Free-to-text shortcode platform proves key tool

Mediaburstis to provide its free-to-text services to people in North Liverpool and South Sefton as part of a GBP30 million local government sponsored enterprise creation initiative.

The StepClever initiative is using the power of enterprise to regenerate one of Britain's most deprived neighbourhoods and aims to create 500 new businesses and 1,500 jobs in the area over the next two years Under the patronage of the City of Liverpool and Sefton Metropoliton Borough Council, the enterprise creation initiative was launched in late 2007.

In the first six weeks over 200 potential entrepreneurs in Everton, Anfield, Kirkdale, County, Derby and Linacre contacted StepClever to gain early access to a range of free enterprise creation services including business advice, support and grants.

The scheme was the subject of a community-wide radio, public relations, poster and print campaign encouraging residents in the area to contact StepClever by phone, email or SMS to obtain enterprise creation support.

Over 60 per cent of repondants chose SMS as the initial engagement route with StepClever and are now well advanced in setting up their businesses.

Residents were able to text StepClever with their mobiles at no cost using a dedicated shortcode.

"Free-to-text shortcodes have proved the prime tool for StepClever to engage and interact with residents in the deprived North Liverpool and South Sefton area and we see Mediaburst's technology being widely used in similar government initiatives going forward," said James Dunningham, a director of Fresh Consultants, who called in Mediaburst to work on the campaign.

Back to top