The second phase of the “Think Big…Think Brand” Programme has just been launched by Coleraine and Limavady Borough Councils. The programme, which is part financed by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, uses a combination of practical workshops and expert mentor guidance to help participants get their branding right.

Twenty firms participated on the programme last year, which resulted in a major upsurge in firms engaging in marketing activities such as re-branding, development of new websites and promotional materials and the launch of new products, leading to participant firms targeting both new and existing customers more effectively.

Speaking about the programme, Coleraine Borough Council’s Economic Development Officer Martin Clarke, explained that the initiative forms part of both councils’ commitment to supporting local firms by providing tailor made business supports. He said: “Regardless of age, position, or the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. It’s time for us to take a lesson from the big brands, and the branding programme provides participants with the tools to get focused and make their business really stand out from the crowd, regardless of their size.”

Paul Beattie, Economic Development Officer with Limavady Borough Council, explained how the programme works: “Apart from benefiting from expert mentor guidance and workshops, participating firms have all had an initial brand audit carried out on their business, which is used to give the “Think Big…Think Brand” branding team ideas as to how the firms can best present themselves to the marketplace; this is then conveyed to the firms visually and used as a guide to help them towards developing and managing their own brand.”

The programme is being delivered by i2 Total Marketing, which has extensive experience in working with businesses to grow their business through well branded, targeted marketing and promotional campaigns.

Places on the programme are limited to ten firms in each of the two council areas so anyone wishing to sign up should telephone Janice at 7188 6131 or email Janice@i2totalmarketing.com.