Having worked in marketing for over a decade, Dan McAulay decided to take the leap and launch his own marketing agency in December 2022, trading as Dan McAulay Marketing.
Now just nine weeks into his new business, Dan is already working with several clients on projects including brand design, marketing strategy and PR. As well as managing email marketing campaigns, social media advertising and SEO for his clients.
We spoke to Dan about his business, his initial success and how he has made great use of the fully-funded business support available through Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
Dan McAulay Marketing works with SMEs in Carlisle and Cumbria, offering a number of services including graphic design, copywriting, and digital marketing. He also advises on marketing strategy, using marketing frameworks to ensure that all activity is aimed towards business goals and continuously improved upon using data from previous campaigns.
When a client requires a specialist service which falls outside Dan’s remit, such as web development, he is able to call upon his large network of associates in Cumbria to best meet the client’s needs, ensuring the client gets the right person for the job.
Speaking about his first two months of trading, Dan said:
“It’s still early days in my marketing consultancy business, but I’m pleased that things have already built momentum so quickly. Announcing the new venture to my professional network, as well as using the power of social media and PR to get my name out there, has paid dividends. I’m delighted to be helping a number of business owners in Carlisle and Newcastle with a strategic approach to marketing.”
Dan came across the Growth Hub after searching for business support on the UK Government’s website. He got in contact and signed up to BSUS, our business start-up support programme.
As a BSUS client, Dan received access to a three-day business start-up course covering business management, accountancy and finance, and marketing.
Dan continued, “I was so pleased when I saw that Jackie Harris was delivering the marketing course. She is truly one of the best marketers I have ever come across and I’ve really enjoyed her training courses in the past.
“The three half-day classes through the BSUS programme were very useful. It helped me understand all you need to know to start a business, and certainly eased my mind when it came to the statutory things like registering for self-assessment. The day two accountancy course was particularly valuable, and helped to demystify tax and expenses.
“It was great to speak to those taking the first steps with their new business start-ups like me and that we are all in the same boat. I’ve kept in touch with my new connections and we regularly message each other with encouragement and top tips as we go along!”
Dan has also been meeting with his Growth Hub business adviser, Ian Loftus. Having started and ran several successful businesses throughout his career, Ian is perfectly positioned to guide Dan through the challenges and pitfalls of running a business.
“It has been absolutely brilliant working with Ian. He is so experienced and has a great reputation in the Cumbrian business community. His sage advice really helps alleviate my worries and helps me see those new business growing pains and challenges from a different perspective.
“I’m excited to see what the coming months and years will bring, and I’m looking forward to helping even more people to grow their businesses!”
You can find out more about Dan’s new business by visiting the Dan McAulay Marketing website.
Thinking of setting up your own business? We can help!
Get in touch today and speak to a member of our team on info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk or call us on 0844 257 84 50.
The funding that supports the Growth Hub comes from a range of sources including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the European Regional Development Fund, Sellafield Ltd., Carlisle City Council, South Lakeland District Council, Penrith Industrial BID and Cumbria LEP. The Growth Hub is receiving up to £2,528,767 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The BSUS project is receiving up to £1,112,686 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information, click here.