PARTNERSHIPS & PURPOSE
Testing a New Way to Support Local Businesses
Post Office Senior Marketing Manager 2024–2025
Business context
Nearly three in 10 SMEs use the Post Office network at least weekly. The pilot tested whether that existing relationship could extend beyond transactions by using trusted branches to bring practical business support closer to local SMEs.
Partnership Development · B2B Marketing · Proposition Development · Test & Learn
- 3
- Pilot branches
- 32
- Support sessions
- c.200
- SME owners supported
01The challenge
Where it started.
Test whether Post Office branches could become credible destinations for local business support, not just transactions.
02What I led
What I led.
Initiated and led the Grow London Local partnership, developing the pilot model with partner, branch and internal teams, and leading its subsequent expansion.
The pilot journey
Testing whether branches could do more for local businesses.
- 01
Identify
Recognise the need for more practical local SME support.
- 02
Partner
Bring together Post Office reach and Grow London Local expertise.
- 03
Test
Pilot the support model in selected branches.
- 04
Learn
Evaluate engagement and what worked locally.
- 05
Scale
Use the learning to inform wider rollout.
“Partnerships work when each side brings something the other cannot create as well alone.”
The partnership model
Two organisations, one practical offer.
Post Office
Trusted local presence and high street access.
Grow London Local
Business support expertise.
Practical SME support
Advice delivered closer to local businesses.
In market example
Turning partnership strategy into visible local support.
To bring the pilot to life, we created clear branch level communications that made the partnership tangible for small business customers. The leaflet helped explain the offer simply, show credibility and drive local engagement.
Initial pilot locations
- Clapham
- London Bridge
- Roman Road
The pilot model was later extended to additional locations, including Croydon, Barnet and Stamford Hill.
03Impact
What it delivered.
- 3
- Pilot branches
- 32
- Support sessions
- c.200
- SME owners supported
04What I learned
- What worked
- Combining trusted local access with specialist business support made the partnership more relevant and practical for SMEs.
- What I would strengthen
- Build a more consistent measurement framework around repeat engagement, business outcomes and longer term value.
- What it reinforced
- A strong partnership works when each organisation contributes something distinctive and useful to the customer.
What people say
“Jesus was creative and passionate, and a strong leader able to pull the teams together to go from discussion, to idea, to execution.”
Next relevant work
LET’S CONNECT
Let’s talk about what I could bring to your team.
I’m currently exploring senior marketing leadership opportunities where marketing has a meaningful role in shaping customer strategy, commercial growth and the wider business.