The Creative Industries Innovation Centre helped AT&M Integrated Marketing set their sights on interstate growth.
The Background
In 2006, David and Julie Peck, the owners of a Launceston-based printing company, set about transforming their business model in order to expand their customer base, and to succeed in the increasingly competitive sector they operate within. Today, AT&M Integrated Marketing offers marketing, communications and advertising services, while retaining its printing capabilities, managed under strict environmental management systems.
In 2009, despite successfully revamping their business model, David and Julie were not satisfied with the return on investment in regard to conversion to sales growth. They knew there was more work to be done, but were not quite sure where to start. It was at this time that they commenced a Business Review with Enterprise Connect.
Since this time, the company has positioned its creative services at the front end of the business. With the assistance of an Enterprise Connect Business Adviser, the Peck’s have implemented a strategic marketing plan, which is successfully expanding the business both inside and outside of Tasmania.
The Outcome
The Business Review revealed a need to develop a marketing strategy to enable the company's goal for local and interstate growth. Such a strategy also needed to address the issue of training within the organisation to ensure the necessary skills to deliver David and Julie's vision.
“The frustration for us was that we knew intuitively what we wanted to do with the business, and that we were on the right track. We just needed to take things to the next level. The Business Review was not so much about telling us what we didn't already know – it was a fantastic enabler and validated our aspirations and give us the confidence to move forward," says David.
"It was very beneficial for us to have this validation, but the process was robust, and perhaps honest enough to conclude to us that were going to need help to get there."
After completing the review, AT&M secured funding through the Enterprise Connect Tailored Advisory Service to develop a strategic marketing plan. Marketing consulting firm, Shirlaws, assisted David & Julie’s team through this process.
"Results to date have been outstanding, and we are seeing our strategy achieving results. We have recruited a Melbourne-based sales and distribution director, and with a motivated team we now have the confidence to successfully bid for major national tenders," says David.
"We understand we were one of the first Tasmanian companies to get involved with Enterprise Connect through their national Creative Industries Innovation Centre. We would strongly recommend that other local businesses operating in the creative sector take advantage of the program."
Apply for a Business Review
Find out if you are eligible by calling the Creative Industries Innovation Centre on 02 8217 5000 or the Enterprise Connect Hotline between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm (AEST) on 131 791 (Australian callers only) or email: enterpriseconnect@innovation.gov.au.
"The Enterprise Connect Business Review was not so much about telling us what we didn't already know – it was a fantastic enabler to validate our aspirations and give us the confidence to move forward." - David Peck, Managing Director, AT&M Integrated Marketing