Hashtag Marketing Consultancy

A Nuneaton businesswoman who used her last few pounds to launch a marketing service is now working with clients across the country.

Hashtag Marketing Consultancy was founded by Ruth Warwick after she was made redundant while on maternity leave.

Unable to find a part time role at a senior level, she decided to take the plunge and used the last of her funds to set-up her new venture.

One year on, Ruth, aged 33, has developed a strong client-base and provides marketing solutions to companies from a range of industries based in the Midlands and across England.

The company offers services including marketing strategy and planning, website design and management, social media, PR, events, design and print, advertising and customer experience guidance.

Ruth said: “With a few pounds in one pocket – literally - and enthusiasm in the other, Hashtag Marketing was born.

“I was initially concerned about being able to sustain a regular income and how I would cope with the demands of a new business whilst keeping things running smoothly at home.

“I’ve found ways to manage my time effectively. You really do need to be motivated to run your own business, no one is going to do it for you. You need to set yourself goals and give yourself a reason to get out of bed in the mornings.

“People ask me what it’s like to have my own business and question if I find it lonely working for myself. The honest answer is yes, it can be lonely at times but there’s plenty of opportunity to engage with people whether that be clients, associates or other small business owners.

“The benefits of being my own boss, managing my own time and having the flexibility to work when and how I want to work far outweigh the remoteness that I sometimes experience.”

Ruth was helped to set-up the business by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce which currently provides free guidance to start-ups through workshops and one-to-one mentoring as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

 

Pictured (left to right): Ruth Warwick and Margaret Bull, CWCC Start-up Adviser

 Ruth added: “The Chamber provided me with invaluable support when setting up the business and helped make it a success.

"They provided support with everything from sourcing new clients to looking after finances and filing accounts.”

Margaret Bull, a business advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce who supported Ruth, said: “Ruth’s passion for her business along with our start-up support has helped Hashtag Marketing Consultancy go from strength to strength.

“Ruth now has built up a strong client-base, working with companies across the country, which will continue to grow in the long-term.”