Despite my pledge not to mention the C word an earlier than November, in business this is unavoidable. Connecting with business associates and customers is an essential marketing tool over the festive season, as well as an opportunity to show your appreciation for their custom.

Creating the right balance of festive, business like yet friendly is no easy task. The message needs to be equally relevant to business associates as it is to customers, although your relationship with each may be very different.

Graphic design is often undervalued in its impact on your company's image but the truth is, be it by way of a greetings card, or your Company logo, if we don't find an image appealing then rightly or wrongly, we can quickly be put off the product or service provider.

i am Emily has a vast knowledge built on years of experience within the industry. With a BA Hons in Visual Communication, an HDN in Advertising and a client list which has included HBOS, the Daily Mail, Dulux, Lakeland and BT her credentials are clearly first class. Priding herself on producing high impact creative solutions which appeal direct to their target audience Emily is as efficient and conscientious working with a one man band as she is with a multi national corporation. i

am Emily works as a sole trader herself and understands more than anyone the importance of branding and design as the 'shop window' of a smaller company. There are areas in business where it is possible to cut corners and trim costs but this first impression is probably not one of them, an amateurish or ill conceived design can spell disaster for a fledgling business. That having been said, a professional job doesn't have to cost the earth and Emily is capable of producing outstanding results whatever your budget.

Whether it be website design, direct marketing materials, catalogues and brochures or just your Christmas card list i am Emily provides a friendly, professional service and has no fear of tight deadlines!

If you're just starting out in business or are an established company wishing to refresh or re-brand your image then you need look no further. And for those Christmas cards i am Emily is offering rates from just £40 for The best of Southend members through our Offers page.

Be sure to visit i am Emily's thebestof Southend feature to find out even more about what the company can do for you and your business.