NOW is the time to seize the moment, and businesses that will do well in the current climate are those who take brave decisions and aren’t afraid to show their wares to a wider market.

Firms are cutting back and marketing spend is tightening, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there which Liverpool businesses must not allow to pass them by.

Many Liverpool small firms still fail to trade outside the city boundaries and to see the opportunities beyond. Manchester companies trade nationally and internationally, and are opening up potential business and revenue as a result.

This year’s European Capital of Culture status has given Liverpool a positive boost and prospective clients will have more confidence about the quality of our businesses. The city PR machine is helping us to further enhance our image as a place to do business. If we as Liverpool businesses market correctly into outside areas, there is no doubt we can benefit from the extra interest in the city next year and beyond.

Marketeers in the city should be helping their clients to unlock new markets and sectors and these are predominantly outside Liverpool. We must be proactive and marketeers shouldn’t simply do what the client tells them to do, but use their professional expertise to assess market conditions and look for new opportunities.

The internet is a key tool and there are huge benefits from the online market.

One of our clients, a Liverpool manufacturing and importing company, recently commissioned us to devise an entirely new market model for them, as well as a national e-commerce site. This is an example of how to break into a new market if you have a strong enough product or service and the right message.

Liverpool companies have to believe they’re good enough to get out there and win business outside of the city.

PETER GLOVER is the managing director of CL3 Design and Marketing.