Uncategorized

On 25^th January Just Williams hosted the North’s first Responsible Business Conference in partnership with Northumbria University, Newcastle Business School. An idea and conversation that stemmed back a year ago when Dr Alex Hope and I mused over the journey Just Williams had taken to become a certified B-Corp. We wanted to bring an accessible and independent view to this rather confused landscape and help support businesses on their journey – and the Responsible Business Conference or RBC as we now call it, was born.

The term itself breeds confusion with over 15 separate definitions (I stopped looking at this point, so no doubt there are many more). A responsible business according to the ORB (Organisation for Responsible Business) is a business that operates efficiently and effectively; meets and exceeds legislation; and always considers its impact on people (the workforce, the community and society at large) and the environment.

For us at Just Williams who are a proud B-certified business –  it’s taking a values-based approach where profits, people, planet and purpose align.  In fact, when we asked our audience, which comprised of business owners, senior managers, and a strong representation from three of the region’s universities – the answers were all in fact different. But we started the conversation and provided a platform for discussion and Ive always been an action over words kind of girl! However, many of the attendees had already begun their journey, so our challenge for next year is how do we ensure those who haven’t, attend and engage. Suggestions welcome…

Our speakers covered a broad range of subjects with panelists, key notes and even a ‘fireside chat’ hosted by Northumbria’s Vince Robson. From the Greggs pledge with Head of Sustainability, Paul Irwin-Rhodes to Data being the new single use plastic with Sharon Sinclair – Williams. We covered a plethora of subjects and asked all delegates to take one key action from the day and to move forward on their own Responsible Business pledge. Here’s a few;

• Embed ESG into our Strategy
• Reduce single use plastic in the office
• Grow Living Wage movement in the North East and Tees Valley
• Complete Carbon Literacy Training
• Consider Digital Footprint and Digital Waste

Robert Swan famously said “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that somebody else will save it” which was one of the key actions taken away by one of our delegates with the action saying in no uncertain terms ‘Take Responsibility’

Bringing together over 60 organisations and individuals to talk, share, network and learn is powerful – it’s taking action and for that we are both enormously proud. Next steps for the RBC are to hold regular roundtables and get togethers to continue the conversation and to once again host a Responsible Business Conference in 2026. If you want to get involved – get in touch.

You can’t be what you cant see and so we at Just Williams along with the team at Northumbria University continue to celebrate, champion and support all those choosing to take the path of being a Responsible Business. For Responsible business is not just ethical—it’s a long-term strategy for success, and sustainability and inclusivity must be embedded into governance, not just initiatives.

Imagine if we could be the first region in the UK renown for Responsible Business and further still – what would a responsible region look like?

Additional Resources available.

• Real Living Wage Movement
• Business in the Community
• Northumbria University – Newcastle Business School – The Business Clinic
• B-Corp Certification and Impact Assessment

The new year provides an opportunity for reflection, a pause perhaps, a reset or an adjustment in strategy. It’s a time for many organisations pre year end to plan ahead, review performance, contemplate market conditions and seek opportunities.   

Just Williams works with organisations across a broad range of sectors, focusing on the engineering, manufacturing and built environment sectors – supporting  sales growth, internally and externally along with brand profile through content creation. Starting life as a sales consultancy ten years ago this year, we now stand as The SME Agency – covering Sales, Marketing and Events. Working with organisations to create and implement a cohesive and results driven sales and marketing plan aligned to the overall business strategy. An area we find more and more oganistions struggling to achieve. With internal teams creating content on an ad hoc basis for socials, websites being ten years old, high gloss brochures with out of date information and costing a small forest its life as well as little to no online presence and an ageing customer base. We have a way to go should we desire a sustainable sales future. 

