Leicestershire marketing company celebrates 20 years in business

A marketing company in Market Harborough is commemorating 20 years in business this year.

Ideal Marketing was established in 2003 by local entrepreneur Alastair Campbell and quickly expanded its team and moved from Union Wharf to The Old Town Hall on Market Harborough’s High Street.

Unfortunately, Campbell passed away after a prolonged illness.

This led to Jess Shailes, who had been the head of digital marketing at Ideal Marketing since 2013, acquiring the company in 2019.

Facing challenges from Brexit and COVID-19, she had to make changes. These changes included a stronger emphasis on digital marketing and the establishment of a virtual office.

Currently, Shailes is located on the South Coast, while the staff is spread across Leicestershire and other areas.

This shift has broadened the company’s client base geographically, with customers now located across the UK.

Shailes continues to lecture at De Montfort University, and the company continues to collaborate with Leicestershire customers, including approximately 15 in the Market Harborough area.

She said: “I think the story of Ideal Marketing reflects many of the challenges faced by companies over the last few years – with a few pretty big curveballs thrown in along the way. Like many companies, Covid forced us to re-evaluate our practices and we have emerged leaner and more efficient. In some ways, we have come full circle, with staff working from home just as Alastair did in 2003, but the technology available in 2023 makes home working a desirable choice rather than a necessity.