Keelie Briggs Marketing - South Derbyshire

24/12/2025

We did it!

We made it to Christmas eve! 🎄

I hope those of you who celebrate have a wonderful Christmas making memories with your loved ones.

For those who find it tough, remember, you've survived 100% of your toughest days so far, you can get through these coming days too. Be kind to yourself , your feelings are valid and people care ❤️

Merry Christmas, see you on the other side ❄️

22/12/2025

Here's a Christmas feel-good story for you:

I finally made it to one of Swadlincote's favourite attractions last night - Grinch Cottage.

Chatting to Jonathan Fulford (aka Grinch) a couple of weeks ago on the Delph, he told me his story and how he believes every child should have the opportunity to take part in fun Christmas events, as well as see Santa but unfortunately the hefty pricetag of festive events means a lot of children miss out.

Jonathan put a stop to that, with a free event welcoming 100s (1000s?) of local children and their families to a wonderful experience, meeting the Grinch, discovering his cottage, and visiting Santa at the end where they received a gift.
The effort that they had gone to was so impressive, and the whole team of volunteers were committed to their roles in making the experience as fun as possible.

At the end they welcomed donations where all proceeds went to Wishes for Kids ❤️

I'm in awe, honestly.

Thank you Jonathon and team for making a difference in our community and reminding people what Christmas is all about.

Also, a little birdie tells me we may see Grinch again when it's a little warmer... Keep your eyes out people 👀 ❤️

20/12/2025

5 days to go!!! 🎄

I've had a marathon few weeks trying to get ahead with all client work so that I can step away and enjoy Christmas with my family - and I'm nearly there!

I still have a final few things on my to-do list but I'm certainly feeling the Christmas spirit now and embracing all the sights, sounds and family time that Christmas brings ❤️

How are you all getting on? Do you 'break-up' for Christmas?

Have you signed off already?

And if anyone has recommendations of super Christmassy events or must-visit places locally now that the kids have broken up, please drop them in the comments ☺️ 🎄

18/12/2025

Yes, this is potentially the most chilled I've ever been, but I promise I was actually working!!

Last week, Kera Robson Photography and I spent the morning with Kerry Thornewill , who is in the process of launching her rebranded business. I mapped out her marketing strategy and social media content plan while Kera captured shots that aligned with her website and marketing goals.

When Kerry needed a 'client' for her facial treatment photos... well, I wasn't going to say no to that, was I? 😎

This is what happens when you invest in getting your brand right - strategy, visuals, and apparently very relaxed marketing consultants 🤣

Kerry is all set with a library of stunning images to reuse and repurpose across all her marketing, plus a goal planner to keep her priorities on track and a tailored content plan designed to capture every stage of her customer's journey.
She's got lots of exciting updates coming soon, but I won't give too much away. I know she'll absolutely smash it and I can't wait to follow her progress. ☺️

*** Next Brand Transformation Session appointments available mid-January. Book now and start the new year with your brand set up for success. ***

https://keeliebriggs.com/brand-transformation-session-photography-marketing-strategy/

17/12/2025

Here's something most people don't realise: that 30 seconds it takes you to leave a review? It can change everything for a small business.

When you review a local shop, that coffee place you love, or the person who fixed your car, you're not just leaving stars on a screen.

You're telling other people, "this is worth your time." You're helping someone's business appear when neighbours search online. You're giving them something to smile about on the hard days (and trust me, there are hard days).

Small business owners pour everything into what they do. They remember your order, they stay late to get things right, they genuinely care when you walk through their door and in my experience, they rarely ask for reviews so as not to inconvenience you. 😢

But here's the cold, hard truth: reviews are how small businesses compete with the big chains. They're how we survive algorithms that favour companies with endless marketing budgets. They're proof that we matter to this community.

Reviews are VITAL for small businesses - not only for building trust with real people, but also for signalling to AI that we're worthy of a recommendation.

So this Christmas, if a small business made your life a little better, helped you choose a meaningful gift, gave you great service, solved a problem, or just made you feel welcome - leave them a review.

It takes less time than wrapping a present, costs you nothing, and means absolutely everything.

With love, from small businesses everywhere xx

Feel free to share this post and leave a comment with a link to where you'd love a glowing review from a happy customer.

15/12/2025

I called into South Derbyshire CVS again today to assist with a wonderful large donation of small essential electrical appliances and heated blankets today from Swadlincote Electrical and Solar Supplies and the local tradespeople who contributed ❤️

It was absolutely buzzing there!
Donations going in, gifts going out, staff and volunteers darting around all over the place to ensure everyone had everything they needed to ensure a fantastic Christmas is had by all in our community.

These guys never fail to make me shed a tear for the beautiful job they do.

With only 10 days left until Christmas, they still have families to reach. Families who desperately need this help.

Can you join me in giving them the final, vital push to purchase those essential last-minute items?

Whether you can spare £1 or £100, every penny you donate will directly benefit a neighbour right here in our area who has fallen on tough times.

Let's join SDCVS in reaching as many people as we can this Christmas.

Here's the link, please donate if you can. ❤️

A campaign to support people in need across South Derbyshire during these difficult times.

13/12/2025

And how great was the Grinch in town today? Just out to make people smile.

This is why I love Swad ❤️

If anyone knows who this is, please tag them for me 😊

13/12/2025

Swadlincote was ALIVE with good feels and festive cheer today.

Wow!

Huge well done to the event planners, South Derbyshire District Council and Swadlincote Markets today, as well as a the very cheeky Grinch walking around!

12/12/2025

For anyone who has been considering attending a fully-funded business growth workshop with the East Midlands Chamber - (in partnership with South Derbyshire Business Advice Service), I thought I'd show you what to expect.

Thank you to Liam Lally for such high-value content, and to Kam Atker for such a warm welcome and ensuring the day ran smoothly with everything we needed to enjoy the session.

If you're running a business in the East Midlands area, I'd highly recommend you check out the courses and workshops available to you - these are fully-funded and extremely beneficial for anyone wanting to learn and implement new skills to drive their business forward.

Also, Oakland Village Bar, Bistro & Functions was such a beautiful, warm and welcoming setting for the event. Don't forget that they have rooms available to hire!

Have a great weekend all!

South Derbyshire Business Advice Service
South Derbyshire District Council East Midlands Chamber - Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire fans