Wow, where has this year gone? Or more to the point, where have the last ten years gone? You may not believe it, but this month marks the tenth anniversary for Sharp Relations. At the beginning of November 2010, AJ packed up her London flat, handed in her notice at a large London agency and returned to Kent with one goal; to set up her own agency to promote the best bits of the Garden of England and beyond.
‘And beyond’ is key here as in the last ten years the company has followed AJ to Wales, Scotland, Kent, back to Scotland, down to Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and then back to Kent. On her travels she managed to pick up a husband, dog and two children. The company has grown and shrunk as the demands of life have required but since returning to Kent in 2018 Sharp Relations has reaffirmed its roots in the heart of the county we love best, working with some of the UK’s most exciting foods and drinks brands.
The past 12 months have been such a dichotomy. From navigating our own way and guiding our clients through some unbelievably tough times, but we’ve kept the faith, worked hard and Sharp Relations has gone from strength to strength; growing from just AJ and Aber the dog to a team of five (and Aber). Establishing our own office, launching several new business arms including this month’s unveiling of Sharpen Your Brand and, most excitingly (for AJ), getting a very smart sign to go on the wall!
Sharpen Your Brand is our new communications coaching arm. For start-ups, small and growing brands who are looking for someone to coach them through what they should be doing to grow their business with marketing. We provide second opinions, answer questions, give support and guidance. Find out more on our new website www.sharpenyourbrand.co.uk everything currently generously discounted until 31st of January 2021. The idea for this new business arm came about, when I noticed how many people were phoning AJ and the team every week and asking “can you help me work out what I need?” Or “do you think this is a good deal?” The answer always requires a bit more context and a lot more strategic thought. So, Sharpen Your Brand was developed as a communications coaching programme to help provide new and growing businesses with clarity and confidence in their communications. Put simply, what they need to say, to whom, and how? In the long term, a strategic communication plan will save a lot of time and money for a small business.
So, what has November got on offer for us? As I look out of the office, I can see incredible autumnal colours on the trees as the seasons change and cows have acquired some sheep to keep them company – don’t worry, they’re in a separate field. As the evenings close in fires and wood burners across the county have been fired up from their summer slumber. I love an evening drink warming myself in front of the fire, enter our latest client – Anno Distillers. What could be more perfect than a Gin and Tonic as the evening closes in? We are so excited to work on the launch of Anno’s latest product; Anno Extreme 95, the spirit of alchemy. Renowned to be the strongest gin in the world, crucially packing more punch and flavour, drop for drop, than any other spirit in the world. The analogy of ‘less is more’ fits perfectly here, getting more botanical flavours from less spirit, a win win in my book.
As Jo mentioned last month, with uncertainty ahead, we strongly believe in supporting local, ethical and sustainable food businesses. If you’re unsure what is available check out the Buy Local South East website and search for your local producers and retailers.
Our charities of choice this season will be the Kent Community Pantry and Live Well Kent, both local charities that we think will be crucial in the coming month as we face another lockdown, let’s all look out for each other and get through this together!
Merry MO-vember, I’ll post a picture at the end of the month!
Martin
