The Invest Plymouth Team recently met with the amazing people who work together to make Building Brands what it is.
Building Brands was established in 2020 and it’s grown and grown ever since. Their conferences are hugely successful - the biggest marketing events in the South West - and the community also benefits from other events, a newsletter, whitepapers and a full masterclass training scheme.
Can you tell us about the origins of Building Brands and what inspired its creation?
Back in 2022, there were very few marketing events in the South West. With so many talented marketers across the region, it felt like we needed a community to bring together professionals living and working here.
There are plenty of marketing events, but they tend to be very focused on London and other large cities, like Manchester and Bristol. Building Brands offers a place for marketers to connect, share and grow. Together.
What are the main goals and objectives of Building Brands?
Our aim is to build a community of professional marketing people in the South West and at the same time, promote some of the incredible people and talent that we have within our region already.
How does Building Brands support marketing professionals in the South West of the UK?
We pride ourselves on being relentlessly supportive and we love to see attendees to our events feel the same. We have several ways in which we support the superb agencies, fantastic in-house marketers and incredible self-employed folk in the South West. We share resources from the region, whether that is via our job board on the website, the events listed online and in our newsletter, our Slack channel and the conversations at in-person events.
Can you share some success stories or impactful moments from past Building Brands events?
We want our events to be practical and inspiring with an intentionally curated programme that balances thought-provoking content and practical tips for success. So attendees take away things they can implement straight away as well as more thoughtful topics to take away and chew over.
One of the things we are most proud of is the connections that are made during our Building Brands events. Attendees tend to enjoy our approach to things, because they can see we are serious about ensuring the day runs smoothly, but also roll with the punches with a sense of humour. For example when a fire alarm announcement keeps cutting out the electricity…
What types of events and activities does Building Brands organise for its members?
We run a whole selection of events throughout the year to celebrate the South West marketing community. Of course, there’s the three main events, in Plymouth, Bristol and Exeter, but aside from that, we also host more intimate evenings with one keynote speaker and co-working days. Even our Slack channel aims at getting people together, whether online or in person. We’re even chatting about a big celebration of our Best in the South
How has the Building Brands community grown since its inception, and what are your plans for future expansion?
We’re always reviewing how we can improve, but over the last six years the community has grown organically across the different channels. From sold-out events to an engaged audience online, we send fortnightly newsletters to about 1,500 readers and our team smash it across social media - particularly on LinkedIn and Instagram.
We have some really cool stuff up our sleeves that I can’t talk too much about yet, but there’s going to be a big reveal at next week’s Building Brands Plymouth event that we can’t wait to share. It’s taken a lot of planning and conversations and we’re so pleased with what’s to come! It’s going to be… Bold!
What makes Building Brands Live conferences unique and valuable for attendees?
We’re here to showcase and raise the profile of marketing in the South West. To unite our finest marketing talent and strengthen the region’s business ecosystem. To help you get more from your marketing. And to bring world-class, market-leading knowledge and experience, straight to your doorstep.
We’re here to make people smile and help them grow. To watch lightbulbs switch on and pennies drop. To witness connections forge, confidence soar, and big ideas ignite.
How can marketing professionals benefit from joining the Building Brands community?
Building Brands is the marketing community where you’re actively encouraged to be yourself. Extroverts, introverts and everyone in between – you’ll feel at home here. With the team fully immersed in the South West, everyone will know someone you could connect with. We love creating connections in a meaningful but playful way so that everyone benefits.
What role does Building Brands play in connecting and empowering local businesses and marketers?
As marketers and business leaders, we juggle a lot - we’re masters of doing a lot with a little when time and budgets are in short supply. We make the magic happen but it’s often on our own. Building Brands is the community of marketers and business leaders on the same wave length, welcoming everyone in with open arms.
Who are some of the key people involved in Building Brands, and how do they contribute to its success?
There is a big team of amazing people who work together to make Building Brands what it is. Dave Briggs is our heart and soul. He’s the person who started it all and brings people in with warmth and kindness. If it wasn’t for Dave, we wouldn’t be here! Chris, Jon and Maret are the three musketeers on board who you will see at the live events making sure that things run smoothly, speakers are comfortable and the audience is engaged. Hanna and Tabitha from Unscripted Marketing and Owen Jones from Upshot Design have been indispensable in their support for Building Brands! We absolutely could not do any of it without them. But remember, there are so many more people who help out, who support the cause and get involved - and that’s exactly what we’re about.
Why should businesses consider signing up for Building Brands, and what benefits can they expect?
Expect expert speakers, an authentic experience of the event day and get ready to feel supported in an inclusive and welcoming community. Our focus is on helping and uplifting each other.
What exciting developments or upcoming events can members look forward to in 2025?
This year’s events are shaping up to be the best yet. Building Brands Plymouth is next week on 22 May (register for your ticket) and after a winter of planning, we can’t wait to see everyone again! Then we’ll head to Bristol on 11 September and Exeter on 13 November. We’d love you to join our Slack Channel and Newsletter so that you get the very latest brought to you as soon as it’s announced!