Our economy is made up of small businesses, we are the life  blood of the Tees Valley and North East region and  at around 88% of NE companies, we are a large representation of businesses and employees.  There are many challenges that face small businesses but the cost to grow by hiring your first sales and marketing person is up there and is high risk and high cost. As is the time to train them and embed them in the cutlure of your buisness. So often we as small business owners try to do everything ourselves or expect our team to go from one disciplne to another (I speak from experience and know first hand the expectations!) so when we get to the point of hiring or outsourcing, its crcuial if its for one of the above noted roles – the overall objectives are aligned. I would recommend ensuring you have a full overview / plan / strategy or whatever word you want to call it before any hire is made. Invest in the process of engaging with a specialist to plan pre appointment – it will make all the difference. To create a strategy, write processes, set metrics, align expectations and create the foundations required to succeed. Sales and marketing professionals are more likely to hit the ground running and embed into an organisations culture and mentality if they have a clear set of guidelines to adhere to. With many smaller owner managed businesses hiring professionals at entry level due to a variety of reasons – cost being the dominant one – the expectation isnt always aligned with the reality. It is in everyones interest for the individual to be successful from the outset – so give them a fighting chance.  Spend your limited resouces creating a plan and laying out some foundations and as we call them, rules of the game. It will save you money in the long term.  

Back to combining two disciplines -start with an assessment of your current provision, review your competitors and find an organisation you admire in terms of brand positioning, sustainable growth and overall market positioning. Your sales and marketing team will support the development of these into a fully fledged combined tangible stratgey but it helps us massively if you have a few starting points to go from… 

Because integrating sales and marketing is an essential element for any organisation, regardless of size. The two have become much more aligned over the years and have become perhaps not besties but certainly less curt than they once were (but not always…!).  At Just Williams, we have integrated the two into one team ensuring we act cohesively and collaboratiively and the two speak, connect and drive results. An integration and true understanding of the alignment, processes and outbound engagement are more than critcal – yet fewer businesses than ideal integrate these two crucial functions. And it shows – when the narrative is not aligned to the outbound appearance and the customers experience –  a misalignment and a level of mistrust can become quickly evident.  

As a certified B-Corporation, it’s in our DNA to integrate ESG into our Sales and Marketing strategies, training and well, every aspect of all that we do. People is one of the five pillars of BCorp and one we constantly evolve to ensure  that as a small business, we support our people as much as possible, investing in our sales and marketing teams with continous professional development through out 5% personal and professional development fund.  This continous investment, training and development in our people is one of the reasons businesses ultimately choose to outsource to us rather than go through the challenging and often painful process of recruiting and training and then retaining.  

Sales and marketing are two serperate disciplines with mutliple skill sets – outsourcing at the outset to create an initial plan may prove in the longer term a more financially sound alternative.  

Just Williams is an impact led sales and marketing organisations working with owner managed businesses to raise brand profile, lead generate and embed ESG. 

Just Williams – Sales and Marketing www.justwilliamsltd.co.uk 

In today’s dynamic business landscape, the difference between a fleeting transaction and an enduring partnership often comes down to one critical skill: confident communication. At the Just Williams Sales Academy, we believe that communicating with clarity and confidence is essential for building successful, long-lasting relationships. Whether it’s perfecting the art of the pitch or navigating networking events, confident communication makes a difference.

Mastering the Pitch

A confident pitch is not about speaking louder or faster, it’s about speaking with purpose. Our years of experience have revealed that customers remember merely a fraction of what they hear, but the feeling of the interaction stays with them long after the meeting ends. The most successful sales professionals understand this intrinsically, crafting conversations that address specific challenges while weaving in compelling evidence of past successes. Rather than delivering rehearsed monologues, they create meaningful dialogues that position them as strategic partners in their clients’ success journey.

The New Rules of Networking

The landscape of professional networking has evolved considerably. Gone are the days of merely collecting business cards and delivering rehearsed speeches. Today’s networking demands a more sophisticated approach, especially as we navigate both digital and physical spaces. The most successful networkers have mastered the art of creating meaningful connections through thoughtful preparation and authentic engagement. They understand that a single, well-nurtured relationship often proves more valuable than dozens of superficial connections.

The Communication Chameleon: Mastering Adaptability

Through our extensive work with sales professionals across the UK, we’ve observed that different personality types process information in distinctly different ways. Some clients seek bottom-line results and quick decisions, whilst others prefer to explore options through stories and discussions. Many value stability and clear processes, and still others require detailed analysis before moving forward. Understanding these preferences—and adapting your approach accordingly—creates instant rapport and deeper understanding with any client.

