Testimonials

The following quotes relate to the service provided by all members of the Life family. It might just be that being the eldest, most will reference Didsbury Life for the time being! This will change as the other sites grow...

 

"Since signing up with Didsbury Life we have found them to be a very positive influence. This was particularly useful to us as a new restaurant starting up in West Didsbury.

Their help in amplifying our own PR, as well as hosting online competitions and event write ups, has been invaluable. Their network of contacts, friends and other businesses is very impressive. Just by re-tweeting us on Twitter they multiply the amount of people we can reach.

Working with them has been fun and effective, especially during large events such as WestFest."

Bill & Emma
The Rose Garden

 

"We are fast approaching our first birthday and wouldn't have got here without the valuable help of Didsbury Life. When you're a small business and a one man band, to have a support function to turn to for help with all aspects of PR, Marketing and Social Media is invaluable. Didsbury Life have established us on the infamous Twitter and been very supportive with marketing events in terms of attending, taking pictures and writing follow up blogs... more importantly making sure people see those blogs and are informed about what's going on at Milly Mog. Didsbury Life have always encouraged fellow businesses within the area to work together and that's something we've really enjoyed here, it's nice to have someone pulling the business community together."

Emma Matthews
Milly Mog

 

"We love working with Didsbury Life. Cavendish Primary School is located in the heart of West Didsbury, we're a community school in the fullest sense, and it's been fantastic to be able to forge such strong links with local communities and businesses. Didsbury Life was instrumental in the promotion of CavFest, the school based music festival which raised £9000 for our PTA funds. We couldn't have launched the project without Helen and Pete's support - they were a key part in what proved to be a hugely enjoyable community event. Didsbury Life keeps us in touch with what's happening locally, and keeps the community in touch with what's going on at school. It's a mutually beneficial relationship and makes sure that our children are at the heart of what goes on in this unique part of Manchester - whether it's singing at the Christmas lights switch on or going to a wedding in The Met!"

Janet Marland
Head teacher, Cavendish Primary School, West Didsbury

 

"Helen & Pete genuinely care about nurturing independent business. In their capable hands, the future of our local high street is exciting. Working with Didsbury Life over the past near decade has been very rewarding. These people are hard working, inventive, reliable & loyal. Helen & Pete are an "indie's" best friend. You would be foolish not to have them on board."

Emil & Anna
Azzurro Restaurant

 

"We have been working closely with Helen & Pete at Didsbury Life for over 12 months now and their support and local knowledge has been invaluable for us in our first year of business on Burton Road. From marketing support, to providing us with local collaboration opportunities, Didsbury Life act as an extension to your company and I would highly recommend their service to anyone setting up an independent business in the Didsbury area."

Anna Gill
And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon

 

"From the moment I met Helen and Pete - when they walked through the gates of Bud in May - I knew that they meant business. Mine and Severine's business! Helen was clutching her camera and she snapped away excitedly whilst chatting to me like I'd known her for years. Their immediate positive reaction to Bud really boosted my confidence, made me realise that we were doing the right thing - had something to be proud of. Within days they had posted an article on The Didsbury Life Blog and as a consequence we have witnessed a steady stream of customers. Since that initial encounter, Helen and Pete have gone out of their way to support us: with novel marketing ideas; via Twitter (THE experts), The Didsbury Life Website and their brilliant blog about all things Didsbury/South Manchester and the independent scene. They have a wide network of friends and associates (most of them recipients of their expertise), and really are at the epicentre of this vibrant, supportive and creative community."

Brenda Smith
Bud Garden Centre

 

"I wasn't always sure where my business would fit into Didsbury Life - As a wedding photographer I'm not a retail business so don't run sales or promotions of any kind. I already had a website I was more than happy with and I felt I was doing a pretty decent job of networking and meeting other wedding businesses.

Until I met Helen & Pete properly and the first West Didsbury Wedding Event was conceived! From which was born the VERY first West Didsbury Wedding which was created by all of the West Didsbury Wedding businesses (brilliantly organised and driven by Helen & Pete) And since then there hasn't been an idea that's popped into my head that I haven't wanted to chat to them about getting involved in.

