Business & Learning are very pleased to be working with supportive and helpful partner organisations who enhance the services we provide with their expertise.
In the first of a series of blogs we find out more about what these partners do; how they can help business start-ups; how the information they provide can lay the foundation for business growth and expansion and get to know a little bit more about the faces you will see in our courses, seminars and webinars.
First up is Matt Godfrey from Grant Finder. Matt has already done a well-attended seminar in February on getting funding.
Which organisation do you work for?
Idox Grants
Give a brief idea of what they do?
We are the largest Grants and funding streams database in Europe
What is your job role?
I’m an Account Manager, dealing with clients, assisting with training/awareness and multiple support functions
How can you help people find what they need?
I can help share my knowledge of how to get the best from the service, funding workshops and various ad hoc searches of the system. Signposting and guidance on the sector
What is the best way for people to contact you?
Either via the team at Birmingham library or via email
How has the current situation affected your what you deliver?
It’s all online, via webinars and email
How are you coping with the new normal?
It’s challenging but it’s allowed me to help more people in need
What do you do to relax?
Chill with my dog, visit derelict castles and watch as much sport as I can
What is your philosophy on life?
Better to be a giver than a taker!
What is your most prized possession?
My daughter….
Next is Rachel Newby for Circle Square Marketing.
Which organisation do you work for?
Circlesquare Marketing Solutions
Give a brief idea of what they do?
We provide marketing and communications support. Our award-winning team of marketing and communications professionals has more than 30 years’ experience developing and delivering, results-based projects, and is the reason businesses choose to call in our service and support every day. We work with businesses of all sizes across any industry. As well as full marketing support for larger organisations, for smaller enterprises we can provide a one off service, consultation, support during busy periods or simply just when an extra pair of hands is the order of the day. We can also offer full marketing support to SME’s by carrying out the marketing role within their business.
What is your job role?
Marketing Manager
How can you help people find what they need?
Our unique outsourcing service provides in-house or remote marketing support and counsel. We can offer full marketing support packages and can work on a set number of hours each month. But we also appreciate that you may just need short-term help with a one off project and would like you to think of us as your 'bolt-on' marketing department, working seamlessly in your organisation or the team you shout for when the unexpected turns up.
What is the best way for people to contact you?
Mobile: 07795 844077
How has the current situation affected your what you deliver?
We appreciate that situation during COVID-19 has been an unprecedented one for everyone. We have been working closely with our clients to investigate new marketing opportunities as the market changes. We are delivering more in the way of online activity as communications and events become more digitally focused. We have seen an increase in paid social media and online advertising across all industries. Some of our clients’ products have been more in demand than ever so we are lucky to have remained busy throughout the pandemic so far.
How are you coping with the new normal?
It has been a challenge in some ways and a positive experience in others. Juggling work and family life has been intense at times. To a large extent we were already working remotely. As we had the mechanisms in place already, we were relatively unaffected, and we found it easy to keep the communications channels open with our clients.
What do you do to relax?
Be outdoors, play tennis, any water activities, listen to music.
What is your philosophy on life?
It’s not what happens it’s how you deal with it that counts.
What is your most prized possession?
My health…hmmm is that technically a possession? My music collection.
Business & Learning look forward to working with Matt & Rachel again soon.
To see when they are next running a session go to
You can also book onto the course from this link.