Over and out, October ??

Exciting things are happening at Zync! We've partnered with the School for Social Entrepreneurs to host a free webinar designed to equip social enterprise professionals with digital marketing skills, and we've also welcomed some exciting new clients, including London Capital Credit Union. And not to mention our Credit Union Challenge taking place earlier this month in celebration of International Credit Union Day. Interested? Read on...

Our top stories...

Social Enterprise & Non-Profit

A FREE digital marketing workshop!

Along with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Zync is inviting social enterprises to take part in a free webinar on November 21st. An Introduction to Digital Marketing is designed to help non-profits create effective digital campaigns, set realistic goals, and make the most of tools like social media and email marketing. There’ll also be one-on-one support from our team of digital marketing experts. If you work in the social sector, then grab your place here – it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Cabs for climate

London’s shift to electric taxis is gaining momentum, with 60% of cab drivers now driving eco-friendly vehicles. Steve Howard, a driver with 53 years of experience, champions the new electric models, declaring them the "best he’s ever driven". “After a 12-hour shift in a diesel, you can’t help but breathe in those fumes, but in an electric cab, you come home feeling normal,” he says. This shift not only improves driver’s health, but also reduces emissions throughout the city. A promising step toward a cleaner, greener London for everyone.

Brilliance in Black-led business

October, of course, was Black History Month. This year's theme was Reclaiming Narratives, offering the chance to correct historical inaccuracies and showcase the frequently forgotten contributions of the Black community. What's more; 35% of social enterprises in the UK now have directors from ethnic minority groups. Organisations including The Blair Project, Generation Success, and Rising Star Property Solutions are leading the way towards a business landscape that truly is equal for all.

Credit Unions

Unions, united

October saw the highlight of the ethical finance calendar – International Credit Union Day. The sector celebrated the 76th ICU Day on the 17th, with this year’s theme set as One World through Cooperative Finance. The event raises awareness of the vital role that credit unions play in building financial resilience, serving as a powerful reminder of how the industry unites people across nations and facilitates financial security growth within communities.

Skills for success

Zync Managing Director Anthony recently tried his hand in the classroom, leading a marketing webinar for this year's CU Futures participants. The session was part of ABCUL’s 10-month programme - a course that helps young professionals in the credit union sector to build essential skills and leadership experience. During the session, participants gained an insight into branding, copywriting, and, importantly, why both are so important in the credit union sector.

Growth around the globe!

The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has reported that global credit union membership has surpassed 411 million, with assets exceeding $3.7 trillion as of December 31, 2023. This reflects a 2% increase in membership for the year and an impressive 89% growth over the past decade. Notable growth rates were seen in countries like Dominica (33%), Nepal (18%), Brazil (12%), and the UK (10%). Some apt figures given the theme of this year’s ICU Day!

Digital Marketing

Innovative or ineffective?

Tesco's new?'Icons' campaign has sparked controversy amongst marketers this month - and even some non-marketers. The billboard replaces the familiar letters of the "Tesco" logo with corresponding alphabetical food items. “T” for example, is now a tomato. It’s a bold move; assuming that the public will recognise your brand without seeing its original log requires “icon status”, as quoted by one of those responsible for the campaign.

A big, big issue

The Big Issue is one of the UK's leading social businesses, and this month it released?an impactful campaign.?'Give poverty the finger'?kicked off with a clever, eye-catching graphic billboard in?Manchester, urging passers-by to help fight poverty by?signing?up for a monthly membership scheme. Supporters include?The Guardian, The National Trust, and Clearchannel, all of whom will help promote the scheme across 3,000 boards for the next three months.?

A meet-up made for marketers!

A few weeks ago,?Zync's Midlands-based Marketing Assistant?was lucky enough to attend a Marketing Meet-Up. October's event took place?in?Leicester's creative hub?the LCB Depot, featuring a talk from Chaz Kaur Kotecha - Marketing Manager at the UK's biggest out-of-town shopping centre. As well as offering an?informative talk, each meet-up allows marketers to swap LinkedIn chats for?face-to-face conversations with peers from all kinds of sectors. And it's not limited to Leicester; sessions take place both online and in person in cities across the world! This one's?worth a space in your calendar (plus there's free pizza).

Can you believe October's over? For Zync, this month has flashed by in a flurry of credit union events, inspiring stories from the Black community, and educational workshops; both led and attended. We're not saying the C-word yet, though. Stay tuned for that next in November...

- The team @ Zync