How is this different from hiring a marketing agency?

Traditional agencies tend to focus on execution — running campaigns, creating content, managing ads. Bearhat Marketing provides leadership first. I help you decide what to do, why it matters, and how it fits together. I can also manage your existing suppliers or recommend new ones, but I'm not here to simply take orders. If you need someone to own the strategy and make sure marketing actually supports your business goals, that's where I come in.

Do I need to commit to ongoing work?

Not at all. You can start with a Marketing Audit or a Marketing Power Hour to get clarity without any long-term commitment. If you want more support after that, we can discuss a Marketing Direction Sprint or a Leadership Retainer — but there's no obligation. The goal is to help you take the next right step, not lock you into something that doesn't fit.

I'm based outside Warwickshire — can you still help?

Absolutely. Whilst I'm based near Coventry, I work with businesses across the UK. Most of my work is done remotely, with occasional in-person meetings where it makes sense. As long as you're looking for strategic marketing leadership (not daily hands-on support), location isn't a barrier.

What kind of businesses do you work with?

I work with owner-led businesses who've reached a point where marketing feels reactive, disconnected, or stuck. You might be doing £500k–£5m in revenue, don't have in-house marketing, and aren't ready to hire someone senior full-time. You want direction, not just more activity. If that sounds like you, we're probably a good fit.

Victoria Steele

Award-winning marketing consultant

With over 15 years of experience both agency side and in house, I now support SMEs and owner led businesses to build and deliver smart, scalable marketing functions that get tangible results.

I lead internal teams and agencies, and have a proven track record for getting strong, stable and consistent results.

Fractional Marketing Director
Marketing Consultant
Marketing Strategy

Wherever you are on your marketing journey, I'll meet you there.

Some of my clients want me to build and manage their entire marketing function - others just need a helping hand. I'll meet you where you are and always lead strategically. Asking the right questions to deliver the best outcomes for your business.

Fractional Marketing Director

The part time Marketing Director solution. I embed within your business to become your Fractional Marketing Director – leading and developing your marketing function. This works best for SMEs who need flexible, fractional support over a full time employee, or who need interim support. Typically 1-2 days per week at a fixed rate.

Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy will set the direction and give you a clear roadmap to achieving your specific business goals.

It is a one off project that will define your business goals and how marketing drives them, research and document your audience, then build a clear plan using the right channels to get you to your goals.

Marketing Consultant

For businesses who have a senior marketing team but who need direction to ensure they’re focussing and prioritising the right things within their business. Flexible solutions to suit your business needs. From four hours per month.

Don't just take my word for it

Hear it directly from the clients who's businesses I've impacted.

Trusted by my clients

I wear the
marketing hat (get it?)

Results driven

I start with a business level measurable outcome, then I'll work out how marketing can achieve it. Using data to inform every move.

Partnership approach

I become an extension of your team, collaborating closely with you to get the best results for your business.

Director led

No handoffs to junior team members. You’ll be working directly with me to deliver the maximum, most strategic impact.

Award Winning Marketing

FAQs

What's the difference between an outsourced marketing director and a marketing agency?

A marketing agency typically focuses on executing specific tasks – running ads, creating content, managing social media. They do what they’re briefed to do. An outsourced marketing director does something different: they take responsibility for the whole picture. I decide what should be done, why, and how – then make sure it happens. That means setting strategy, managing any suppliers you use, and being accountable for performance. It’s the thinking and the doing, not just the doing.

What does a part-time marketing director cost compared to hiring in-house?

A full-time, experienced Marketing Director in the UK typically costs £60,000–£90,000 per year in salary alone – before employer NI, pension, benefits, recruitment fees, and onboarding time. Working with Bearhat gives you senior-level expertise at a fraction of that cost, with no employment risk and no lengthy hiring process. You can start with a one-off audit or power hour, and scale up from there.

Do I need to be based in Coventry or Warwickshire to work with you?

Not at all. I’m based near Coventry and work regularly with businesses across Warwickshire and the West Midlands – but most of my clients are spread across the UK. The majority of my work is done remotely, and it works just as well. If you’re local and prefer some face-to-face time, I’m happy to arrange that too.

What size of business do you typically work with?

I work with owner-led businesses who are past the early startup stage and are growing – typically £500k to £5m in annual revenue. They don’t have an in-house marketing team, and they’re not ready (or not willing) to hire a full-time senior marketer. They want direction, accountability, and results – not just more activity.

How quickly can we get started?

For one-off work like a Marketing Audit or Power Hour, usually within a week of enquiring. For retainer arrangements, I take on a limited number of clients at a time to ensure quality – so it’s worth getting in touch sooner rather than later to check availability. Alternatively you can add your name to the waitlist and I’ll contact you when a slot opens up.