STEP Scotland
When I started my marketing business in 2010, one of the first organisations I visited was STEP in Stirling. At the time, I was looking for guidance, structure and a better understanding of how to grow a small business. I met a supportive Business Gateway advisor, signed up for their seminar programme, and quickly realised how valuable both the learning and the local business connections would be.
What I didn’t anticipate then was how important STEP would become to my own business journey.
Over the years, STEP Scotland invited me to become a Business Gateway Expert Help provider. Since then, I’ve delivered more than 150 Expert Help projects, typically supporting businesses through focused three-day marketing programmes across Stirling, Falkirk and Aberdeen. These projects have ranged from helping start-ups find their feet to supporting established companies with clearer positioning, digital content and growth planning.
Alongside this consultancy work, I’ve also produced video content for STEP to help communicate the impact of their support. A major highlight was being commissioned to create video content for STEP’s 40th anniversary in 2023.
Celebrating 40 Years of Business Support
To mark this milestone, I produced a series of 40 short films, each showcasing a STEP-supported business. The aim was to tell real, relatable stories from across the region, highlighting the diversity of companies and the practical difference Business Gateway support makes.
These short films were combined into a single feature film that told the broader story of STEP’s impact over four decades. The project required careful planning, sensitive interviewing and a consistent visual approach to ensure each business felt represented while contributing to a coherent overall narrative.
Below, you’ll find the main anniversary film. Rather than me explaining the outcomes, it feels right to let STEP’s Director, Jenn McArthur, speak directly about the project and its impact. Her testimonial reflects not only the success of the films but also the collaborative approach to the project.
Client Testimonial
“I had the pleasure of working with Paul Saunders Marketing for a special project marking our company’s 40th anniversary. To make our celebration memorable, we aimed to create 40 unique films capturing our journey, alongside a significant anniversary video. From the start, Paul’s professionalism and marketing expertise were evident, and he went above and beyond our expectations.
Paul’s grasp of our company’s story was truly impressive. He connected with our team in a way that showed he really understood our brand and the key moments that shaped us. This understanding formed the basis of his creative approach, ensuring that every film echoed our legacy and values.
What stood out about Paul’s work was his knack for turning complex ideas into simple, engaging stories. He masterfully organised the entire project, making what could have been a complicated process feel smooth and easy. His attention to detail shone through in every stage, from planning and scripting to filming and editing. This commitment created a harmonious process that resonated with both our team and our audience.
The 40 individual films were a testament to Paul’s creative genius. Each film had its own identity, yet they flowed together seamlessly to tell our story cohesively. The content was not only informative but also stirred up emotions, making our journey come alive for our stakeholders.
The highlight of the project was the anniversary video, which captured the heart of our 40-year journey. Paul skilfully blended our accomplishments, challenges, and growth into a single impactful video. His dedication to this project was evident, ensuring that our story was treated with the respect it deserved.
Beyond his technical skills, Paul’s collaborative nature made the entire process enjoyable. He welcomed our input and seamlessly integrated our insights with his expertise. This collaborative spirit not only produced outstanding content but also fostered a true sense of partnership, a rarity in the industry.
Working with Paul Saunders was an absolute delight and I would highly recommend him.”
Working with STEP Scotland over such a long period has been genuinely meaningful. It’s rare to support an organisation first as a client, then as a trusted delivery partner, and finally as a storyteller helping capture their legacy.
If you’re looking to use video, storytelling or marketing consultancy to demonstrate impact, celebrate milestones or support business growth, I’d be delighted to talk. Do get in touch.
Thanks for reading. Please click below to see more client projects.
