Marketing for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has changed significantly by 2026. Increased competition, evolving search behaviour and customers finding answers before visiting websites have reshaped how businesses connect with their audiences. For SMEs in the North East and beyond, understanding these shifts is essential to stay relevant and grow. At Clothier Lacey, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, we work closely with businesses to act as an extension of their teams. Our experience...

Let’s be honest, the latest headlines aren’t exactly making us want to pop the champagne. According to the BBC and Zoopla, three in five homes listed since January are still sitting on the market, waiting for a buyer to swipe right. It’s a bit of a sticky situation, isn't it? High mortgage rates have been playing hard to get, and potential buyers are feeling the pinch. But before we all start looking for the nearest exit, let’s take a breath. At Clothier Lacey, we spend our days (and...

It had a good run. But somewhere between 2022 and now, the em dash quietly became the biggest giveaway that a human didn't write what you are reading. There is a punctuation mark that used to show real confidence. It gave you a pause with some proper weight behind it. Writers absolutely loved it because it could do almost anything. It could interrupt a thought, add a bit of emphasis or slot in an extra detail without the fussiness of brackets. Used well, it had a lovely rhythm. Used badly, it...