Show notes
Jul 14, 2025
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Guy Hayward, founder of Local Heroes Marketing – a business born from a mission to help independent companies compete against much larger rivals. With over 30 years of experience in global advertising for brands like Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, Guy brings a wealth of insight into how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can level the playing field through smarter, more authentic marketing.
Local Heroes Marketing, launched just over a year ago, is all about enabling SMEs to “punch above their weight.” In our conversation, Guy outlines how storytelling, authenticity, and well-leveraged digital tools can empower smaller businesses to reach and resonate with their audience more effectively than ever before.
Key Themes Covered:
- The power of authenticity and founder-led storytelling in marketing
- Why PR and influencer marketing can be cost-effective growth levers for SMEs
- How AI can enhance marketing processes—but only with careful human direction
- The importance of breaking big goals into manageable actions and tracking progress
One standout message from this episode?
"Small businesses have something corporates often
lack—authenticity and real stories. That’s their
superpower."
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For now, continue listening for the full story from Guy.
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Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that’s you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.
Guy can be found here:
Resources:
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez -https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-hundred-years-of-solitude-gabriel-garcia-marquez/200038?ean=9780241968581
Xero - xero.com