The Often Overlooked Skill of Listening

We emphasise that confident communication isn’t only about speaking well; it’s also about listening. When we truly listen, we’re able to respond to clients’ needs in a way that feels personal and relevant, deepening the relationship. Active listening builds trust, demonstrating that our focus is on helping clients achieve their goals.

Building Lasting Confidence Through Expertise

At The Just Williams Sales Academy, we’ve developed a sophisticated approach to building genuine confidence through expertise. Our methodology combines deep knowledge building with practical application and continuous support. We focus on understanding industry dynamics, communication psychology, and current market trends, whilst providing opportunities for hands-on practice and expert mentorship.

If you’re looking to improve your professional sales and customer service skills in 2025, our sister company, The Just Williams Sales Academy, has you covered.  Spend the day with Jessica Williams and 15 other businesses to gain practical tools to boost your confidence and communication for success in the year ahead. Spots are limited, so book your place online: https://justwilliamssales.academy/products/communicating-with-confidence-workshop 

In 2022, we partnered with long-term clients Lynas Engineers to create a unique event designed to bring together businesses from across the region to generate collaborative relationships and develop a true local supply chain across the Built Environment.

With its sell-out success, we’re bringing it back again with the team from Lynas, and this year we have increased the capacity to allow even more organisations to join an ever-growing network of companies that are working more collaboratively and winning and sharing new work across the North East as a result. On Thursday 27th June, we’re heading to the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough for an exhibition and networking event that has proven impact across the sector.

The event gives businesses the opportunity to take an exclusive exhibition space (that includes x2 delegate passes) to be front and foremost in the incredible conversations that take place, generating new business and relationships that have long term benefits to all. Working together has never been more important, and yet we are facing numerous challenges in our region that prevent or impede great relationships forming, and benefitting the companies in our area.

Constructing Links is the first step to removing these challenges – so register today for your opportunity to establish a true, and sustainable local supply chain!

You can find out more information about last year’s event via the Lynas Engineers website here, or if you’re ready to book simply visit our Events page.

For more information please contact info@justwilliamsltd.co.uk

If you’ve been following our social media channels recently, you’ll have spotted that we are now the (incredibly!) proud owners of the Communities and Reputation Award from NEPIC!

For a long time now, we have been working to support our clients in a variety of ways – not just with their business growth and visibility – but also in supporting an incredible range of organisations within those communities too. From an internal perspective, we have also been driving positive change throughout our own business too, focusing heavily on greener, more sustainable business practices, supporting a local supply chain and ultimately using the business as a force for good.

As a certified B Corp business, it’s crucial to us that we succeed in this mission – of putting our people and planet first, but as a team, we could not be more proud to have taken away this amazing award from the superb Nepic Annual Awards.

Thank you to category sponsors BP, and our friends and cheerleaders who joined us on the night too!

Do you want to work with an award-winning company? Take a look at our Solutions page to see how.

Are you a CEO or Managing Director? Have you considered tackling a new challenge this year and want to do good with it at the same time?

Why not join us at Just Williams and incredible CEO Adventurer, John Beamson, as we host a group of 30 business leaders to take on the mighty Yorkshire 3 Peaks! Scaling the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres), usually in this order, and in under 12 hours, the Y3P is not something to be sniffed at! These hills form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Our intrepid adventurers will set out from Scotch Corner with dedicated private travel (and return to the same point) for a day of exceptional scenery, personal challenge and of course – some amazing fundraising at the same time. To participate, each hiker must pledge to raise a minimum of £1000 in sponsorship, which is to be split between the Just Williams chosen charity partner – Catalyst Stockton – and the charity of their choice.

We have already seen exceptional interest in joining this event so we are asking for each potential hiker to complete a short application form, with fee and all applications will be reviewed and confirmed as soon as possible. Please note, your place is not guaranteed until you have received confirmation of a place.

Your application fee includes, cost of application, kit list and training plan, travel to and from Scotch Corner on event day, survival kit, access to a support vehicle throughout, T-Shirt and medal or patch, pint at the end (or similar!) and all refreshments for event day itself. Weather permitting, we are hoping to capture some amazing drone footage of our team on route which we can share, post-event too.

The #JWY3P will be lead by experienced mountain leaders and we will be accompanied by a team of highly trained and certified guides. Our team’s safety is paramount and we have pulled together an exceptional team of partners to help bring this event to you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – HOW TO APPLY:

Download the application form and complete your application transaction here.

