52M Consulting, a PR and marketing agency based in Preston, comes of age this week when it turns 18 years old.
To celebrate, bosses had been planning a major party for staff and clients, but have been forced to rethink those plans thanks to Coronavirus.
So, instead, it’s giving away one day of free consultancy to each of 18 Lancashire SMEs, charities and community groups that apply before the end of June 2020.
“Turning 18 is a major triumph, and it’s important to us that we mark the occasion. But with the hospitality and leisure sector still under lockdown and no visibility of what it will be like when it restarts, we needed another way to celebrate,” said founder and managing director Lee Petts.
“So, we decided to take the money we’ve saved by not having a splashy party and use it to fund a giveaway of free consultancy to other organisations in Lancashire instead.
“There are lots of businesses and third-sector groups out there right now that could really benefit from our expertise but that might not be able to afford it in the current circumstances. Lending a hand like this, and doing so as part of our 18th birthday celebrations, just really appealed to us.”
52M Consulting has had a strong corporate responsibility ethic since it started in 2002, with Lee even winning the Leadership in Corporate Responsibility title in the 2015 Director of the Year Awards run by the Institute of Directors.
The latest figures show that the economy shrank by 20% in April [2], with many businesses struggling. It is expected that the free PR and marketing help on offer could prove a real boon to those that take up the birthday deal.
Darryl Cartwright, Chairman of Lostock Hall Junior Football Club, said PR and marketing is vital to volunteer groups like theirs: “It helps to promote the club, what we can provide and all the ways we help the community, as well as helping us attract volunteers and members. Some free, expert help would be very welcome, especially right now, and I imagine a lot of organisations will feel the same.”
“The offer is available to small businesses, charities and community groups in Lancashire on a first come, first served basis,” explained Lee. “And it can be used however they like, whether that’s an all day strategy session or help devising a digital advertising campaign – whatever works and will deliver the most value during these difficult times.”
Organisations that would like to benefit must sign up online here www.thinkblackdot.com/18th-birthday-bonanza before 30th June.