They're not just about promoting businesses on their site and social media, they're about actively getting involved in ideas and events. Working together for mutually beneficial reasons and geniunely caring about each and every independent business they know and work with. And to top it all off, they're bloody nice guys as well."

Jonny Draper
Photographer

 

"Here at Gusto we have worked with Didsbury Life for a number of years and always found them to be both enthusiastic and supportive. Their vision and creativity have enabled us to successfully promote a number of initiatives which have raised awareness of the Gusto brand. I would certainly recommend working with Didsbury Life if you are looking for friendly, personable advice on how to highlight your business. Helen and Pete clearly have a strong desire for Didsbury to continue to be a vibrant and eclectic community."

Anthea Hassiakos
General Manager, Gusto Didsbury

 

"When it comes to being part of a community, the team at Life are where it all started for us. We've known Pete and Helen for a while, but this year we had a new challenge in setting up a charity called The Break Out Project.

Building and being part of a community, whether it's for independent businesses or an idea you've got to get something done, is a very personal thing for Pete and Helen. They believe in the power of community and what it can achieve.

Anyhow, from the start the guys at Didsbury Life were excited about what we wanted to achieve and threw their full weight behind us and The Break Out Project, from helping out with brand design, to knowing where to go and who to ask to get things done when it comes to events, and getting the weight of a community behind us.

Didsbury Life is about bringing people together and seeing the magic that can happen when you do. The benefits aren't just for a few people, or just for independent businesses or charities like ours, but for the whole community that live, work and play in Didsbury."

Matt & Dee Brereton-Patel
The Break Out Project

 

"Didsbury Life has given superb coverage to the Queenston Arthouse events. In the space of nine months, most people in and around Didsbury know who we are here and what we do. It's rare to find people with such enthusiasm and talent for their job as Helen and Pete. They eat, breathe and sleep Didsbury. They find out what's on, doing all the hard work, so the rest of us can just get out there and enjoy it. Every word and every photograph they use seems to capture perfectly the essence of whatever they are promoting. Passionate wonderful people who love life and love Didsbury. Thank you for doing so much for me and for everyone who uses your website as our beautifully reliable Didsbury bible."

Laura Mayall
Queenston Arthouse

 

"Didsbury Life has supported every stage of the Didsbury Dinners project. From day one, when we were seeking people's recipes for the community cookbook, through to providing useful contacts, and publicising both the book launch and our free 'learn to cook' course. We had a flurry of interest within hours of anything being placed on the site. I can't thank you enough!"

Amanda Woodvine
Editor, Didsbury Dinners: The Low-Carbon Community Cookbook, and
Action for Sustainable Living local project manager for Didsbury

 

"I first came into contact with Helen and Pete at Didsbury Life when they said very nice things about my blog 'Confessions of an Amateur Photographer' on Twitter. After a hastily arranged meeting it soon emerged that we had many things in common in terms of general outlook on life, love of social media and a desire to celebrate the small and local over the large and commercial. It is only through the patronage of Didsbury Life that I moved from being an enthusiastic amateur photographer to the semi-pro artist that I now like to kid myself I am.

Through connecting with Helen and Pete I have undertaken my first commerical photo shoots and their support also led to my first exhibition during WestFest 2010; But more importantly, as friends, they have helped to build my confidence and make me realise that perhaps I'm not quite as untalented as I thought. I now sell my photography via the Society6 network of artists (http://society6.com/Zardoz67) and I truly believe that without that chance meeting with Didsbury Life this probably wouldn't have happened. Helen and Pete are genuine, warm and supportive and to have them behind you singing your praises, cajoling and sometimes shouting is half the battle."

Mark Nelson
Zardoz Photography

 

"I first got involved with Didsbury Life when I joined forces with the businesses involved in the Didsbury Wedding Event. I am a small home based business in Didsbury so it is difficult for me to have face in the community. Didsbury Life really helped me with this - for a start by allowing me to be involved and by promoting the alliances I have made from this. They are really passionate about independent businesses and events within the community, which I think is the way forward in this age of big multiples!"

