A decade of membership with the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for You Do Better no-retainer marketing agency.
By Ruby Edwards4 min read
Over the past decade, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force behind the growth of many local businesses. As an active member since 2012, Ruby Edwards, Founder of no-retainer marketing agency You Do Better Ltd, has experienced firsthand the value of Chamber membership, both through Funny Blood, the good cause she set-up in 2009, and the flourishing pay-as-you-go agency based in Worcestershire.
Ruby’s journey with the Chamber began in 2012 when Funny Blood joined the network. During this time, she participated in various Chamber events, including a memorable celebrity auction at the annual Business Awards. The event not only raised significant funds but also provided invaluable networking opportunities, helping Funny Blood to expand.
CAPTION: A blast from the past! L: A Chamber team member modelling Stella McCartney donated gifts for the Funny Blood catwalk and auction at the 2012 Business Awards.
CAPTION: Ruby, with fellow Chamber member, entering the Awards hosted at the Three Counties Showground in 2012.
Fast-forward to 2018 and Ruby rejoined the Chamber, this time with You Do Better Ltd, a no-retainer marketing agency offering pay-as-you-go PR, websites and digital support. Based in Worcestershire, You Do Better has grown through an agile approach, offering flexible, effective services to businesses of all shapes and sizes.
CAPTION: You Do Better take a table at the Chamber’s Business Awards 2022. The team has been shortlisted in the Micro Business category in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Ruby’s contribution to the local business community hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, Chamber CEO Sharon Smith said:
“Ruby continues to contribute a fantastic level of support to the local business community, despite the challenges of 2020. Ruby took the initiative to continue promoting businesses, success stories and local people during the pandemic, helping to promote a positive mindset in one of the most difficult times. Ruby always thinks of new and exciting interviews and I look forward to reading her updates on local people achieving great things. Obviously Ruby’s services are so much more than writing articles and I encourage any businesses to continue to use all PR and Marketing support services to continue to promote their businesses during 2021.”
In the years following Covid the Chamber benefits to many businesses were invaluable. After meeting Mick Foley from One Minute Wonders Video Production & Drone Services through the Chamber, Ruby invited him to join the team at the Moreton Show, for which she’s managed the PR for 5 years, and now where Mick has provided stunning drone and video work for the event over three consecutive years. Read the case study for Moreton Show here.
Another example of You Do Better’s work can be seen in the case studies featuring LOCALiQ, a Patron member, and Hazelton Mountford, a Strategic member. Read the full case study for LOCALiQ here and explore the case study for Hazelton Mountford here. Take a look at how the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has supported Ruby, You Do Better Ltd and many other local businesses by reading the dedicated case study.
Mike Forrester, Chair of the Chamber, adds:
“I have worked with Ruby when You Do Better supported a business in Worcester and currently manages my personal PR. She develops a strategic programme for PR and Marketing that is amongst the best available in the region. Her network of associates allows You Do Better PR to provide a basket of services. I would have no hesitation to recommend Ruby as a great provider of PR and Marketing. She makes sure you meet your deadlines too!
Ruby has great knowledge of the local environment and her very affordable and flexible ‘pay as you go’ policy is excellent value.”
Read more about Sharon, Mike and Ruby, and how the Chamber helps to connect, create and celebrate business locally, in the joint article The Last Word here.
As we look ahead to 2026/27, it’s clear that the relationship between small businesses like You Do Better and the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is more important than ever. The Chamber continues to offer opportunities for businesses to thrive, from networking events to HR support and legal advice. For Ruby, the Chamber’s impact on her businesses over the past decade has been invaluable and she encourages other local businesses to explore the benefits of membership.
“The Chamber has been instrumental in helping both Funny Blood and You Do Better grow. It’s not just about the business opportunities; it’s about the connections. I’m grateful for the Chamber’s continued partnership, which means hard work on both sides, and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
Take a closer look at the new partner page and the partnership between You Do Better and Crosby Associates Media.
Contact Ruby directly on 07891 777464.
