New app to be launched to support SMEs in C&W

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A new app to support small businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire to achieve their marketing goals is to be launched next year.

Katherine Attreed has over 29 years’ experience in marketing, sales and customer service across various industries and founded AtKat Marketing in 2016 when she moved to Warwick due to her husband, Simon’s, work in the automotive sector.

Since starting the business, Katherine has helped many local businesses to grow with targeted marketing strategies and marketing support.

She had an idea to develop an innovative marketing app for small businesses just like hers but wasn’t sure where to start.

The mum-of-two contacted Laura Delahunty at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and after referrals and support from Business Ready at the University of Warwick Science Park, Innovate UK, Warwick District Council, and Warwickshire County Council, the app is due to launch next summer.

Katherine said from talking to clients she is aware how difficult it can be for solopreneurs and small business owners to create successful marketing strategies when that is not their area of expertise.

“I currently help lots of small businesses, primarily in the food and hospitality service sector, but I felt I could do more to support other SMEs to market themselves and stay on top of their marketing goals,” she said.

“I thought an app would be a wonderful way of reaching more SMEs to help them market themselves in a cost-effective manner.

“Laura at the Growth Hub was fantastic because she knew just who I needed to contact to turn my idea into a reality, and everyone has been so supportive and knowledgeable.

“I’m now finalising all the different functions to take to an app developer, and I think we will be ready to launch next summer.

“It is very exciting to have an opportunity to be able to help lots of other small businesses because marketing can be a minefield.

“What is right for one business might not be right for another, and there’s plenty of ways of marketing a business without spending a lot of money, so the app will be helping businesses to navigate their way through different marketing options to work out what’s best for them.”

Laura Delahunty, Account Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said her work with AtKat Marketing had highlighted the positive difference that collaborative working can make to businesses in the area.

She said: “Katherine approached us through a word-of-mouth referral and over the last 12 months we have introduced her to a number of support streams and helped to keep the project on track.

“This shows the value of partnership working and any businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire looking to access support, including start-ups who have new ideas to diversify and grow their venture, should get in touch to see how we can help.”

Mark Wisniewski, Business Growth Adviser at UWSP, said: “We were delighted to support Katherine when the app was just an idea.  As a business growth advisor and software developer, I encounter many app ideas, but Katherine’s concept really stood out.

“It not only fills a gap in the market for local businesses needing targeted, geography-specific marketing but also digitises Katherine’s deep expertise and understanding of her clients. This app allows her to help many more small businesses — like cafes, restaurants, and fitness instructors —navigate the challenges of local marketing with the same level of care and insight she brings to her one-on-one work."

Rita Booth, Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist at Innovate UK Business Growth, added: “"I met Katherine following Laura’s referral in February 2024 to discuss how Innovate UK Business Growth can support her. 

“Since then, Katherine and I have developed the innovation concept further and have begun to map out the service and its capabilities, whilst preparing the business for the next stage of growth. Through Innovate UK Business Growth's support, Katherine is ready to grow and scale her innovative business.”

Cllr Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Economy at Warwick District Council, said: “The District Council is pleased to lend its support to AtKat Marketing and other entrepreneurs and innovators in our area to grow their fledgling businesses through the Business Ready scheme. We are delighted to see the positive impact it is having and would encourage other start-ups to find out more.”

Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “At Warwickshire County Council we are committed to supporting local businesses to grow and develop.

“The Growth Hub offers a diverse range of support for businesses and start-ups and it’s great to see AtKat Marketing making the most of the support available. The Growth Hub has supported Katherine to take her idea and make it a reality with the upcoming launch of her app, allowing her to add to her business offering for her current and potential clients.”

Business Ready forms part of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme. It is delivered by University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils. The support is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via the District and Borough Councils), and Warwickshire County Council.

Find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747 or visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub website.

 

 

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans. 

 

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information.  It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers.  We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events.  When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,

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