The British Bankers’ Association reported that the amount banks lending to small businesses rose by 239 million in January, proving that small businesses can still emerge and grow despite the current economic climate. In some instances small and medium sized companies are actually better equipped to deal with harsher times as they can be more streamlined, determined and focused on consumers needs. But are there things that small businesses can do to optimise these advantages and boost consumer confidence?

Commenting on this data, BBA statistics director, David Dooks, said: “There have been net rises in term lending to small businesses each month since last autumn, albeit at levels below last year’s monthly average, reflecting subdued business investment in the economic downturn. At the end of last year, the outstanding level of term lending was some 9 per cent higher than a year earlier. The many small businesses that don’t borrow are drawing on cash reserves to fund current cash-flow needs, such as January’s tax payments. Despite the recession, people are still embarking on new business ventures, as shown by the number of new start-up relationships in early 2009 being in line with last years average.”

There’s always room for small to medium sized businesses to flourish in the current economic climate because of the unique relationships they can foster with their customers. It is so important to get the small details right and build mutually respectful relationships with consumers, as it’s far easier to adapt to individual needs and build brand trust and consumer confidence at a grass roots level. But businesses that rely on reputation and word of mouth can’t afford to make mistakes. So it’s particularly important during the current economic climate to give customers what they need and make sure that their recommendations become an effective form of free marketing. This is something that has become increasingly important and recognised by all businesses, whatever their size.

In its latest quarterly referendum survey, members of the Forum of Private Businesses voted for restoring business confidence (65%) and restoring consumer confidence (63%) as the two issues they most want the Government to prioritise in the 2009 Budget in order to support their businesses.

For smaller businesses, finding ways to reward customers is particularly important when trying to develop and enhance consumer confidence during the current economic climate and that’s why The Rocket Marketing Group offers a number of reward programmes including The Midweek Dining Club, The Home & Garden Club, The Big Savings Club and The Entertainment Club. These are particularly good for small and medium sized businesses to be involved with, as they offer free marketing on a national scale to an ever growing customer base of 300,000 people. All our partners have to do to receive this free marketing, is offer an exclusive discount to our members. It is a way of giving customers something back for remaining loyal to the brand.

The Rocket Marketing Group’s range of reward programmes are also available to be sold to a business’ existing customer base. We currently work with clients such as JML who generate commission by selling a range of clubs to their customers. This gives JML incremental revenue and gives the customers a wider range of products and services at a reduced rate, which they associate with JML, making it more of a one stop shop for consumers’ needs.

As a company that specialises in loyalty and membership programmes, we recognise the importance of customer retention for increasing a business’ revenue. Studies have shown that by increasing retentions, a company’s profits can grow dramatically.

According to a study by the global business consulting firm, Baines and Company: “A 5% increase in customer retention can increase a company’s profitability by 75%.”

In another study, Zero Defections: Quality Comes to Services by Frederick F. Reichheld and W. Earl Sasser, Jr. this theory was applied directly to a business, and the results were astonishing. Reichheld and Sasser reported that: “When MBNA America, a Delaware-based credit card company, cut its 10% defection rate in half, profits rose a whopping 125%. But defection rates are not just a measure of service quality; they are also a guide for achieving it.”

Although the exact figures from the studies vary, one thing is for sure; they consistently show that when customer defection rates are lowered, profits increase. And with the current economic climate in mind, these are results that can’t be ignored, whatever sector you trade in or whatever the size of your business.

Having confirmed that customer retention is essential, the question then has to be – what can a business actually do to increase loyalty?

The Rocket Marketing Group has created the answer for businesses, helping them to deliver excellent customer service and drive loyalty. Through our range of loyalty and membership programmes companies can offer club members (customers) exclusive discounts or alternatively sell our products to provide customers with a comprehensive shopping experience.

Loyalty and membership programmes not only drive repeat business for clients by offering members great savings, but customers can also feel exclusively tied to a brand by belonging to a club; their relationship with a brand is deeper than the average consumer – they feel special. Joining a club can also be an expression of the customer’s personality. It can enhance their affiliation with the area of interest, for example, The Rocket Marketing Group’s Entertainment Club is perfect for someone who considers themselves fanatical about films and The Midweek Dining Club is a must for all foodies. By offering members of a club exclusive discounts and rewards you are confirming their value as a customer and giving them a connection with the brand.

The Rocket Marketing Group loyalty and membership programmes include: The Big Savings Club, The Entertainment Club, The Midweek Dining Club and The Home & Garden Club. The clubs are managed by us and give a hassle-free way for businesses to offer customers more. And because we are proud of our excellent customer service record, achieved by our team of 30 technical, fulfilment, marketing, call-centre and creative specialists, all managed in-house, a partnership with us can benefit any brand enormously.