Nicola Wellard
Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe

 

"The Didsbury Life website is so incredibly useful, I refer to it regularly. Even though I live on Burton Road it's still easy to miss things that are going on and the site ensures that I never do. Plus there is additional stuff like promotions, competitions, new classes etc. that I like to hear about. We're very lucky to have such a comprehensive site for Didsbury, every area should have one!"

Rachel George
Worker, mother, socialiser, resident

 

"Since choosing to profile The Flower Lounge on Didsbury life I've never looked back! Pete, Helen and the Didsbury Life team are fantastic - very friendly and always approachable. They're always coming up with ways businesses can work together and keeping everybody updated on the latest Didsbury news. Helen is fantastic with her use of social media, with Facebook, Twitter and her blog. She is always on the ball, with up to the minute goings on in Didsbury, what competitions are live and new offers that are on the site.

I would recommend Didsbury Life to anybody who is looking to expand their business and meet like-minded people. I've met so many fantastic people and made some great business contacts through the team. There's a real sense of community - definitely a breath of fresh air!"

Sian Wild
The Flower Lounge

 

"We joined Didsbury Life after only a few months of opening and thought it may help promoting our presence and location. However, it proved to be our most valuable promotional tool to date. Within the few months that we have worked with Didsbury Life they have promoted and publicised our business in an innovative and interactive way through the site. The best part is that they are always thinking on your behalf! From snappy competitions, homepage specials through to posters, flyers and much more. Helen and Pete's fine efforts and co-ordination of a festival to rival the best of them (think boho farmers market meets Greenman) with WestFest, is just one fine example of their continued hard work and understanding to promote successful and individual business growth in West Didsbury. They are an invaluable resource to any independent retailer in the area as they are so in tune with the common interest."

Sarah & Kate Loader
Silver Apples

 

"The Didsbury Life team have been nothing short of fabulous. From the moment we walked through the door we felt welcome and that they had a genuine interest in what we do and have contributed great ideas that have been both thoughtful and helpful.

Pete and Helen have been genuinely amazing and we are certainly satisfied with the service we have received. We would not hesitate to recommend them to any potential customers."

Anna & Karen
Tread Limited

 

"Pete & Helen at Didsbury Life have helped to develop our business immensely over a long period of time. They work very hard to find the unique selling points for each business they deal with and spend lots of time getting to know you and your business inside out.

We have used them on many occasions over the last ten years for all different types of web based business, and every time they have grasped our ideas and helped to move them forward. To put it simply: They deliver the goods... on time... on budget... with value added ideas. They do what it says on the tin and then some.

We’ve recommended them to many people over the years and they have never let anyone down. Even with the most complex of sites they have taken time to understand the concept and delivered the product. These people care about their customers' business and have a real commitment to Didsbury."

Mike & Sam Conley
Conley Hair & Beauty

 

"Since becoming part of Didsbury Life, my whole outlook of West Didsbury has changed. It has enabled me to become more familiar with the local businesses and has opened up a lot more avenues for me to market my business. Through Didsbury Life I have been introduced to many more people and have been able to take advantage of such amazing contacts, that were actually on my doorstep all along!

Didsbury Life has brought "West" Didsbury to life and the whole area is a much better place to work, live and just be a part of. Thank you!"

Helen Bradley
MacleodBradley Hair Salon

 

"Thank you to Helen & the Didsbury Life team for your support with the launch of our new menu and the Beer Festival. As per usual your support was invaluable and all went very well."

Paul Johnson
The Didsbury Pub

 

"Being on Didsbury Life has had a real impact on Spirit Hair & Beauty. Finding I.T. a little bit of a minefield, it has been brilliant having the support of Pete and Helen and the rest of the Didsbury Life team. They are very responsive and act quickly if I want to update my profile or promote a special offer or event.

I have noticed that a number of new clients have come to us as a direct result of Spirit being part of the Didsbury community, and I do receive regular enquiries which translate into clients, from the site. I am finding being a part of Didsbury Life is a really effective way of marketing my business."

