Marketing guru gives tips on how to make small firms grow

The free event at Hull’s KC Stadium on Tuesday, May 29, will see Gordon Jones giving advice and tips based on his book, Successful Marketing on a Shoestring, and he will also be giving free copies away.

The breakfast is being hosted by city-based telecoms firm KC, and follows the launch last autumn of KC Invest, a fund of £600,000 which provides start-up and growth financing for buisness in the digital and technology sectors.

Sean Royce, KC’s finance and commercial director, said: “The recession has made it incredibly hard for new and growing businesses to develop, at a time when the economy needs them more than ever to help stimulate growth. Our Boost your Business Breakfast events will give free and practical marketing, sales and PR advice to help make small budgets go further.

“As one of the largest companies based in the region we have a real stake in its success and one of the ways we can support local economic growth is through events like these.”

KC Invest offers support to firms in Hull and the East Riding and loans of between £1,000 and £25,000 are available. The repayment period would normally be over three years with interest charged at 14 per cent, which KC said is considerably lower than that charged by most banks.

Limited grant funding for market research or feasibility studies prior to a decision on a loan may also be available.

The fund is administered on KC’s behalf through the Acorn Fund and Sirius.

The 90-minute event, which will feature a presentation and question and answer session, will start at 7.30am. To book a place or find out about future events email [email protected].