Marketing and communications directors are operating in more uncertain circumstances than ever before.

The need to squeeze ever more out of budgets is challenge enough, but it requires a clear head to do that when buyer or consumer behaviour is shifting with the growth of social media channels. Companies are now creators and publishers of content, consumers are now journalists and commentators. The boundaries between in-bound customer service and out-bound marketing are blurring by the day

The ability to plan and develop genuine strategy under the circumstances is at a premium, but the prices demanded for senior counsel from established agencies can be prohibitive and clients complain that all they ever seem to see are the juniors.

Why should you compromise between quality of advice and cost? My clients don’t. Here are a couple of examples of how they view my contribution to their business.

“Nigel’s value to us is that he immerses himself in the business and spots opportunities that we may miss – his 360 degree vision contributes much more than simply following a brief. He has great contacts and uses both traditional and modern media to attain not only the desired, but in some cases exceptional, results.”

- International Commercial Director, Smith & Nephew

“It was a delight to work with BrandAlert on the BCSC social media research which has proven to be a fruitful and positive collaboration.  The industry has welcomed the best practice guidance which was a much needed piece of work.  It provides an excellent road map as to how shopping centres can engage with the social media agenda in a positive manner.  The insight and expertise has been second to none and I look forward to working with the team again.”

- Knowledge and Research Manager, British Council of Shopping Centres.

I won’t sell you a programme of work designed primarily to fill the time sheets of my team. Instead I will advise on you defining and executing a commercially robust plan that can be delivered by the most appropriate people – your internal resources, your existing agencies or a re-shaped combination of agencies that flexes to meet your changing needs.