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Hello, I’m Steve

I help small businesses around Stroud and the Cotswolds get more customers. I’ve spent more than 30 years building businesses of my own, and the last 12 helping other people build theirs. Here’s the longer story.

Two businesses built and sold

The Communications Centre, 1990–2013. I started my first business in Stroud in 1990. Over 23 years it grew to 15 shops, a business sales division and a team of 60. I did the marketing myself: the brand, the leaflets and promotions, even the shop counters, signage and display stands. I also ran the IT and phone systems. I sold the business in 2013.

BritBag, 2014–2017. I couldn’t sit still for long. In 2014 I launched BritBag, a storage bag for Lego, and took it from a sketch to a manufactured product. I designed it, built the online shop, and sold it through our own website, Amazon, Etsy and eBay. The business was bought in 2017.

Building two businesses from scratch taught me what actually brings customers in, and what’s just money spent.

Since then: helping other business owners

In 2014 I started working as a marketing consultant, and in 2015 I set up IceRocket Design, my web design studio in Stroud.

Since then I’ve worked with businesses in trades, renewables, retail, hospitality, software and business services. Clients include FleetCheck, Fit Solar, AES Fleet and One Artisan. Several have stayed with me for ten years or more. One kept me on for 12 years as their whole marketing department, right up until the business was sold.

What that means for you

I understand marketing from the business owner’s side of the desk. Every pound you spend has to earn its keep, and you don’t have time for jargon or long meetings.

So I keep things simple. I’ll tell you honestly what’s worth doing and what isn’t. Then I’ll get on and do it.

What I can do for you

Because I’ve had to do it all in my own businesses, I can cover most things myself:

  • Marketing plans and reviews. An honest look at what’s working, and a simple plan for what to do next.
  • Branding and design. Logos, brand guidelines, leaflets, brochures, signage, vehicle livery and shop displays.
  • Websites. WordPress sites built for speed and Google, including custom features, hosting and ongoing care.
  • Selling online. Online shops, plus real experience selling through Amazon, Etsy and eBay.
  • Words. Website pages, adverts, emails and blog posts that sound like you.
  • Getting found. Local search, Google Business Profile, and a simple system for collecting reviews.

I do the work myself

Most consultants give you advice and leave you to find someone to carry it out. I don’t. If your website needs changing, I can change it, often the same day. If your leaflet needs rewriting, I’ll write it. You deal with one person from start to finish.

How I work

  • One person, start to finish. You deal with me, not an account manager.
  • Plain English. No jargon, no 40-page reports.
  • Honest. I won’t tell you what you want to hear if it isn’t true.
  • For the long term. I’d rather help you for years than sell you a one-off.

Away from work

I’m into motorsport and cooking. The cooking got a bit out of hand and turned into my own supper club. Whether it’s a website, a brand or a menu, I like building things properly.

Let’s have a chat

If any of this sounds like what you need, get in touch. Call 07300 333110, email hello@stevehutton.com, or book a free 15-minute chat.