Please note – applications received without the completed form or application fee will not be processed and reviewed.

Places are extremely limited so please complete your applications as soon as possible! **NB – if your application is unsuccessful, your application fee will be refunded**

For more information, or queries, please contact info@justwilliamsltd.co.uk or call 01642 955862.

Please apply via Indeed here. No agencies please.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, companies of all sizes are constantly seeking ways to maximise their resources and drive growth. Among the many critical aspects of business management, sales and marketing play a pivotal role in ensuring a company’s success. Traditionally, businesses have relied on hiring and maintaining internal sales and marketing teams to handle these functions. However, in recent years, outsourcing sales and marketing has emerged as a strategic alternative that offers several compelling advantages.

Outsourcing involves partnering with third-party professionals or agencies to handle specific business functions or processes. When it comes to sales and marketing, outsourcing can encompass a wide range of services, from lead generation and customer acquisition to content creation, social media management, and more.

Say hello to Just Williams…

We are asked often about the benefits of outsourcing sales and marketing – so we thought, it’s time to put it on (virtual) paper.

Let’s talk cost-efficiency:

One of the primary reasons businesses opt for outsourcing sales and marketing to us is the significant cost savings we offer. Hiring and maintaining an internal team involves numerous expenses, including salaries, benefits, training, office space, and equipment. On the other hand, outsourcing allows you to pay for services you need, reducing fixed overhead costs. You can allocate resources where they are most needed without the burden of full-time salaries.

All about our expertise:

Sales and marketing require a diverse skill set, including market research, content creation, design, project management and data analysis (to start!). Building an internal team with expertise in all these areas can be challenging and expensive.

Outsourcing provides access to a wide range of specialists with proven track records in their respective fields. You can tap into the expertise of digital marketers, graphic designers, content creators, and sales professionals who are well-versed in the latest industry trends and best practices.

Risk reduction, and quick to function:

Market dynamics are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies can be challenging. Outsourcing mitigates this risk by relying on professionals like us, who are dedicated to keeping our skills and knowledge current. We can adapt quickly to changes in the industry, ensuring your business remains competitive.

“I see…measurable results…”

No skeletons in the cupboard here. Outsourcing sales and marketing with Just Williams comes with clearly defined metrics and reporting structures designed for you. This means you can easily track the effectiveness of your campaigns and strategies, making it easier to measure ROI and make data-driven decisions.

While hiring internal staff for sales and marketing has been the traditional approach, outsourcing has become a viable and strategic alternative for businesses seeking cost-efficiency, expertise, flexibility, and reduced risk. By leveraging the skills and resources of outsourced professionals like us, you can stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment while focusing on what your company does best.

Want to see what outsourcing with Just Williams could look like for your business? Check out our Solutions and let’s chat.

We’re looking for someone to join our team!!

The Business Support Executive is an exciting, fast-paced role that is a great opportunity for someone looking to join a company and help it grow. Take a look at the role below and if you’re interested, either contact Emma for an informal, confidential chat (07939 551512, emma@justwilliamsltd.co.uk) or go straight to apply via Indeed.

Business Support Executive
24-37.5hpw, £20,995 – £23,995 dependent on experience.

We are Just Williams, a sales and marketing organisation based in Stockton on Tees with clients operating nationally. We work with businesses to help them grow and improve their visibility and profile in their markets – we do that through a unique combination of sales and marketing activities that are tailored to each client.

We are a certified B Corporation too, a global movement of companies who believe in business as a force for good, ensuring our team, our environment and our customers can thrive.

Our business has evolved significantly over the last eight years, and we are now looking for a new member of the team to help take us into the next stage of Just Williams – and we very much hope that could be you.

