Hop2Shop Services~
Hop2Shop Press Release 20th September 2006
SMEs in the West Midlands and beyond are being given the chance to advertise their products and services to a global audience thanks to the vision of two Birmingham-based entrepreneurs. Nigel Eades of TriRidium Limited and David Bailey of Ashford House Marketing Services Limited has teamed up with Mustard.uk.com to launch New Audience, a company dedicated purely to promoting local businesses. Under the brand name of Hop2Shop, the groundbreaking development is an on-line department store, promoting the best of local and national businesses on a case by case basis. Unlike a traditional directory, Hop2Shop offers SMEs the ability to take their products and services to a wider audience. Over 100 organisations have already decided to hit the airwaves and are amongst the first tranche of firms already benefiting from the experience. Furthermore, Hop2Shop is also due to hit the television screens during November 2006.
"A lot of SMEs often find themselves with the everyday dilemma of having excellent products/services, but with very little resources and budgets to market them in the right way. This usually results in the same old sales methods being used time and time again, which before long can have a detrimental effect on the business, explained Nigel. He continued: "What we are doing with the Hop2Shop brand is helping companies sell their products and services via the internet and television, reaching massive audiences in the process.
Supported by high-growth business start-up service Mustard.uk.com, New Audience provides a complete direct retail experience from creating the infomercial and setting up payment processing, right through to staffing call centres and dealing with secure payments through their sister company TriRidium.
"Its a real win-win situation for firms with a retail connection to really grow their business without the initial outlay that can prevent them from advertising, added Nigel. "In addition to the programme, customers will be able to access products and services through live web streams at hop2shop.co.uk or via the phone where a team of experts will be on hand to take calls.
Companies already using the service include a major UK DRTV company, a Belgian beer gift wrapping service, a major fine art company based in the West Midlands and a bespoke bridal wear. Its relationship with Mustard.uk.com is also set to contribute to this figure as the initiative explores the possibility of offering television infomercials to a number of suitable start-ups that it has assisted.
Nigel, who currently runs credit card fraud prevention specialist TriRidium, concluded: "We have already identified several TV channels keen to work with us on the Hop2Shop brand and strategic marketing initiatives. However with the growth of Direct Response and Interactive Television channels in the UK and beyond, the future of promoting Small and Medium size businesses on the TV is no longer a dream but now a reality. As interest grows, we will look at other strategically based TV marketing opportunities, with the long term aim of one day hosting our own channel.
Managed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Mustard.uk.com has assisted over 2500 entrepreneurs in launching their own high growth companies. It has recently secured further funding to extend its proven track record of support till March 2007.
About Mustard
Designed to aid job and wealth creation across the West Midlands, Mustard.uk.com is the premier business support initiative for new and growing companies in the region. By bringing together a unique collaboration of public and private sector support, the forward-looking programme provides high-growth potential, new and young businesses with comprehensive consultancy advice, mentoring and a range of initiatives, including TeamStart and the new Business Opportunities Database. Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, the European Regional Development Fund and Advantage West Midlands, Mustard.uk.com is managed in the local areas by dedicated client managers from the regions Business Links and has already helped over 2500 entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality.