The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies (NSAET) has produced a free, online sales and marketing plan generator with the aim of helping small to medium-sized businesses think of new ideas and find cost-effective ways to promote their services.
Designed specifically for businesses already operating in the environmental technologies sector, or planning to enter this market, the tool takes users through a series of questions relating to the way their company functions in terms of size, the services offered and location. It also looks at sales and marketing operations including website and online promotional activities, press relations and flyers, leaflets and adverts.

Throughout the questionnaire, explanations of different marketing activities and tips on how to make the most of them are provided, culminating in a downloadable report. The report provides advice on how to improve existing sales and marketing activities and suggests new ways to promote the business.

Executive director for the National Skills Academy, Cathryn Hickey, said: 'SMEs may feel short of the time and perceived budgets attached to sales and marketing activities, however, in a competitive marketplace, these activities are essential. Beyond our training programmes, the National Skills Academy is committed to helping businesses take advantage of the opportunities presented by the low carbon economy.'

She added: 'We hope that this tool can help companies take positive steps towards new sales and marketing ideas to give their business the edge over others.'

The NSAET Sales and Marketing Guide for SMEs is available at http://www.nsaet.org.uk/index.php?cID=586