Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Fiona Scott of Fiona Scott Media Consultancy offering media & PR training, retained services, crisis management, disaster recovery consultancy (managing the media) blogging strategy and content, organic social media management, videography and animation services.

How are you feeling about business in general? 

A lot better now that I've proved I can operate as a business person in a more digital world. This has been critical during lockdown as I only received a very small grant for my office (shared with my office buddy) and no support to help with my salary or fixed business costs at all. I was one of the #forgotten

Can you give three ways in which you apply the phrase 'buy local, supply local' in your business? 

1. Like many consultancy based businesses I can work with anyone anywhere. However I've always valued local and have local suppliers who support my business - one of the reasons is I like to 'see' people. 

2. I will make far more effort to spend what money I have with truly independent businesses and move further away from bigger chains. 

3. I will also continue with my love of charity shops and car boot sales, which are another way to help a local community. 

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

My confidence in myself. I have spent time working so hard to survive yet have proved that I can do it and I hope that continues over the coming months. 

I have also embraced nature far more and valued the nature around me in Swindon. I've also embraced the more spiritual side of life which has been there however I've avoided it for being too 'woo woo'. However I've now realised it's anything but. 

Tell us what makes a ‘good’ local business. 

For me it's a business, of any size, which values the community in which it is based (or communities), employs local people, supports local good causes and also gets its suppliers from the local talent pool. 

Can you name a local independent business which you support around food & drink? 

For me it has to be Rays Ice Cream for two reasons. Hadi and the team pivoted to sell and deliver ice cream locally and that did really well and proved that people want the ease of delivery. We needed treats when stuck at home.

Also my daughter who missed out on her A levels was able to work because of this 'pivot' which has enabled her to earn some money as she moves on to higher education. I'm very grateful for that. 

Can you name a local independent business which you support around clothing or accessories? 

Kapada in Old Town run by Ellen Wray. I like vintage clothing however it's often tricky for me as I'm a bigger woman. Ellen has a great eye, she's a savvy business woman and her stock rotates so there's always something new to see. She also supports other local creators (sustainable fashion, cards, candles, jewellery) and I like that ethos. I was thrilled when her shop re-opened, though I can buy from her online too. 

Can you name a local independent business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

Gareth Davies and the team at Success Martial Arts, with their main base in Stratton, Swindon. The team started doing online sessions and have kept regularly in touch with their extensive client base. They moved quickly to deal with everything and have shown caring and professionalism. Therefore even though we could not attend classes, we've kept up our payments. Also Gareth got married during lockdown so  congratulations to him and his wife Moana. 

Can you shout out to three local clients you wish to celebrate? 

Just three! 

1. Paul Eagles of Midwinter Web Design, for standing by me and not once doubting me during this time. 

2. Debbie and John Williams of John Williams Heating Services who believed in me and supported me at the worst of times for them. Forever grateful. 

3. Mike Lloyd of Haines Watts Swindon who always noticed when I was a bit down and picked up the phone to ask me how I was. Can't wait to share a glass of wine with him! 

Can you shout out to three local suppliers you wish to celebrate? 

Just three! 

1. Lis McDermott of Lis McDermott copywriting who picked me up when I was down and also helped me when I had busy days with tons of writing. 

2. Hannah Edwards of Empowered VA Services who answered every email and call and kept my diary and email in check. 

3. Linda Davies Carr of The Master Fixer who is my business coach and who keeps my business running online smoothly. Together we took a risk and she kept me going as a business trainer online. 

Can you name on person in your life who has really helped you during this time? 

My husband Steve who was so supportive, who told me I was okay who took me out for walks every day, who made me do YouTube stuff regularly and who hugged me every time I needed it - which was a lot! It's our 20th wedding anniversary this year and I'll hold him close, without him none of this? would have been possible. 

What are your business plans for Q4? 

To keep going. Many people like me have had to throw previous business plans out of the window. I plan to keep doing digital training to reach out to a wider audience - and also to continue working with my valued clients. 

I will be more choosy who I work with - and will carefully think about their morals and ethics in business from now on. 

I've also become a bit more systemised (not a word a creative like me really likes) and that will continue. 

I plan to explore some of the collaborations which came about during lockdown eg. The Cotswold Challenge and will embrace being a member of Cotswold Taste from now on. 

I do intend to get out and about when I can - however now I'll be more mindful of my investment of time and money around that. Oh and I'm making some more visual changes which will be revealed in the very near future. 

Any special offers you’d like to mention? 

I'm doing a power hour online with anyone who wants to talk PR, social media, strategy etc for £49 plus VAT until the end of August or booked in August for coming months. 

I've kept my online prices affordable during this period to reach as many people as possible who feel proactive public relations could be right for them as part of their marketing mix. 

Just email me - [email protected] - to book a slot. I try to do two a week. 

Anything else you’d like to say? 

It's said that in every crisis or tragedy you will find the helpers. It's very easy for any of us to focus on the villains - however if we look for the heroes and aim to be like them....the world will be that little bit brighter. 

I'd like to thank the local media for stepping up and being so supportive of everyone during this time. Shout out to media outlets including Total Guide To; The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Bath & Somerset; the Swindon Advertiser, Business Biscuit, BBC Wiltshire, Swindon 105.5, BBC Points West & ITV Westcountry. 

For more information visit https://www.fionascottmediaconsultancy.co.uk