Digital is way forward to helping boost business in South Tyneside

Growing a company using digital marketing topped the agenda at a recent meeting of business people.
Barbours director of Global Marketing Paul Wilkinson spoke at the recent AMF forum.Barbours director of Global Marketing Paul Wilkinson spoke at the recent AMF forum.
Barbours director of Global Marketing Paul Wilkinson spoke at the recent AMF forum.

Marketing teams from across South Tyneside joined forces to discuss the benefits and challenges of marketing in the manufacturing industry. Taking centre stage was guest speaker Paul Wilkinson, clothing firm Barbour’s director of global marketing.

He lead the session, organised by Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF), giving an overview of the South Tyneside-based company’s international digital marketing strategy.

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The meeting was attended by 60 delegates ranging from firms with global marketing teams to those with a one-man resource.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Great digital presence generates reach and credibility, driving both direct and indirect conversions online and in store.”

He was joined by fellow speaker Nicola Irving, head of marketing and communications at Pearson Engineering based in Newcastle.

They both spoke of the positives of good marketing strategies including educating the customer, challenging perceptions, elevating the brand and celebrating heritage as being key objectives.

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Social media, blogs and campaign emails and pages were also important for successful marketing drives which strengthen the brand and boost business.

The session has lead chairman of AMF Ian Fawdon to announce a new quarterly marketing sub-forum meeing is to be launched in a bid to meet the needs of members.

It would give marketing teams the chance to share best practice.

He said : “We were delighted to welcome the speakers to our March meeting on marketing.

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“It’s an area that all businesses need to focus on to develop companies and brands to maximum effect.

“It requires a lot of effort and focus, to make it work.

“But when it does work, the results can be incredible.”

The meeting also heard from Samantha Dniell, from safety equipment supplier SMH Products and Rosemary Caffrey from South Tyneside College.

The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) is based at One Trinity Green in Eldon Street, South Shields and promotes and supports manufacturing companies across the North East.

For details on AMF call 481 3480, email [email protected] or visit http://advancedmanufacturingforum.co.uk/