Hiya

Thanks for stopping by. My name is Laura Stead and I’m a marketing specialist with extensive experience in strategy development, marketing planning, content marketing and communications.

I have over 20 years’ experience working as a marketing professional and I have been a CIM Chartered Marketer since 2007.

I have a diverse client portfolio and I enjoy focusing on marketing and communications for charities and not-for-profits.

I look forward to hearing from you.

About

You may also know me as Laus and Doris (don’t ask!).

Marketing has been my lifelong passion, even since I was a child (what a nerd, right?). I've devoted my career to advancing in the marketing industry, across private, public, and charity sectors. Today, I identify myself as a seasoned CIM Chartered Marketer and Marketing Fellow, boasting over 20 years of experience. I now get my kicks through sharing my skills and knowledge with others and witnessing the impact it has.

But enough about me.

I collaborate with business owners and fellow marketers to help them grasp and achieve their marketing objectives. Some of my clients focus on business growth, others on maximising their social impact, and some have chosen to leverage marketing to drive business change.

My clients choose to work with me because I possess a remarkable knack for comprehending their business, their target audiences, and the obstacles they face (this stems from my naturally curious nature).

Using the insights I gather (both emotional and technical), I design marketing strategies and campaigns that make a real impact. I may either execute these strategies for you or collaborate with your existing team to enhance their skills and provide arms-length support until their confidence grows.

Heads-up: If you're seeking to copy your competitors, make a quick profit, or simply want to spruce up your social media channels, I kindly suggest you look elsewhere. I’m not your type. 👋

If you're driven by a passion to make a meaningful difference, whether to your business, your employees, or the community you reside in, then keep reading.

Trusted by...

Freelance Marketing Support

You’ll be presented with a creative and strategic marketing solution that’s unique to your business, your goals and your marketing budget.

This may include:

• A focused and robust marketing strategy
  
• A tactical marketing plan that maximises the resources you have available to you
  
• Creative and results-focused marketing campaigns
  
• Content planning and creation to amplify your message
  
• Briefing or training your in-house team
  
• A review of your marketing insight and ways to integrate this into your business
  
• Brand awareness strategies to raise your profile
  
• Tools to increase your engagement and impact.
  

I'll work as an extension to your team and be the remote marketing resource that you can use as your business demands it.

"Laura you are a breath of fresh air. You came to my charity and really understood the key messages we are trying to promote. You stretched my budget to give me an amazing marketing package."

- Charlotte

Marketing Training

If you want a job done right, do it yourself. This is 100% my philosophy. That’s until I realise that I’ve no idea what I’m doing. I’ve applied this theory (and failed) to gardening, wallpapering, embroidery, joinery, knitting…the list goes on.

If like me, you love to do-it-yourself to maintain control, it’s best to hit the ground running and learn the ropes from someone who knows what they’re doing.

Marketing is no different.

I’ve drawn upon all my experience and knowledge to create a suite of marketing workshops. They’re tried and tested and I’ve received some amazing feedback too.

Each workshop will be tailored to you and your business.

I use real-life case studies to get you thinking like a marketer. My workshops are interactive, energetic and fun. You’ll leave with the tools, knowledge and motivation you need to get to grips with your marketing.

Funding may be available if you're based in Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster or Sheffield.

"This lady is a dream to work with." - Tara

"She was instrumental in the launch of my business" - Hannah

"A creative and pragmatic marketing professional who gets results" - Darshana

"I completed my CIM and my tutor Laura was amazing, really creative and full of good ideas.

Highly recommend."

- Kristina

Sheffield City Region Launchpad

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme delivered across the Sheffield City Region. I'm an marketing and social media associate for Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley.

I'm part of a wonderful team of mentors, coaches and all-round business experts offering fully funded workshops and one-to-one help for South Yorkshire's aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses.

I offer a range of workshops which are delivered as part of the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme. You can access these workshops, and a whole host of other business start-up support, by registering with SCR Launchpad.

Rotherham Start-Up Business Support

Barnsley Start-Up Business Support

Sheffield Start-Up Business Support

Looking to commission?

Talk to me about designing and commissioning a suite of workshops for your project or programme.

"Inspiring"

"The most useful workshop I've attended"

"A must-attend workshop for all new businesses"

"You made everything so clear and easy to understand"