We are well into 2021 now, and what better way to kickstart the New Year than with our business predictions for the months ahead.
A lot changed in 2020, and all of that will have lasting effects on not just this year, but our future, too.
It wasn’t just the marketing industry that was impacted, though. Many, if not all industries will have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, forcing businesses to adapt and digitise – fast.
Throughout this blog, I will discuss and predict the trends that will no doubt come into play for not just Champions (UK) plc, but for the industry as a whole.
Not only that, but some of our clients will also be sharing their views and predictions for their business and markets, too.
The rise of digitisation
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that the internet is a truly important tool. From platforms such as Zoom keeping us all connected, to social media, brands now have a powerful opportunity with both their offering and effectiveness.
We have been provided with new ways to keep an element of human interaction and the importance of the spoken digital word has only continued to increase, and I predict that this will be the case going forward too.
Over the year, we have also established the significance of emotion within marketing. Brands should endeavour to create emotion throughout all of their marketing and online activity and I believe this is something that will be carried over into the new year.
Similarly, Amelia Neate, Senior Manager at Influencer Matchmaker is excited to enter a new decade of influencer marketing...
“Despite the circumstances, it has been a successful year for the influencer marketing industry, and we expect this to continue into 2021 and beyond.
The UK lockdown led to social media being much more widely used and has provided influencers with an opportunity to engage with their audience in a way that they haven’t before.
Influencers have had to adapt just as much as everybody else. They’ve had to change their content to keep up with the current times and meet the newfound needs of their audience, whilst continuing to provide quality and authentic content.
And with new trends continuing to pop up within the industry, such as TikTok and the introduction of new Instagram features including Reels and Guides, it is crucial for both brands and influencers alike to keep up. I predict these trends will be an integral part of the industry moving forward and will provide consumers with a new way to digest information as well as influencing their purchasing decisions.
But it isn’t just online or social media platforms that need to be monitored for trends. TV shows are a great way to keep up to date with new trends and with many influencers joining line ups for prime-time television shows, it is proof that the industry is growing in more ways than one.
Other predictions? I believe that creativity is going to be pivotal over the next 12 months and beyond. Influencers are continually upping their game in the innovation stakes, and this is how they are standing out from the crowd. And the new features that are being introduced to platforms, are allowing them to do exactly that.
Although the industry has had to make a few changes, it is well-equipped for the future and the continuous developments and changes that are likely to come with it.
We’re about to enter a brand-new decade of influencer marketing, and I believe it is going to be a truly exciting and positive one at that.”
Continuing to predict digitisation, Daniel Reid, Head of Marketing at Navitas Safety predicts a shift in regulation and an increase in hygiene standards...
“Here at Navitas Safety, we look towards 2021 with positivity and excitement. 2020 was a tough year for many, however we believe this will enable people to look at living a more safety conscious lifestyle, in both business and personal aspects.
The biggest thing for the industry will be Natasha’s Law, which will be coming into effect as of October 2021. Although this new law is specifically for pre-packaged products intended for direct sale, we predict that this will be the starting point of strict and clear allergen processes.
Natasha’s Law, combined with the effects of this year, will prompt businesses and the industry as a whole to become much more transparent with allergen information.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, we also predict that the industry will become more health and safety conscious than ever before, with closer attention being paid to food hygiene scores. And because of this, we are predicting that it will become mandatory for businesses in England to display their scores, as it currently is in Scotland and Wales.
We also expect to see a shift towards more digital food safety practices. Although we have already begun seeing this, we predict it will continue and ramp up. The food industry is incredibly busy, therefore it’s no longer practical to continue to manage food safety using traditional paper-based methods. By switching to digital food safety systems, this will improve productivity, safety and efficiency for the food industry.
This year has shown devastating impacts to a number of businesses, however in 2021, we are looking to take back control and see the beginning of many positive shifts.”
Predicting a year focused on sustainability and digital transformation, Robert Lockyer, CEO and Founder of Delta Global explains how the year 2020 has impacted the future...
“It goes without saying 2020 has been a year like no other. If we think back to 12 months ago, no one could have predicted the events that have occurred. But many of these events have paved the way for the future of business.
While the pandemic caused a lot a devastating damage and disruption, there have also been some positive shifts. Notably, the switch to remote working has seen a significant decrease in business travel, whether that’s commuting to work or attending international meetings, for example.
As a result, businesses have been able to achieve a reduced carbon footprint. And now, having reached this achievement, 2021 will be the defining year to determine whether in fact, it can continue to be reduced.
There will be a greater focus on sustainability across industries, and a realisation that collective effort is the most effective way to combat the climate crisis. Together, businesses will create innovative solutions in order to streamline supply chains, reduce waste in their processes and ultimately, transform their industry.
Digital transformation will be key here. Digital has already been recognised as the savoir for enabling remote business practices, but those businesses able to invest in and leverage digital solutions to further improve processes, will be much better positioned for the future.
For example, through use of digital supply chain management systems, not only will the process become more efficient, helping businesses to avoid similar overstock issues faced this year when lockdowns were enforced, consumer experience can be enhanced through shorter delays and responsiveness.
All these changes will translate well to consumers who have also seen the benefits of a more minimalist way of life and have subsequently developed a greater understanding of the environmental impact of their actions.
Businesses who can aid in their journey towards reducing their individual carbon footprints, whether that be through more sustainable packaging options or multifunctional products, for instance, will be favoured.
This year has proven the impact macro factors can have. In 2021, businesses will be looking to take back control and create a market that has not only recovered, but is in a strong position for a sustainable and successful future.”
Here’s to 2021...
I look towards 2021 with optimism. 2020 was tough, but I predict that the next 12 months will be both busy and exciting, and the events of this year have unleashed a brand-new working world for businesses.
Consumer sentiment has always been an integral part of business arsenal, and it allows business owners to pump up production, plan ahead and even adjust their output to suit the newfound needs of consumers. But even without the current climate and the COVID era, times are continuing to change and move forwards.
Now more than ever, it is crucial for brands and businesses to put the needs of their consumers first.
After all, awareness and adaptation are the two rules that allow brands to connect with their consumers, in whatever capacity that may be.
Which trends and tactics are you going to use for your brand this year? If you need any help implementing any of the above, get in touch with our team via [email protected], or give us a call on 08453 31 30 31.