As a Business Support Executive you will be responsible for:

• Conducting research on behalf of Just Williams and our clients across multiple platforms and compiling your findings into reports to share.
• Data management, including maintaining our inhouse CRM and those of our clients, where appropriate and ensuring all information is correct and up to date.
• Shared office management, including sourcing new suppliers that fit within the requirements of B Corp, a local and ethical supply chain and developing good relationships in the community, stock and control of equipment and contracts attached (eg annual PAT testing arrangements etc).
• Events, Exhibitions and Membership Organisations – we attend many events throughout the year, the Business Support Executive will support the planning, logistics, booking and management of an approved event calendar. From time to time we ask for all staff to attend and support the events too, so flexibility is also important.
• Building and maintaining great relationships with all our stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management – working with our customers, the Business Support Executive will be responsible for clear communication, engagement and liaison throughout the Just Williams team and beyond.
• Strong engagement in all business activity – at Just Williams we pride ourselves on being passionate about what we do, so our team members should reflect that and be allies for change and development.

Key Attributes:

We are looking for someone who is as passionate about doing great things as we are. Our business is varied, we work with a wide range of clients, across multiple sectors so our team are highly skilled and very knowledgeable.

Our new Business Support Executive should have:

• Strong time management capabilities and the ability to achieve tight deadlines and work across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes.
• Great attention to detail, reliability, and accountability.
• Motivation to succeed, have a positive attitude and be inquisitive.
• Be a team player.
• A Level 3 + qualification (preferred) and/or experience in a similar role or discipline for a minimum of 3 years.
• A driving license and access to own vehicle (essential).

We have great opportunities to learn, develop and grow within the business and will actively support your development within Just Williams – this may also include progression into future roles as we evolve too. Just Williams also prides itself on offering an extensive range of benefits and opportunities to volunteer or support your chosen charitable causes too.

• Generous annual leave allowance, including increased allocations for Christmas, New Year and your birthday too.
• Access to a Wellbeing Day, to use at your own discretion.
• Volunteering options, funds and partnership support.
• Professional and Personal Development support and resources.
• Access to employee wellbeing packages and opportunities.
• Private health insurance.
• Company pension.
• Flexible working, social events, office refreshments and more.

We are a Real Living Wage employer, a member of the Better Business Act and other organisations developed for the ethical running of business and employment of people.

We have created a small but beautifully formed business and culture where you as an individual can thrive. Your personality, your creative side, your values – are important to us, as ours should be to you. We are looking for our next team member who wants to be more than just a number, who values a business and is looking for a role that is varied, fast-paced and has an impact.

For an informal, confidential discussion about this role please contact Emma McDonald, Head of Delivery, on 07939 551512, emma@justwilliamsltd.co.uk

Interviews commencing from 21st August 2023 (rolling).

Just Williams Ltd is committed to equal opportunity in employment and believes that commitment to promoting equal opportunity should exist throughout the organisation. Just Williams Ltd will ensure that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, disability, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, colour, race or ethnic origin or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be justified.

Just Williams and The Just Williams Sales Academy are certified B Corporations.

We believe in the power of using business as a force for good and meeting the highest standards to serve our customers, community, people, and the environment. That’s why we chose to join the global movement of B Corp.

We commenced our B-Corp journey back in 2021 with an ambition to achieve the highest standards with a continuous progression mentality. We wanted to ensure we were operating our businesses in the most sustainable, responsible and ethical way for now – and for the future – and importantly to have a standard to hold us accountable to.

We have always believed that business could be used for so much more than profit and we had already implemented a large number of initiatives both internally and externally. But we wanted to take it to the next level. With a growing following across the UK and the world, we wanted to be part of the B Corp movement and work with other like-minded businesses that place these principles front and centre. As a sales and marketing company working with a range of owner managed businesses across the UK, we knew our journey would support others alongside The Just Williams Sales Academy and we are huge advocates for B-Corp, its ethos, and potential for global change.

It’s taken a complete revision in many areas of the businesses and highlighted and formalised great things we were already doing but it has given us other areas to focus on too. With our purpose clear, our strategy laid out and our ambition high, we are committed to supporting other individuals and businesses thrive, with the B-Corp mentality at the heart of what we do, and how we do it. If you want to find out more about our journey, you can read our full blog here www.justwilliamsltd.co.uk or visit www.justwilliamsales.academy

Find out how we can help you with your Sales and Marketing.

• Consultancy
• Mentoring
• Roots – Sales and Marketing outsourced for small businesses
• Going For Growth – Sales and Marketing outsourced for medium businesses.
• Sales Training – for you, your team and your business

We would love to chat to you. Contact me or any of my team to find out more.

Jessica