Green Deal – the only game in town
While the Green Deal may not be the only game in town, it is certainly one of the few. In the first month following the January launch 40 Providers were in place with 1803 assessments made, so there is some progress. We are also told that £26.9 million of Energy Company Obligation contracts have been placed, clearly indicating a commitment to energy upgrades.
Generally most of the talk has been about the Green Deal for homeowners and consumers, and once it becomes established that will be important. However, I think that in the early days most of the stimulus will come from social housing. The landlord and tenant are also eligible for the Green Deal and here we have the advantage that the landlord (that is Local Authorities, ALMOs and Housing Associations) understand the benefits of improving energy efficiency.
Read more…
The Value of Blogging
Deborah Rowe, Marketing Consultant for Sheba Marketing
Many people have the same impression of blogs and blogging as they do of other social media such as Twitter. They see it as the ‘place’ where self-obsessed individuals drone on about what they had for lunch to an appreciative audience of friends and family. However, that’s not what it’s all about. Blogging has moved on and, according to a recent survey by the blog search engine Technorati, business or professional bloggers are responsible for around 40% of content in the blogosphere.
Originally a blog was an online diary or web log. Now many people, including professional writers and entrepreneurs, see it as a good way of showcasing their expertise and getting their opinions out to a massively diverse global audience. Just that alone makes blogging a valuable tool for business.
Read more…
The Power of Branding
Annette Harpham is a Chartered Marketer and Principal of SharpEdge Marketing
What factors influence how we choose one brand over another?
As consumers, we all recognise well-known brands instantly, and can feel powerful emotional connections with our favourites.
Although business-to-business purchasing decisions tend to be more rational than emotional the reasons for branding, and its principles, are just as applicable.
Branding turns a commodity into something much more valuable. It helps foster preference and loyalty leading to repeat purchases and often increased profit margins. No wonder branding is such a powerful cornerstone of marketing.
So what is a brand? At its most basic level, it is a practical identification mark so customers can quickly distinguish one product, service or company from another. Colours, fonts, photographic style, shape, lighting and copywriting style all play a part – tangible aspects all within the company’s control.
Read more…
Chairman’s Debate 2013 – Image and innovation vital
CIMCIG Chairman Ian Exall, Marketing Manager at Aqualisa
The construction industry needs an image overhaul if it is to prosper in the future. That’s the view of a group of assembled marketing professional as the CIMCIG Chairman’s Debate took place on Tuesday 9 April 2013.
The lengthy panel debate, held at the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in London, featured contributions from academics and professionals.
The topic of the debate was ’21st Century Construction – Opportunities and Challenges’ and began with each of the five panel members giving their take on where the construction industry was heading and what it needs to do to succeed and grow.
Read more…
21st Century Bidding – it’s all a bit Jetsons.
Technology is constantly evolving and changing the way we undertake our work. Certainly this has been the case on site and now also in the production of bids.
Were The Jetsons, the cartoon family living in 2062, actually accurate in their portrayal of robots and gadgets doing their work for them?
Things have undoubtedly changed in a number of ways.
Read more…