Ceramics businesses get marketing experience for free through the support of NetInfinity

With the support from NetInfinity and the West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service the Ceramic Industry Forum have created a unique and high impact initiative called Marketing Networks aimed at SME’s in the high value added consumer product cluster

With no costs involved this scheme provides companies to be challenged by an energetic team of professional marketers, willing to invest time to give advice and make improvements to their business.

In May 2006 companies were given the opportunity to submit an application to take part in the scheme. Six small companies were then selected to join the network and meet their partnership associates at a specially organized marketing training session at SiTech, Stoke-on-Trent.

The marketing training was rated as a huge success by the company participants who learned about the fundamental principles of marketing, market segmentation and the tools and techniques for an effective marketing plan.

This training, combined with the support of associates knowledgeable in the fields of marketing, branding and image presentation, resulted in the resolve of all six companies to formulate their marketing strategy and plan for their future business. 

The funding to sponsor the on-going support of companies through sound marketing practices was made available by net Infinity through Advantage West Midlands and European Regional Development Fund and is being delivered by the Ceramic Industry Forum.

The main objective for Marketing Networks is to bring companies together to share in their experiences, network, gain contacts and develop their innovation and inspiration in planning and marketing projects. The mentoring for these six companies continues until October 2006