Evie Taylor
Evie's BeautySpa

 

"The team at Didsbury Life has not only been helpful and informative, they have also provided me with a large amount of business development ideas and advice. Since I joined the site my business awareness and clientele have grown. Didsbury Life has been with me the whole time, offering valuable input and support. Thank you very much, especially to Helen who has helped make my business come to life."

Claire Jones
Claire Louise Mobile Beauty Therapy

 

"As a complete technophobe it has been great to work with Pete and Helen! With no baffling computer jargon, we simply discuss my needs and they get it done. Their commitment to the area and promoting local business is just fantastic and I can't thank them enough for the help they have given me."

Matt Johnson
David Gavin Design

 

"Pete has worked with us on a number of design and marketing projects for different business interests for the last three years, and in that time proven to be a completely dependable source of creative ideas and input. He listens to and interprets our ideas effectively and imaginatively, and is always willing to go out of his way."

Jim Barker
The Metropolitan

 

"Over the past five years I've benefited hugely from having a business relationship with Pete and the team at didsburylife.com. This has included the initial setting up of a presence for my company on the internet, which has allowed me to reach customers and make contacts to otherwise inaccessible areas of my market right through to the invaluable benefit of everyday IT support and impartial expertise, which I find immensely useful on a regular basis. I continually recommend this website to local businesses and residents and always get positive feedback."

Ben Nixon
Didsbury Window Cleaning Services

 

"When I was first approached about promoting and profiling my business on Didsbury Life I was fairly sceptical because I am always being asked to “advertise”. However, when I met with Owen, I was impressed by what he had to say and decided to give it a go. Since then, I've had no regrets.

 

I've found the team to be really friendly and approachable - nothing ever seems to be a hassle for them and they made my profiling on Didsbury Life really easy. I speak frequently to Helen - if I need my profile to be updated, all I need to do is give her a call, and it's done. I'm also kept updated with what's going at Didsbury Life and how I can improve my profile. Because I always ask new clients where they've heard of Didsbury Beauty Clinic, I know for a fact that having a presence on Didsbury Life has generated new clients for me.

 

From my initial scepticism, I'm glad to say that I joined the Didsbury Life community!"

Lisa Asquith
Didsbury Beauty Clinic

 

"Dealing with Pete and the Life team is no ordinary business encounter. Behind the services provided is a sense that Pete and his colleagues are driven by great values, and that they are truly interested in their local community thriving, socially, culturally and economically. The networking possibilities are exciting. I've enjoyed meeting all the people I've come across through the site, including the journalists and the Didsbury Life 'local heroes' who are all up to something grand, and I am delighted when I can contribute to their endeavours. I now regularly recommend to others to make sure that Life is contacted to energise any creative or business project."

Lawrence Yusupoff
Clinical Psychologist

 

"When we wanted to promote The Albert Club and expand its membership and activities without depleting its limited funds, as Membership Secretary, I popped into Didsbury Life on Burton Rd. to see what they could do to help me.

 

I found Helen immediately enthusiastic and responsive. She suggested different ways that the Albert could be represented on the Didsbury Life website and explained the way that the 'Didsbury Life' concept worked. We emailed material back and forth until we had the result we wanted.

 

As she was keen that the site supported community activity as well as private business, I asked her to also include the details of the West Didsbury Residents' Association and sent her some information. She has offered any assistance she can give with the marketing of a local history booklet the WDRA has just produced.

 

The Didsbury Life office is very accessible on Burton Rd and the staff are always willing to assist anyone who makes enquiries. I have found the service invaluable."

Pam Siddons
The Albert Club, West Didsbury

 

"In all my dealings with Life they have always conducted themselves with candour and real diligence to ensure a job well done. Pete and Helen are keen to go out of their way to turn things round for you quickly, and no job seems to be too much trouble."

Vivien Starr
Vivien Starr Art

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Remember, we’re committed to seeing independent enterprise flourish, and if we can help your business succeed in the same way, we’d be happy to have a chat today on 0161 445 7759.