We’re passionate about not only helping businesses grow but also inspiring the next generation of marketers, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
That’s why our owner, Nicola, was delighted to visit Whitburn Academy last week to speak with Year 12 business students about her journey into business and marketing.
Invited by Head of Sixth Form, Anthony Moore, Nicola shared the story of how she built Riverside Marketing Solutions from the ground up, giving students an honest insight into the realities of starting and growing a successful business. She also spoke candidly about her own school experience, admitting that academic enthusiasm wasn’t always her strongest trait, proving that there are many different paths to success.
The session gave students a practical introduction to key marketing concepts, covering topics such as:
- Building effective marketing strategies
- Understanding buyer personas
- The importance of strong branding
- What it really takes to launch and grow a business
The students also came armed with some fantastic questions, including:
- Do you use AI in marketing?
- How much can you charge clients?
- How many clients can you work with at once?
- And Nicola’s personal favourite: “How would you market a mass product like toothpaste?”
It sparked a brilliant discussion about creativity, positioning and how even everyday products require smart, strategic marketing to stand out in crowded markets.
Reflecting on the visit, Nicola said:
“I genuinely love speaking to students about business, marketing and career paths. It’s always inspiring to see those moments when ideas start to click and there were definitely some future marketers, entrepreneurs and business leaders sitting in that room.”
Supporting young people as they explore future career opportunities is something we’re incredibly proud to be part of and we’d like to thank Whitburn Academy for the warm welcome and for giving us the opportunity to share our experience.
