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Poised to see out crisis
In a fast moving world it's fair to say Jackie Williams is a familiar face in the Chorley business community.
She runs a graphic design consultancy called Primary Graphics Ltd in Wheelton and specialises in creating marketing campaigns to promote new companies.
What makes Jackie unusual is that she has just clocked up 25 years in business and despite the credit crunch, she continues to prosper.
Her list of clients or former clients read like a who's who of the North West's business community.
She's done work for a host of firms such as local brewers Matthew Brown PLC, Scottish and Newcastle, Jennings, Copper Dauphin, Park Hall Leisure Centre, Lego, LG, Cussons, NHS, Salford Royal, Derian House, Lancaster University and Vernon Carus.
When she launched a quarter of a century ago, she was based in Cunliffe Street and then Astley House in Queens Road. Work is now a converted barn on the outskirts of Chorley, so what's her secret?
She said: "We are reliable, efficient, easy to work with and get results for our clients at rates they can afford.
"It's large agency quality at local prices. We give good value for money and all our work is bespoke and original.
"We have also kept up with new developments and all the advantages technology can offer. We have good long-term relationships with both clients and suppliers."
In a fast-changing industry Jackie says a lot has changed from those early days.
She said: "We do less large brochures, more websites and e-marketing, as well as PR. We act as marketing department for SMEs to co-ordinate all their creative and business development activities."
Another thing that has changed is the use of networking groups that have sprung up all over the country.
Jackie added: "Referral networking is the most effective way to get new business. It is based on solid relationships and depends on how much you are prepared to put into it.
"It's all about helping each other and communicating very clearly what you need in return from them."
It means that, unlike many other business, Jackie is hoping for a busy 2009.
She said: "We have just had a very busy year and plenty of new work in the pipeline. I'm hoping to continue working for nice people and finding new ways to be creative. I take each day as it comes and I'm always open to change."
Looking into her crystal ball for 2009 she predicted: "As usual the workers in the middle will keep everybody going – while the big boys collapse and more and more people claim benefits at the other end, we keep on working and supporting the country.
"Somehow we will all survive so I prefer not to think about it too much."
If she's not nailing down deals, she's hopefully sinking birdies on the golf course.
That's because she plays golf at Shaw Hill, in Whittle-le-Woods, as well as relaxing by watching her son play rugby or taking her dog for a walk.
So does it feel like she's been doing what she does for 25 years?
She joked: "No – I don't feel that old. I enjoy what I do and experience helps me run the business efficiently. The work we do is still exciting and every job is a new challenge."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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