#focusonmarketing was started 2 years ago by local marketing consultant Claire Dowdall and has since offered valuable advice, support and ideas to over 200 small businesses owners in Shropshire and beyond in an informal setting.

This Thursday night sees the launch of a new venue in Ironbridge at Eighty Six’d, a coffee shop, gallery and gift shop close to the bridge itself, which has just celebrated its 1st birthday. Attendees can expect practical advice, the latest marketing tips and support from other small businesses in the area, all in a relaxed environment.

Claire says: “I really enjoy the informal nature of #focusonmarketing, which I think has contributed to its popularity over the past 2 years. Small business owners have enough to do without being lectured and spoken to in jargon. So we help each other.”

“The new venue at Eighty Six’d is ideal, as there is a laid back and creative feel which helps people to step out of their business, as well as enjoy the social aspect of the group. I’m looking forward to helping people to get more from networking this month, so we’ll be perfecting everybody’s ’60 second pitch’, which should be fun!”

Each month the sessions, which run in Telford, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, follow the same theme, with September being ‘Networking Know-How’ and the October subject set to be ‘E-mail Marketing’.

The event tomorrow night starts at 7:30pm and booking is available via Eventbrite at http://focusonmarketingtelfordsept2013.eventbrite.co.uk.

People wanting to attend sessions in other areas can find out what is coming up at http://clairedowdall.eventbrite.co.uk.