SME News Q4 2018

SME NEWS / Q4 2018 11 An Agency Defining the Future of Digital Marketing myself and become a freelance, one-man band business but, I deliberately made it an agency because I didn’t want it to be all about me. I knew I needed a team to support me, and to pave the way to further growth down the road. The success of the business is certainly not down to myself alone but, is genuinely down to the people in my team. It sounds cliché, and yet, it’s true. At the end of the day, it’s their business as well: they take ownership of the clients and the problems. I know that I can go away for a day or two, and I don’t have to worry about anything. They are the key to the success of Bootcamp Media and I cannot state that enough.” As we come to the end of the interview, Jamil discusses the challenges of working within the current market. “The biggest challenge is talent, especially in the West Midlands. Talent tends to go down south in search of opportunities, more money or to gain experience in other areas outside of Birmingham (don’t know why). People do move on, and the biggest challenge is attracting the right talent and maintaining it. Overall, we’ve done quite well over the last six years. Our newest team member is an apprentice who has been with us for a few weeks now and, before him, is a team member that has been here for a couple of years. As one of our goals is to grow over the coming months, we want to make sure we have the right people onboard who meet our needs and internal culture. So, recruitment remains the predominant challenge in the industry, not just for us, but for our competitors as well.” By all regards, the last twelve months have yielded a period of impressive growth and development for Bootcamp Media. We asked Jamil what the future had in store for Bootcamp as they look towards further expansion into new markets. “We are definitely going to be recruiting as we’re just getting busier and busier. This is only happening because of growth, and we want to make sure that we can keep serving our clients to the best of our ability, wherever they might be. We’ve recently opened an office in Cheltenham, and we’re imminently opening an office in Devon. Beyond 2019, we’re possibly looking at opening an office in London as well.” Finally, Jamil speaks on Bootcamp’s more recent activities as they reinforce their status as pillars of their local community. “In November, we hosted our business networking event, the Christmas Phoenix Business Lunch, which was in support of Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice raising over £4000. Bootcamp Media were also the headline sponsor for the Midlands Business and Community Charity Awards on the 3rd November. Later in the month, we sponsored the Birmingham Awards, which took place on the 24th November.” By all regards, 2018 has been a remarkable chapter for Bootcamp Media. It’s been a year of substantial growth as they look to serve clients outside of the West Midlands. Through Jamil’s leadership, and expertise in his craft, their success looks set to continue through 2019 and beyond. In the marketing arena, they remain the business to beat – an agency setting the pace for others to follow. Contact: Jamil Shabir Company: Bootcamp Media Address: 7 Mary Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, B3 1UD, United Kingdom Website: www.bootcampmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0121 630 2350