L-R – Jenny Falconer, Presenter; Colin Donald, Director of Finance and Corporate Services Scottish Enterprise Grampian; Keith McDermott, Managing Partner Brilliant Red Consulting; Philip Mahoney, General Manager of the Radisson SAS.

The outstanding results have been experienced by more than 180 companies who have participated in the Marketing Advanced Programme which is designed to help businesses grow through strategic use of marketing.

The striking benefits of the initiative were recognised when the programme won the Scottish National Training Award 2005.

The award was presented by Jenny Falconer, at a ceremony held in Glasgow on 2nd Nov’05 and recognises the major impact the programme has had on the business performance of more than 180 companies who have taken part.

The results show turnover up by an average of 34%, export sales increased by 27% and an average of seven new jobs created by the companies.

The programme was developed jointly by brilliant red Consulting and SE Grampian following extensive consultation with the business community.

The consultation exercise identified a need among small and medium sized companies to develop strategic marketing skills.

Keith McDermott, Managing Partner, of brilliant red Consulting who presents the programme said: “I am absolutely delighted. This special award recognises the quality of the programme and most importantly its commercial impact on the companies that have taken part. It takes a practical rather than a theoretical approach to the application of marketing and allows companies to develop their own plans at their own pace with focused objectives and strategies.”