The Marketing Centre - Eastern Counties Newsletter
Colin Stickland
Regional Director (East) with The Marketing Centre - Proven Marketing Leaders. Real Business Results| Fractional CMO | Giving businesses the people and processes to achieve sales and profit targets
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the future and set clear goals for your business.
?In recent conversations with business owners and acquisition specialists, I’ve noticed a growing interest in exit strategies, so this month’s newsletter is dedicated to this important topic.
?With economic conditions tightening, taxation rising, and competitive pressures increasing, preparing properly for a successful exit has never been more critical.
?While scaling remains essential for long-term growth, this month's newsletter focuses on the practical steps to maximise exit valuations.
Success Story: Jade Solutions Achieves Record Growth and Successful Exit
?Jade Solutions, a provider of IT solutions to transport and logistics companies, was facing growth challenges. After becoming joint owner and leading a management buyout, Managing Director?Mark Brackley?sought a potential buyer for the business.
?Realising that their growth was lagging due to a lack of professional marketing, Mark brought in The Marketing Centre to drive improvement.
Jade Solutions achieved its highest recorded revenue with our support in over 20 years. We helped position the company for sale by aligning and presenting key elements of the business in a concise and professional manner, leading to a successful exit in 2021.
?Read?the?full?case?study?here?to learn more about how we contributed to Jade Solutions' remarkable journey.
Thinking of Selling Your Business? Here’s How to Maximize Your Valuation
Are you considering selling your business? Whether you're planning for the near future or thinking ahead, preparing early is essential to secure the best possible valuation.
?Buyers today are looking for more than just consistent profits—they want businesses that are scalable, independent, and poised for growth.
In my latest LinkedIn article, I dive into the strategies that can make your business irresistible to buyers based upon my own experience of succesfully selling my own company, and from others who have both sold and bought companies.
You’ll discover:
I also explore practical tips on preparing for buyer due diligence, building a strong sales pipeline, and creating exit-specific collateral like pitch decks and branded assets.
?By focusing on scalable marketing systems and demonstrating customer loyalty, you can position your business as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for potential buyers.
?Don’t leave money on the table. Click here to read the full article and learn how to plan your exit strategy for maximum impact.
We're still growing (Part 3)
?Another month, another new recruit. This month Ian Grundy joins The Marketing Centre after travelling the globe working with small and large enterprises alike.
?Along the way, he founded his own local PR Agency (which quickly attracted some well-known brands), so he knows the pains of founding and scaling your own business.
?Most recently, he has been working in the world of sports marketing, including involvement in activating ambassadors in football, athletics and other sports, as well as supporting the development of women’s football in the UK. Ian?has now put down roots in Central Cambridge, so he sits at the epi-centre of the Eastern Counties region.
?You can find out more about Ian's skills and experience here – https://www.themarketingcentre.com/team/ian-grundy
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?The Marketing Centre offer a step-by-step Guide on how marketing can show buyers that your business is worth more than the competition.
?Founding or buying a business, building value and selling it on is the ultimate goal for many of the business leaders we work with: not just growth for growth’s sake.
?Marketing plays an important part in this process, and should be integrated into every aspect or step of your business’ growth story, from when you first craft your brand vision to when you exit the company.
?Doing so is the key to building?business value.
?Use this link below to get your copy - no registration required - https://www.themarketingcentre.com/guides/how-marketing-builds-future-exit-value
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An offer you can't refuse?
?Are You Getting the Results You Need from Your Marketing?
?If it’s been a while since you reviewed your marketing strategy, now is the perfect time to refocus and uncover fresh growth opportunities.I’m offering a complimentary marketing review session to help you do just that.
?Here’s what we’ll cover:
At The Marketing Centre, we continue to refine our tools and strategies to deliver even more value to our clients. Let us show you what’s new and how we can help your business thrive.
?Interested? Let me know (just reply to this email or click here) and we can arrange a time that works for you. If not, I’d still love to hear how things are going.?
And finally a thought in these changing times:?
The opposite of misery isn’t happiness, it’s gratitude. Be grateful for your struggles, because within them is the opportunity for growth and meaning.
Wishing you the best for what remains of 2025.
Colin
Colin Stickland
Regional Director - Eastern Counties
t: 07736 900696
l: LinkedIn