Sales and Marketing - PW
- Geek House Data Dynamics
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Service Type
Pricing Strategy and Operations Management
Company Type
Pub, Micro Business
Date & Length of Project
December 2022 - November 2024
Project Overview
Client Needs
The Pendle Witch, a beloved real ale pub steeped in the folklore of the Pendle Witch Trials, wanted to evolve its identity while remaining true to its roots. Known for its cozy atmosphere and loyal customer base, the pub needed a way to stand out from competitors and build a sustainable business model that reflected its historic, witchy charm.
Problems To Solve
Despite their strong brand and loyal patrons, The Pendle Witch was falling into debt, in part due to a broken ventilation system and rising overhead costs. Their offerings had become diluted, trying to cater to trends that didn’t align with their brand. They were at risk of losing their unique character - and their business - without intervention.
Approach
We stepped in to provide a blend of operational management and custom content marketing. Our primary goal was to get the business back on its feet financially while also realigning its brand identity. This meant refining event offerings, cutting unnecessary costs, producing regular digital content that resonated with their audience, and implementing realistic financial planning to help reduce debt and spark growth.
COST CUTTING & STRATEGY |  | Step One was all about identifying the small changes that would make a big impact. We began with a deep dive into The Pendle Witch’s operational spending, looking for easy, immediate cost-cutting opportunities. Instead of buying sugar syrup, we made it in-house—just sugar and boiled water—saving pounds weekly. Fruit, previously bought fresh in small batches, was purchased in bulk, chopped, and frozen in portioned containers. We helped the team streamline the drinks menu by cutting down on underperforming spirits, which reduced inventory costs. To keep the bar from feeling empty, we added themed decorations to the shelves, reinforcing the pub’s atmosphere while hiding the cuts from customers. These subtle swaps allowed the team to maintain their charm without overspending. |
|---|---|---|
DEBT MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS | | Step Two focused on tackling the mounting debt in a sustainable, manageable way. We implemented a structured payment strategy: smaller debts were paid off faster with larger payments, while larger debts were placed on minimal payment plans. As the smaller debts cleared, we redirected those freed-up funds toward the bigger ones. This snowball method allowed them to see quick wins and maintain momentum over the long haul. By approaching the problem from both ends—cutting outgoings while restructuring repayments—we helped reduce their debt from over £20,000 to just £7,000 in 18 months. |
BRAND RECOVERY & OUTCOME | | Step Three was all about revitalising the brand and morale. We reintroduced themed entertainment that reflected the heart of the pub—live acoustic music, folklore-inspired events, and immersive pub nights that drew in the community and celebrated their unique identity. Alongside this, we produced custom content for social media and ads, rebuilding customer engagement and creating a consistent digital presence. The outcome wasn’t just financial recovery—it was a reawakening of pride and purpose for the team. Looking back, this wasn’t just about fixing a business; it was about helping it remember who it was and building a future around that. |
Deliverables
ABOUT COMPANY
The Pendle Witch is a popular real ale pub, known for its cosy atmosphere and historic ties to the local area. It has long been a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
To break away from the town's typical DJ scene, the pub introduced live acoustic music and themed events. This shift highlights The Pendle Witch's unique character, offering entertainment that complements its witchy heritage.
THE CHALLENGES
01 | 02 |
PRICING | ENTERTAINMENT |
The pub's pricing didn't resonate with the local market, either being too high or not competitive with local pubs, causing customers to choose other venues. A new pricing strategy was needed to better attract and retain patrons. | Relying on the same DJ format as other pubs, The Pendle Witch lacked unique entertainment to stand out. A shift toward more distinctive events was needed to draw in new and repeat customers. |
03 | 04 |
SALES | MARKETING |
Tucked away down a side alley. The Pendle Witch struggled with low foot traffic. Limited visibility made it hard to attract new customers, leading to declining sales despite its strong reputation. | The pub's marketing wasn't effectively reaching potential customers. A stronger more targeted approach was needed to boost visibility and overcome the challenges posed by its hidden location. |
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Increase foot traffic and sales:
Attract more customers by addressing visibility and enhancing the overall pub experience
OBJECTIVE 1
OBJECTIVE 2
Differentiate Entertainment Offerings:
Establish unique and memorable entertainment that reflects the pub's distinct identity and attracts a diverse audience.
Enhance Marketing Reach and Effectiveness:
Boost visibility and brand awareness through targeted marketing efforts, both locally and online.
OBJECTIVE 3
STRATGIES
STRATEGY NUMBER 1 | STRATEGY NUMBER 2 |
Implement a new pricing model Conduct market research and adjust pricing to better fit the local clientele, offering promotions like "Happy Hours" or "Loyalty Discounts" | Host Unique Themed Events Shift to themed night, live performances, or witchy- themed events that align with the pub's unique identity |
STRATEGY NUMBER 3 | STRATEGY NUMBER 4 |
|---|---|
Targeted Marketing Campaigns Use targeted social media ads, local promotions, and partnerships with nearby businesses to increase visibility and draw in more customers | Increase Visibility With Physical Signage And Promotions Place eye-catching signs at key spots around town to guide people to the pub, making it easier to find despite its hidden location |
Testimonials
We were in a really tough spot - buried in debt, exhausted, and unsure how to turn things around without losing what made The Pendle Witch special. GHD2 stepped in with not just ideas, but real, practical solutions. From trimming costs in ways we hadn’t even considered to helping us build a brand presence that actually felt like us, they never let us feel like we were doing it alone. We weren't just surviving anymore - we found our spark again.
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