Case
Study
Digital advertising company Ginger Nut Media, based in Colchester, specialise in online email marketing, lead generation and graphic design services. Launched in 2011 the company has grown rapidly, clients include international brands such as Talk Talk, Orange, Vodafone, Visa & the National Trust.
Over the last three years Ginger Nut Media (GNM) has been working with the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), a programme run by Essex County Council, on projects to help the company to grow. During this time GNM has expanded, incorporated new sales tools and improved staff training which has resulted in turnover increasing by 172%.
Why Ginger Nut Media approached the Essex Innovation Programme
Ginger Nut Media first approached the Essex Innovation programme (EIP) looking for professional help to help them to grow their business. They were initially looking for ways to improve their product sales and lead conversion.
“It was extremely useful to get an outsiders perspective and EIP provided great support to the owner and directors as well as working with the staff. This made sure that procedures introduced could continue to be used and improved.”
Phil Warnock, Managing Director, Ginger Nut Media
How EIP helped the company
An EIP business mentor, from a team of experienced private sector business mentors working for EIP, worked with GNM over several sessions to understand their business in depth and prepare a plan for growth. This involved many hours of analysis and discussion with GNM to fully understand their business objectives and how they operate and to develop a bespoke plan for growth that would work for GNM. From an understanding of their core business EIP where able to identify opportunities for growth. . .
- Helping GNM to identify market opportunity to enable them to diversify into new markets
- Highlight areas to strengthen their existing business model.
- Developing sales training for GNM’s staff
- Providing successful telesales sales
The outcome
Since EIP worked with Ginger Nut Media the company has expanded, incorporated new sales tools and improved staff training.
This has resulted in…
- Receiving funding to assist the company’s growth
- Doubling staff to 35
- A 172% increase in turnover
“In all, the whole scheme helped us look at the business effectively and make proactive decisions which encouraged good solid growth. I would recommend it to anyone whom is serious about growing their business.”
Phil Warnock, Managing Director, Ginger Nut Media
Gaining industry recognition
Ginger Nut Media encourage a learning culture and is dedicated to taking on apprentices with a view to employing as many as possible in full time roles. Over 25% of their staff started off as, or are still, apprentices.
“We are committed to apprenticeships and feel passionate about them.”
Phil Warnock, Managing Director, Ginger Nut Media
GNM have recently been recognised for this dedication to developing employee skills . . .
- The Top 100 Apprenticeships Employer List -
GNM has been included in this list compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service, in partnership with City & Guilds. The Employer List recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices
- The Virgin Trains Award for Newcomer SME of the Year -
GNM won this award at the National Awards for the Government Apprenticeship Programme
Future plans
Ginger Nut Media continues to steadily grow and now has three main divisions; media, training and design, each with separate websites. The future looks bright for Ginger Nut Media . . .
- It plans continued expansion through the business development work done with EIP
- It projects a turnover of more than £2m for the year 2017/18
- It aims to take on 10 apprentices each year (potentially employing all of them at the end of their apprenticeship)
Read here for more information on the Essex Innovation Programme.
See here for more information on Ginger Nut Media.
