Small Business Community

SBC - Network with industry peers.

Welcome

The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Small Business Community (SBC) is a community of members with an active interest in SMEs and capable of providing practical marketing support and advice to smaller businesses.

Each of the UK regional boards has appointed a Small Business Ambassador to work with partners and develop regional initiatives and local networks. Profiles and contact details for our regional ambassadors can be accessed under related downloads.

A range of documents such as our 10 minute guides, 'Marketing on a Shoestring' podcast, and practical marketing tips that provide marketing advice and support to those working with SMEs can be accessed from this page (see related downloads and links).

The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book is available at a discounted price of £12.50. Please call our bookshop on +44 (0)1628 427427 and quote 'SBC1112'.

The Institute’s paper, 'Access all Areas', highlights the difficulties that SMEs face in accessing advice and support, whilst its 'Keep Calm and Carry on Marketing' paper looks at  how businesses can respond to the new economic climate (both are available under related downloads).

Our newsletter will also provide you with an overview of all our regional activity.

Our SBC LinkedIn group aims to help meet the needs of marketing practitioners working in small and medium sized enterprises by engaging one another (please see related websites).

Business Link has recently launched their Growing Business Campaign. To read an interview with our Regional Director, Christine Boswell-Munday, about the vital importance of marketing to business growth see related websites.

For further information on joining the group, please contact our membership services team.

Our activities

Get networking

Networking is one of the most cost effective ways to promote your business. We run a variety of events, which are open to members and non-members, and take part in many exhibitions and events organised by partners. To develop your network and find out more about activities in your local area visit the UK regions and branches page or visit our events calendar (both under related links).

Get knowledge

Download our FREE 10 minute guides and marketing planning tool for small businesses that want to build on their marketing knowledge (see Marketing Resources under related links).

Listen to our FREE '10 Top Tips for Marketing on a Shoestring' podcast

Attend one of our intensive one day workshops on key skills for marketers (see Training and Qualifications under related links).

Get help

Our Marketing Consultants directory gives you a free, comprehensive list of quality marketing suppliers categorised by marketing needs.

Get qualified

The Chartered Institute of Marketing offers a range of internationally recognised qualifications at a variety of levels from basic marketing and communications certificates to our Professional Postgraduate Diploma. For more information see Training and Qualifications under related links.

Get involved

By becoming a member of The Chartered Institute of Marketing you can:

• Access an abundance of marketing information online and via tailored desk research to help you grow your business.
• Access FREE and discounted events and training.
• Make use of our legal helpline on a wide range of business and personal legal issues.

For further details see the Member Benefit related download.