lots of enthusiasm and drive, and when added to her knowledge and contacts, really can deliver great results. We are delighted to work with such a friendly and professional individual.
We've received some great feedback from the work she has done.” comments Lynne Mallinson, Managing Director of Country Puddings

Lisa has a vast knowledge of marketing and over eleven years experience of working in the industry; after graduating with a degree in fashion marketing in 2002. She has since worked in a fashion PR company in London, one of the UKs leading outdoor theatre organisations in Manchester and the Beatles Story visitor attraction in Liverpool; before returning to her roots after being made redundant.

With such a rich variety of experience Lisa has gained a practical understanding of how to develop marketing strategies, public relations, social media campaigns, creative copy writing, website development, event management, creating promotional literature and design.

In June last year Lisa had the opportunity to work with the Albert Dock in Liverpool on various aspects of their marketing, as well as helping organise the annual Tourism Awards for Marketing Cheshire; the tourism body for Chester and Cheshire.

Lisa has begun to build up a good portfolio of clients in the county including The Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Pride in Penrith Lottery, Profile Financial Management, Cumbria Heritage, Penrith Building Society, Brockles, A1 Lawns, Hesta Scene and Jacksons Butchers; which her grandfather used to run when she was young.

"We were looking to bring Penrith Chamber of Trade in to the future, but we didn't realise how much we could achieve with Lisa on board. We had such tight deadlines, but Lisa managed to re- brand the organisation, redevelop the website, introduce an e-newsletter system, get us social networking and organised our Hollywood themed annual dinner in only 3 weeks. Since, she has worked hard to make our events a success, works closely to improve membership benefits and has increased membership numbers by 28%. She has become a key member of the team and we are excited to see what else she can do in the future" - Kelvin Dixon, President of Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce in 2011.

Most recently Lisa has secured work with Cumbria Tourism to undertake a social media campaign for the Lake District Historic Houses and Gardens Group, which has also led to further work with Muncaster Castle and the Pennington Hotels group. Lisa’s Great Grandfather also used be the Head Gardener at Muncaster Castle in 1905, so she really is going back to her roots.

“I am delighted to be doing the job I love with so many wonderful clients and opportunities coming my way. If you’d have told me eighteen months ago I’d be running my own business I’d have laughed at you. I have to pinch myself sometimes to even think I’m doing this at all, let alone making a success of it and building up a good reputation in the area.”

In November 2011 Lisa was also presented with the ‘Future 100’ award which recognises the success of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 who demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and innovation. She has also been keen to work on projects in the local community to further develop her knowledge and give something back to the area. Various projects she is involved in include being on the board of trustees for AgeUK Carlisle and Eden and acting as a Mentor to a sixth form student as part of the UK wide Career Academies scheme run by the Richard Rose Academy in Carlisle.

“This year has been a whirl wind, but I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way from my loyal clients, creative colleagues, supportive parents and partner and who knows what the next year will bring; but I can’t wait to see where this path leads me and who I meet along the way.”

Acorn Marketing is all about planting the acorns of creativity, adding the essential elements for growth, and nurturing those acorns into mighty oaks. In other words, working closely with clients to find the best marketing solutions and ideas to make business a success. As a freelance Marketing Consultant, Lisa works independently or offers support to existing teams to help fertilise new ideas to ensure marketing campaigns bring more customers, increase web presence and brand awareness.