Back
Marketing during economic uncertainty
With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Purplex Marketing, says marketing during economic uncertainty is not optional but a vital part of business survival.
Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Purplex, shares insights on marketing during economic uncertainty and the importance of staying visible.
As the Budget lands on Wednesday, 26 November, Andrew expects many business owners to brace themselves for another set of financial pressures. “There will be plenty of people, myself included, reaching for the tin hat again,” he adds, “because the measures introduced could once again threaten the very essence of UK entrepreneurship.”
Reflecting on Rachel Reeves’s Budget last year, Andrew describes it as “a heist on businesses of all sizes”, pointing to higher National Insurance costs and the rising Minimum Wage as examples of how government policy continues to burden employers. “We know there’s a huge financial black hole to fill,” he says, “but the approach taken last year hit business confidence hard.”
A year later, Andrew says the picture has barely changed. “Growth is flat, supply chains remain unpredictable, and interest rates are stifling investment,” he comments. “Hope isn’t a strategy. Businesses need planning, efficiency and resilience to stay ahead.”
Too often, he warns, firms respond by cutting marketing budgets, something he believes is a costly mistake. “Marketing keeps you visible, keeps your name in the conversation and maintains your reputation,” he says. “In sectors like fenestration, where trust and expertise drive buying decisions, if customers can’t see what makes you different, someone else will tell your story first.”
According to Andrew, marketing turns technical skill into perceived value. “It explains why your product is worth investing in,” he adds. “Every blog post, case study, email or social update is proof that your business is active and reliable. When you maintain visibility, you protect market share and remain top of mind when opportunities arise.”
Practical steps to stay visible
Andrew’s advice begins with a stronger digital presence. Businesses, he says, should invest in search engine optimisation, create consistent content for social media, and run targeted online campaigns to keep their brand discoverable.
He also urges companies not to neglect traditional marketing. “In challenging times, public relations builds trust, credibility and brand awareness,” Andrew says. “PR complements digital marketing, reinforcing messages and demonstrating why your product or service is the right choice.”
Another key point is value communication. Businesses should clearly explain benefits and reliability, showing customers why they represent the best option. “Your marketing should make it easy for people to see the difference between you and your competitors,” Andrew adds.
Outsourcing can be a smart move
Andrew notes that many fenestration companies rely on small in-house teams already stretched with daily tasks. “Expecting them to handle marketing as well is unrealistic,” he explains. “Outsourcing to a specialist agency like Purplex gives you focus, experience and consistency.”
By working with an external team, businesses gain access to wider expertise and resources. “We can run campaigns, track performance, and identify opportunities that an internal team might overlook,” Andrew says. “Outsourced marketing also brings a fresh perspective.”
For companies needing broader guidance, Andrew highlights Purplex’s strategic consultancy service. “It helps leaders see the bigger picture, how all aspects of marketing connect to growth and long-term planning.”
Building resilience through visibility
Andrew believes that technical skill and product quality count for little if no one sees them. “Resilience is built through action,” he says. “Marketing ensures your expertise reaches the right people and builds trust. A well-timed social post or case study can be the difference between losing a lead and securing a deal.”
He argues that consistent marketing is also a long-term hedge against uncertainty. “It shows confidence and stability when competitors retreat,” Andrew says. “Even in a slow market, companies that communicate clearly and consistently will attract serious buyers.”
The bottom line
“Make no mistake,” Andrew concludes, “the Autumn Budget will test all of us. It may feel unfair, and it will push many businesses to their limits. But those who act strategically, invest in marketing and communicate effectively will be the ones who come through stronger. Marketing becomes your shield and your sword; it protects you from uncertainty and keeps you ready to grow.”
This entry was posted in News
