Wolverhampton Council has launched its Relight Business Programme – and brought MNA Digital on board thanks to its expertise in helping businesses.
The scheme was started as a result of the economic fallout from the pandemic and the aim is to help kick-start local businesses that may have found the last year a struggle. The wrap-around programme of support was created with the intention of helping up to 200 small firms by offering them professional, financial and digital marketing advice, worth at least £750.
MNA Digital is playing a vital part in the scheme by conducting thorough reviews with each business owner. Will Beavis, head of digital operations at MNA Digital, who put the package together said:
“After the last year businesses owners have become aware that they need to be more digitally focused if they are going to survive. They want to future proof themselves and their business, and be in a stronger position for if a lockdown ever happens again.
“When the shops closed a lot of small businesses struggled, and we all saw how it was the digitally engaged businesses that fared better. Businesses want to be in a stronger position so that even when the shops close they have revenue coming in and they keep generating leads.”
MNA Digital’s review will look at a number of key facts about a business including:
1. Business history
2. The owner’s level of digital knowledge
3. Products and services
4. Audience profile and customer type
5. Competitors
6. What the ideal enquiry or lead looks like
7. Return on investment
Will added: “After this initial assessment we will conduct a detailed review of the client’s website. A website is like a small business’ shop window and it is important that an effective, customer-friendly site is constructed and maintained to ensure long term success.”
MNA Digital is part of MNA Media, which publishes titles such as the Express & Star and Shropshire Star. The company has been supporting local businesses with their marketing for more than 140 years, which is why the MNA Digital team are experts at creating winning digital marketing campaigns.
Their team of dedicated digital experts combine all their experience to deliver effective marketing solutions including performance driven websites, paid search, SEO and paid social media campaigns. It’s not surprising that, with their experience of helping local businesses they have partnered with the council for the Relight Business Programme.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, cabinet member for city economy, said: “These are incredibly difficult times for our small businesses, and we are constantly looking at new ways we can support them and help them bounce back from the current crisis.
“Through our work in administering thousands of vital business grants during the Covid-19 pandemic we have identified where some small businesses need more than just financial support.
“The Relight Business Programme provides more tailored support from business professionals that will help build capacity in some of our smallest, but most ambitious businesses.”
As well as MNA Digital there are two other agencies involved in the reviews. Also, the programme is being run in conjunction with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Membership of these two societies will be included as part of the benefit of signing up.
The £750 financial fund will go towards a range of professional support such as financial health checks, analysis of funding and cashflow, products or services reviews and ways to improve market awareness. The ultimate aim of the scheme is to rapidly build the capacity of each business to survive, and hopefully grow, in the Covid-19 hit economy.
To speak with one of the experts at MNA Digital get in touch today by calling 01902 214007.
Or to find out more about the Relight Business Programme and how to apply, sign up here https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/business/wolvesinbusiness
