Name: ToolBox Marketing
Based: Chatham
Website: www.jdewane.com
Over the past seven years I have watched many tradesmen and women go out of business because they could not handle the economic downturn. As an electrician myself I knew that my approach to getting and keeping local customers was different to most. I was also aware that most tradesmen don’t receive any training in marketing and as a result can be great at their trade but fail in business.
In 2013 I decided that by using my perspective on local marketing, I could do something about this. I began to teach other tradesmen the basics of marketing to local customers. In 2014 I set up ToolBox Marketing to help local electricians understand how to get and keep local customers.
ToolBox Marketing delivers training in various formats from online video and audio programs to regular webinars and live workshops, which run throughout the year at venues across the UK.
ToolBox Marketing has been completely self-funded, with no start-up capital. I have made use of social media to market and sell my training. Currently I am the only employee, however I aim to employ at least one full-time employee by May 2015, and another in December.
Since starting I have helped over 700 UK electricians increase their business; in some cases it has saved their business. For me I have found a calling and in early 2015 this will replace my income from electrical contracting. Helping other tradesmen will become my full focus.
James Dewane is the founder of ToolBox Marketing
