Business North May 2021

Helping Northland businesses get ahead TopGate Marketing owner Abbey Duncan-Hughes describes her approach as “marketing in gumboots”: “It’s a no nonsense and straight forward approach with simple solutions that work,” she says. Abbey moved to Northland three years ago and is passionate about helping businesses in the region market themselves more e ectively. With her strategic, long-term approach aimed at improving and streamlining the client’s marketing, it’s expertise that has not been readily available locally. Abbey says that Northland businesses had previously hired several di erent companies to help them with individual projects, with a lack of strategic thinking and e iciencies. Now TopGate Marketing provides that for them with one experienced point of contact – herself. According to Abbey Northland businesses have had a variety of challenges over the past year, varying dramatically depending on the industry. For example tourism related businesses have understandably su ered uncertainty and knock backs with various lockdowns - they have been forced to shift their marketing strategies in order to support continuity. Other industries, such as construction and trade services, have seen growth and along with that increased competition. “Businesses that have not felt the need to market themselves previously are having to compete for business. Many are looking to lift their game and bring their business pro ile and marketing in line with their growing status. Businesses that are busy now realise things can quickly change so it’s important to take a long term strategic approach to marketing through both good times and bad. The lack of digital presence has hit some businesses hard and many are now starting to see its importance.” says Abbey. Over the last 3 years TopGate Marketing has been working with a variety of clients to help them get their business online or to increase their online brand and presence. The fact that TopGate Marketing is a registered Service Provider via Northland Inc and the Regional Business Partner Network has helped, as funding has often been available to assist her clients build out continuity. TopGate Marketing o ers a range of end-to-end marketing services – from strategic planning through to brand creation, web design, training programs and campaign management. The aim is to help Northland businesses get ahead, future proo ing them and protecting what people have worked hard to grow. TopGate Marketing helps business owners in a range of situations, from those with a new venture that's lacking marketing direction, existing businesses that need a boost, through to those in growth stages ready to shift things up a gear or two. All clients work with Abbey directly with the wider TopGate Marketing team supporting projects and programs as required. “This means that TopGate Marketing can o er a very tailored, personal, hands on approach, with the ability to scale up quickly for larger projects. I get to know my clients and their business really well - it’s crucial.” Originally from the UK, Abbey o ers her clients over 15 years experience in strategic marketing and campaign management, having marketed a wide range of businesses and brands across the globe. This unique expertise means she still gets requests to assist businesses in other regions but Northland always comes irst: “My focus is de initely on Northland. It’s home and where I want to support people. The mindset and drive of business owners here is incredible. People are positive, adaptable and always striving to better themselves. It’s a Northland thing and I am proud to be part of it.” Marketing Strategy Brand Positioning Digital Marketing website design – social media – advertising Training Programmes Let ’s take your business to the next level õ TopGateMarketing | www.topgatemarketing.co.nz | P. (09) 929 6706 Book your free consultation with Abbey Registered Regional Business Partner Network Service Provider