TGt Meets…Christchurch Business Awards 4 C Marketing

We're getting to know the winners from this year's Christchurch Business Awards.

Read this TGt Meets with 4 C Markeing's founder - Caroline Saunders.

Congratulations on your Christchurch Business Awards win. Which category were you recognised in?

This year, I won Silver in the B2B Business category. After winning the B2B Business Award in 2023, it was an honour to be back on stage accepting another award.

What is the history and background of your business?

After a career in corporate FMCG marketing working on great British brands including Bisto gravy, Robertson’s jam and Blackthorn cider, I founded 4 C Marketing twelve years ago to work flexibly around my children.

Since then, it’s been a fantastic journey. Through the arrival of my second child, relocation from North Hampshire to Dorset, the challenges of Covid, house renovation projects, and a new puppy's arrival, along with the day-to-day responsibilities of being a mum, I have established and grown a successful business.

Who is your target market? How do you reach and engage with them?

My clients know their business is great, but they’re busy doing their day jobs. I provide effective, practical, and straightforward marketing, PR, and social media services for B2B and B2C clients, ranging from small start-up consumer brands to more established service providers, from a single blog post to an entire outsourced marketing management service.

The vast majority of my clients come through referrals. Local networking and LinkedIn have also helped me make new connections and reach new clients.

What are the biggest challenges you've faced in building your business, and how have you overcome them?

Homeschooling two children whilst looking after a puppy and running a business during Covid was certainly a challenge! Like any self-employed working-from-home parent, getting the balance between work and family life is never easy. Networking has helped me connect with others in similar positions, as well as expand my client base.

What’s your favourite part about working in Christchurch?

Christchurch is such a beautiful area. I love being able to walk to client meetings across Stanpit Marsh, which reduces my carbon footprint and improves my mental and physical health and wellbeing. Client meetings at the beach are also popular!

Can you share any lessons learned or advice for aspiring professionals in your industry?

When I first went freelance, a wise connection said to me. “There’s plenty of work out there for good people”, and twelve years later, I am living proof that is true. If you are good at what you do and believe in yourself, you have the right mindset and skills to succeed. To me, being authentic and true to yourself is also so important. That way, you are more likely to attract the kind of clients that you actually want to work with. Not everyone is your ideal client, and that's ok. It is much better to find those who are, as you will form better partnerships, deeper connections, and most likely produce better work, which makes you feel positive and fulfilled.

What role do you believe local recognition, such as the Christchurch Business Awards, plays for businesses in Dorset?

Running a business day-to-day isn’t easy, particularly in the current climate. Local recognition, such as the Christchurch Business Awards, is crucial because it prompts us to pause and reflect on our achievements, moving forward with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and positivity. The awards event is always uplifting and inspiring, providing a great opportunity for local businesses to come together and support one another.