About Us
As a Sales & Marketing consultancy with over 30 years' experience we help our clients choose the most appropriate retail channels, then plan the correct buyer approach and commercial proposal to deliver listings in High-Street multiples in the UK or overseas. We also have vast experience of securing International distributors and helping drive export sales. Our services are available on a retainer or interim/project basis.
We help large companies, SME’s or start-ups find retail success in the UK or UK companies looking to export to International markets. Bringing ‘hands on’ support we can turn a company’s great idea or innovative product up to the standard expected by the High Street. Initial focus is on packaging, merchandising, sales support, PR, Website presentation to ensure any meeting with a major client brings interest and success.
Many companies develop fantastic products but then struggle to get attention and results from large retail groups, often because they have little experience of dealing with or understanding a retail buyer’s needs. Hartwell Smith Associates is a Sales & Marketing company that can help with advice on choosing the most appropriate retail & wholesale channels, then planning the correct approach and presentation to get success for both supplier and retailer.
Hartwell Smith Associates are able to provide a free initial consultation that allows a company to discuss the product offering and targeted consumer, and in return receive a recommended plan of action. Services can then be provided on a competitive day rate basis. We specialise in UK retail but also help clients in securing business Worldwide.
Our expertise includes:
- Packaging
- Merchandising
- Sales Support and Product Training
- PR
- Website & Digital Promotion
About Steve Smith
The majority of Steve’s 30 years Sales & Marketing experience was as general manager leading S&M teams to success at companies like Polaroid, Accurist and Hoover Candy. He not only led teams in the UK but also lived and worked in the Middle East as Regional Director for Polaroid Corporation. He was also VP of an export group for 7 years working and regularly visiting International markets.
Steve has spent a lot of time in America attending regular company meetings at places like Babson College, Boston and attended many business shows and events in New York, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami. Steve has strong connections in all things Sales, Marketing and retail/wholesale particularly for Consumer goods in the product areas of Healthcare, Appliances, Imaging and Consumer Electronics.
A first class presenter, he has been a guest speaker on Sales & Marketing subjects at the University of Hertfordshire. Hartwell Smith Associates can also draw on experience from other associates who are highly skilled and experienced with Marketing skills in packaging, advertising, web design and implementation, PR and training.
Testimonials
European Marketing Manager, DRC Baltia. (R.O.C.S. Toothpaste)
CEO & Founder Happy Ears
Men Rock
Founder & Director, Viopti Ltd
Director, RV Transformers
Case Studies
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Viopti
Locating the right retail channel for Polaroid ‘Contactspod’
Inventor and Founder of Viopti Ltd Alastair Knox knew he was on to something when on a flight to Los Angeles he found he had nowhere to store his contact lenses once on board an 11 hour flight. Storing Contact Lenses in water or anything other than a contact lens solution could mean an eye infection once the lens were back in his eyes after sleeping.
Case Studies Index -
R.O.C.S.
Establishing a premium brand
In Northern and Eastern Europe R.O.C.S. toothpaste and oral care has enjoyed a rapidly growing market share with its stunning packaging, and creative marketing together with a unique patented 'Mineralin' toothpaste formula containing Bromeline and Xylitol. It has a range of fabulous flavour combinations which is aimed at four distinct age groups - Adults/Teens/Kids/Baby. Adult flavours including Lemon & Mint, Double Mint, Chocolate & Mint, whilst for teens and kids fruit flavours make daily teeth cleaning motivational and interesting. Hartwell Smith Associates put together a comprehensive launch plan for R.O.C.S. including a strategy that looked towards department stores, quality pharmacies, and premium grocery outlets.
Case Studies Index -
Waveblade
Driving Export Sales
Waveblade are a Scottish company who designed a handheld power tool to clean away marine growth such as barnacles and rust from boat hulls and submersible structures. The submersible tool’s oscillating head creates vibration that cuts through stubborn growth. Hartwell Smith Associates prepared a Business Plan to help Waveblade get the most from their distribution goals. The plan was to search and connect with International distributors who could sell the device in their local markets.
Case Studies Index -
Men Rock - Getting the most from promoting In-store
It’s one thing to be listed and sold in a major department store, but how can you influence sales and ensure you get the best opportunities for your product? Staff Training and store visits, POS material, advertising, social media support all play a part. And if you get the opportunity to provide your own staff or agency staff in stores there is no greater way to get close to your consumers, make sales, and also get valuable feedback about your brand. Men Rock are a successful male grooming brand with classic style barber shaving products. Father’s Day and Christmas are just two dates on the gift giving calendar when opportunities abound for a product like theirs. So when John Lewis ....
Case Studies Index
Blog
SIX TIPS FOR START-UPS (CONSUMER GOODS)
I was thrilled to be invited to participate in the University of Hertfordshire's Business Start-up Programme in November 2015 Read More
Harvey Nichols - more than just a fabulous store!
Ever been to a restaurant and that’s adjusted a lunch dish to suit your taste without a quibble, served you impeccably, recommended a great mocktail and all for under £15? On a recent visit to Harvey Nichols in Manchester ....... Read More
Hartwell Smith Associates to feature at the 'Going Global' Exhibition in December. Here's more about it....
Going Global – Europe’s leading exhibition for businesses looking to expand internationally or set up overseas operations – returns to Olympia on the 3th and 4th of December 2015. Packed with seminars, live features and exhibitors, this is THE show to help your business impact the international market. Book your free tickets now at www.goinggloballive.co.uk Read More
Getting the most from a Trade Show visit
If I’m going to leave my office for a trade show or event it’s got to be worth my while. So I never go without a plan and never leave the event unless I’m totally satisfied I’ve got all I wanted from it. Exhibiting at a show is different, what I’m talking....... Read More
El Corte Ingles, Spain
Walking from the car park to the harbour front In Peurto Banus 10 years ago I passed right through El Corte Ingles store as a short cut. After a week of sun and sand and flip flops I recall how clean and stunning the displays looked. On several trips to... Read More
Archive
- Client Meetings – Make the most of them!
- Hartwell Smith Associates are guest speakers at Herts Business School
- El Corte Ingles, Spain
- Getting the most from a Trade Show visit
- Hartwell Smith Associates to feature at the 'Going Global' Exhibition in December. Here's more about it....
- Harvey Nichols - more than just a fabulous store!
- SIX TIPS FOR START-UPS (CONSUMER GOODS)
For your FREE consultation please contact: +44 (0)1727 789057 or email: enquiries@hartwellsmith.com
© 2015 Hartwell Smith Associates