Affordable marketing for Lancashire SMEs in lockdown

By 52M Consulting Ltd

14 Apr 2020

Most small business owners and managers will instinctively be cutting back on spending wherever they can right now in order to conserve cash and weather the current economic storm caused by the Coronavirus lockdown.

But according to experts at 52M Consulting, marketing budgets should be spared the knife and even increased right now.

It points to evidence from previous world recessions that suggests those businesses which continue to invest in marketing during an economic slowdown are the ones that bounce back fastest, often gaining market share in the process. For instance, during the Amercian recession of the early 1920s, advertising executive Roland S. Vaile tracked the performance of 200 companies. He reported that the ones that had continued to advertise during the downturn were 20% ahead of where they'd been pre-recession, while companies that reduced advertising were still effectively in recession years later, 7% below there 1920 levels.

However, with many businesses choosing to furlough staff, it's possible that even those that want to keep their businesses and brands visible may not find it easy to do so because they will have shed some in-house capability.

"The rules on accessing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are clear: furloughed employees are not permitted to undertake any work for their employers whilst laid off," said Lee Petts, managing director at 52M Consulting.

"This means that even those businesses that recognise the need to stay 'front of mind' amongst their customer and prospect audiences may not be able to do so because their people have all been furloughed and there's nobody left to actually do the work.

"In response to this challenge, we've launched a brand new suite of affordable services called 'Lockdown Leapfrog' that will enable small businesses to outsource their marketing and promotional needs to us on a 'tickover' basis whilst the economy remains on lockdown, with payment deferred for three months to ease pressure on cash flow."

Although the current period of lockdown was initially expected to last three weeks, there are now signs that strict social distancing restrictions may be in place for much longer, with Michael Gove MP telling a recent press conference that society and the economy may need to remain in lockdown for three months.

even those businesses that recognise the need to stay 'front of mind' amongst their customer and prospect audiences may not be able to do so because their people have all been furloughed

"Three weeks of lockdown was probably just about tolerable for most businesses, but three months will be a real struggle. Any business that 'goes dark' for that long risks a much slower and more costly return to 'business as usual' when we finally get past the Coronavirus pandemic. It's vital to stay visible and that's what we're hoping to help Lancashire businesses do."

Lancashire SMEs can find out more and sign-up for Lockdown Leapfrog at www.thinkblackdot.com/lockdownleapfrog

As well as its paid services, 52M Consulting is also helping local firms keep up appearances by including their logos and website links in its regular e-newsletter for free. The bulletin goes out weekly to over 5,500 recipient businesses located in Lancashire. Businesses wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should email [email protected] to enquire further.

Enjoyed this? Read more from 52M Consulting Ltd

Latest news

1

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

2

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

24 Apr 2025

3

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director Craig Bancroft and Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director

24 Apr 2025

4

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

5

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin