NBS

Net.working Business Services (NBS) was begun by Robert Beasley in 1990 to provide marketing and business planning advice to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).  The business was incorporated as a UK Limited Company in 1997 and traded until Robert's retirement(?) in May 2005 - at which date he reverted to self-employed status with the aim of continuing to assist existing Clients. 

Although computers were in their relative infancy in 1990, and the concept of "information and communications technology" (ICT) was not well established, NBS used the machines to obtain and process data on behalf of Clients.  As work on a wide range of projects progressed it became clear that, although the 'new technologies' offered huge advantages in market research and promotional terms, great care was needed to avoid costly pitfalls.  The old adage that ' computers deliver half what they promise in double the time at twice the cost' seemed at times to be an understatement.

Fortunately, Robert was able to use a lifetime's business experience to temper enthusiasm for digital technologies with a great deal of scepticism - and use this approach to find practical ways of making the most of ICT in 'real-world' business and marketing.  The key strength of  NBS is seen as "the ability to see through the hype and focus on just the technologies that are relevant, functional and cost-effective"  This perspective on the application of IT to small businesses has always been dependent to a great extent on NBS's interaction with its more expert subcontractors and business associates - to whom Robert is much indebted.

In the mid 1990's, NBS identified two areas of 'traditional' marketing where the conjunction of business experience and ICT could prove decisive in delivering value to Clients.  These areas were; (a) market research using 'factual' and 'empirical' sources to generate statistical profiles of industry sectors and, (b) the use of a variety of strategies to promote business on-line.  This remains the focus of the business to this day.

Last modified: April 28, 2005