BUSINESSES can gain a competitive edge by marketing hard and smart, according to a Darwen business owner.

Mark Murray is managing director of India Mill-based TPW Design Consultants. The award winning creative design agency, now in its thirteenth year, has worked with businesses from start-ups to international restaurant chain Hard Rock Café, and on many health-related Government campaigns.

“During a recession, marketing is often the first spend to be slashed. The strange thing is many firms do it, and overnight those that continue to market products and services gain an instant advantage.

“Now we are emerging from the economic downturn, businesses should ramp up their efforts as soon as possible and be the loudest brand in their respective arenas,“ said Mark.

As with other businesses across the creative sector, TPW was affected by the recession. Private sector clients stopped marketing, and as austerity hit at a government level, public sector tenders were few and far between. Mark believes they survived by letting people know they were still around as often as possible, and by strengthening relationships they had already developed.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research believes the SME sector is missing out on £122bn in sales due to weaker than planned marketing efforts.

A Blackburn lad born and bred, Mark believes the passion business leaders in the area have for their businesses gives them a solid starting point for marketing. And he’s encouraged by Hive, Blackburn and Darwen’s network of business leaders.

Mark said: “If businesses can come together and share the stories of their own business, not only will it be therapeutic, as running your own business is a tough gig, but it will breed a passion for the local economy.”