Levelling up to strategic membership with the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
Upgrading to Strategic Membership with the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce marks an important step for You Do Better Ltd. This latest move builds on an established relationship and shifting our involvement into a more senior space within the regional business community.
This step also allows us to create more value for our clients. Being more closely connected to the Chamber network means we are better placed to spot opportunities. In turn, we aim to understand local business challenges and make relevant introductions. That insight feeds directly into our work, helping clients benefit not just from our marketing support, but from the relationships and knowledge we build through active involvement in the business community.
Why we upgraded our chamber membership
Having already worked closely with the Chamber on campaigns and initiatives, including our case study, Strategic Membership felt like the right next step. That work has supported visibility, inbound enquiries, speaking opportunities and referral activity over time.
A key part of how You Do Better grows is through referrals. This applies to new business enquiries, additional work from existing clients and bringing in new or extended associates to support delivery. More than 80% of our incoming work comes through referrals, which makes strong relationships central to how we operate.
Standard membership, which we enjoyed for nealry a decade bfore this latest move, offers strong networking, learning and visibility. Strategic Membership builds on this by creating more opportunities to spend time with the same group of business leaders, allowing relationships to develop over time.
What strategic membership means in practice
A key part of Strategic Membership is access to a well-connected network of decision-makers across both counties. In turn this makes it easier to build relationships and stay part of ongoing conversations.
The Chamber also provides a dedicated Senior Account Manager who understands each business and helps make introductions aligned to its goals. This means membership becomes part of how a business develops, rather than something that sits alongside it.
Raising profile and strengthening reputation
Being part of a Strategic Member group places a business alongside established organisations in the region, helping to build on recognition and trust.
For You Do Better, this builds on the work we’ve already done through long-term Chamber involvement, regular contributions to Business Direction Magazine and active participation in events and forums.
Connections that go further than networking
As so much of our work comes through referrals, the quality of relationships matters far more than the volume. Strategic Membership supports this by creating space to get to know businesses properly and understand how we can support them.
Our Chamber case study shows that this approach already leads to new client conversations, structured introductions and ongoing opportunities.
Our approach to marketing support
You Do Better was established in 2017 and has grown into a full service marketing agency, working across PR, content, digital and strategy.
What makes the agency different is how that support is delivered. Rather than fixed retainers, we offer outsourced marketing on demand, with hourly, daily and project rates. This allows businesses to scale activity up or down depending on need, internal capacity and cashflow.
This approach is becoming increasingly relevant as businesses prepare for upcoming changes, including those outlined in our adapting to. Having access to flexible external support can help reduce risk while still maintaining momentum.
Ruby Edwards, Owner of You Do Better Ltd, explains:
“A large proportion of our work comes through referrals, so it makes sense for us to invest in the right networks and build those relationships properly. We’re well established across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as well as Gloucestershire, so moving to Strategic Membership felt like a natural step for us.
We’re also seeing more businesses rethink how they resource marketing. Not everyone wants a fixed retainer, which is why our model is built around flexibility. Clients can access senior support when they need it, whether that is hourly, daily or project-based, and scale that support in line with their business and cashflow.”
Working with Chamber members
Being established since 2017 means we understand the challenges local businesses face, from growth and recruitment through to visibility and positioning.
As a full service agency, we are able to support across multiple areas, whether that is PR, social media, website development, SEO or wider marketing strategy.
This includes work with Chamber members such as Hazelton Mountford, where we previously supported marketing activity in a way that aligned with their growth plans and internal structure. Read our Hazelton Mountford case study.
Strategic Membership puts us in a stronger position to support other Chamber members in a way that fits how they operate. Whether they need short-term input, ongoing project support or a more strategic role.
To find out more about the team behind the work.
Our experience working with the Chamber
Our work with the Chamber has already shown what a strong partnership can deliver. Regular contributions to Business Direction Magazine have helped position You Do Better as a marketing specialist within the regional business community, while forum involvement and speaking opportunities have led to follow-up conversations and new business discussions.
Strategic Membership allows us to build on that, working more closely with the Chamber team and its network.
Testimonials
Robert Elliot, Director of Business Engagement and Policy, says: “Ruby brings a wealth of experience and proven track record to the Patron and Strategic Membership. The business sectors in this group, and that of the whole chamber membership, will benefit from You Do Better’s creativity and experience.”
Simone Rose, Strategic Membership & LSIP Account Manager: “I met Ruby over a year ago, and we’ve had ongoing conversations about how the Chamber can best support her business. Given the way You Do Better Ltd works and builds relationships, this move to Strategic Membership feels like a natural progression and will only strengthen the value they bring to the Chamber network.”
Why businesses are choosing outsourced marketing support
Many businesses are rethinking how they structure marketing support. Particularly as workloads change and specialist skills become more important. Flexible outsourced marketing gives organisations access to experienced support without the cost or commitment of building a larger in-house department.
You Do Better Marketing & PR Agency works with businesses across a wide range of sectors. Supporting everything from PR campaigns and SEO to website development and interim marketing cover.
Looking ahead
This move is a commitment to continued growth and stronger relationships with a more active role in the regional business community.
By investing in Strategic Membership, You Do Better is strengthening its role within the Chamber network.Staying close to the conversations that shape local business. To learn more about our services.
You can also read about our work with the Chamber. For more information on Chamber membership.
As seen online and in print in the Chamber’s Business Direction magazine.