Independent Bridgwater retailer Alise & Louis has been named the winner of the Sedgemoor fm Growth Grant, following a competitive application process that attracted 18 organisations from across Sedgemoor.
The Growth Grant was created after Parker Service Group experienced excellent results from its advertising campaign with Sedgemoor fm. Having achieved their objectives ahead of schedule, the company chose to release its remaining advertising space and pay the opportunity forward to another local business.
The grant provides seven months of advertising and marketing support through Sedgemoor fm, helping the recipient raise awareness, attract new customers and support future growth.
Applications were received from a diverse range of local organisations, including retailers, charities, sports clubs, hospitality businesses, creative agencies, technology firms and community groups.
Throughout the process, Sedgemoor fm aimed to ensure that every applicant benefited from taking part. All applicants were promoted across the station’s social media channels, while customers, suppliers and supporters were invited to share what makes each organisation special.
Organisations that were not shortlisted were also offered a complimentary Marketing Health Check, helping them identify opportunities to strengthen their marketing activity and support future development.
Applications were assessed against a range of criteria including growth for potential, community impact, local roots and suitability for radio advertising.
The judging panel consisted of representatives from Parker Service Group, and Sedgemoor fm directors, Dave Englefield and Neil Fellowes.
While the standard of applications was high, Alise & Louis emerged as the strongest overall choice.
Winner, Vanda Crow, from Alise & Louie said, “I’m really grateful for this opportunity and just thank you so much. As people might know, I’m not the greatest at promoting, and this is going to be a fantastic opportunity for us. We wholeheartedly believe in the High Street and developing Bridgwater, and this is going to give us a wonderful opportunity, and I hope not just for us, but for everyone around us too.”
Chris Parker form Parker Service Group said, “Congratulations to Alise and Louie on securing the Sedgemoor fm grant! We’re incredibly proud to have been able to donate our advertising to support and help contribute in a small way to the fantastic work Sedgemoor fm do… We wish Alise & Louie every success as they continue to grow and make a lasting impact.”
Neil Fellowes, Marketing Director at Sedgemoor FM, said, “Parker Service Group decided to “give back” to the local business community. Alise & Louis stood out not just because of their business potential, but because of the role they play within the community. They have built something that local people genuinely value, and we’re looking forward to helping them reach more customers over the coming months.”
The Sedgemoor fm Growth Grant is intended to support local organisations that are making a positive contribution to the area while helping them access marketing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
The initiative also reflects Sedgemoor fm’s wider commitment to supporting local businesses, community organisations, grassroots sport and projects that help strengthen the local economy.
The winner was announced at the Sedgemoor fm Breakfast Networking Event on 19 June, attended by 59 local businesses and business leaders.