The Marketing Optimist is a full-service marketing agency based in Leeds and an
outsourced marketing function for many of its small business clients. Its services include
marketing strategy, search engine optimisation (SEO), social media marketing and
website design.
Founded by Richard Michie, the agency prides itself on its agile and 'no-nonsense'
approach to business and has built a name for itself in the region by delivering ROI
through strategic outreach and marketplace analysis. However, as the businesses grew
organically, Richard needed to hire additional staff to service an expanding client base
whilst investing in his own marketing to maintain this level of growth.
To fund these plans, Richard decided he needed a business loan and approached his
existing bank. However, the terms and rates offered weren’t suitable for the agency and
Richard wanted to explore different types of funding available, including online lenders.
Richard approached a broker for advice, who recommended Esme.
Esme offers unsecured business loans to businesses from £10,000 (or £25,500 for sole traders)
to £250,000 over a one to five year repayment period, with no set-up fees or early repayment
charges. Applying for a loan with Esme was easy, and Richard completed an online application
in less than five minutes. Once approved, Richard received the funds into his bank account
the next working day.
As many small business owners know, balancing the books can be time-consuming and
stressful. Supported by this loan, Richard can spend less time worrying about cash flow
and more time running the business. And, by recruiting more staff to service clients, the
whole team has an improved work-life balance.
Since securing the loan, the agency has invested in its marketing and PR; attending key
tradeshows and hosting events including a Social Media Masterclass for prospective
clients. By supporting these activities, the loan has been instrumental in funding the firm’s
growth ambitions for the next five years, which includes expansion within Leeds and the
surrounding areas.
And, having been approved for a loan with Esme, the agency now has a credit rating. This
has positive implications for the business overall and means it will be more easily
approved for another loan in the future, as well as other financial services and products.