Kevin Wiles who has worked in various roles with small companies around the area, helping them promote online and growing their business. He said starting to create a solid plan will ensure businesses can survive the economic downturn.

The 22-year-old has offered his support and skills free to local charities, and ran a breakfast networking group in Stratford when he was just 18.

Mr Wiles is now a regular member on social media and various forums, helping other companies in the area with online marketing and web design.


He said: “Throughout the last year, Stratford and its residents have all seen various shops come and go, including the likes of Monsoon and Woolworths.


“The sad reality is if large chains like this are collapsing around us, what hope does it leave for small independent companies around the local area?”


Using figures from a recent study, Mr Wiles said that more than 60 per cent of small business owners still do not sell or even participate on social media online: “This is a staggering number and something I feel local companies need to look at changing."


“Creating an online presence for your business is hugely important, even for companies who primarily believe they have an off-line focussed business, such as beauty clinics, local gyms, plumbers or even builders.

 

“Ultimately every single business that offers a service will be able to measure success based on their ability to build relationships off-line.”

 

He said that having a website and participating in online marketing and social media can play a huge part in this.

 

Although a lot of local companies probably do not have a huge budget to invest in online, it can cost little to nothing at all to create a website and participate in on-line marketing and social media.

 

To read the various steps that can be taken, purchase the Stratford Herald pubished today (14th March).