Experience the power of the strategic planning methodology with LMC Associates.Join our SOSTAC® Masterclass to gain actionable insights and elevate your planning capabilities. With our expert guidance, you will master this renowned methodology and apply it effectively in marketing and business arenas. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your strategic planning methodology skills today!
Join Us for an Inspiring SOSTAC® Masterclass Course (delivered over 4 x half-days of online training)
Tuition Investment: £495 plus VAT or £350 plus VAT for unwaged/students
Embark on a journey of strategic brilliance with Lydia McClelland. Over four engaging half-day sessions, you will master the art of creating flawless marketing plans using the acclaimed SOSTAC® methodology and earn your SOSTAC® Certification (on successful completion of a 1-hour online exam).
Struggling with your marketing plans?
You’re not alone. Many marketers and business owners face the same challenges every day.
The pain points we hear....
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“I don’t know where to start with a marketing plan – everything feels scattered.”
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“We’re doing lots of marketing activity, but I can’t prove what impact it’s having.”
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“There are so many channels – social, email, events, content – and I’m not sure how to prioritise.”
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“We create plans, but they never get fully delivered.”
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“Our marketing feels reactive – more guesswork than strategy.”
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“I’m worried we’re wasting time and money on the wrong things.”
The Solution: The SOSTAC® Certified Planner Course
This course gives you the structure, tools, and confidence to plan smarter and deliver results:
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A step-by-step framework that takes away the guesswork.
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Clear methods to set SMART objectives and measure ROI.
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A way to make all your tactics work together towards the same goals.
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Practical tools to ensure your plan doesn’t gather dust – it gets implemented.
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A focus on strategy before tactics, so you stop being reactive and start being proactive.
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A recognised global certification to boost your professional credibility.
With SOSTAC®, you’ll leave with not just a plan, but a proven process you can use again and again – whether for campaigns, annual strategies, or long-term business growth.
Create the Perfect Digital Plan using SOSTAC®
Whether you're devising a comprehensive marketing strategy or fine-tuning specific tactics like SEO or email marketing, SOSTAC® is your ultimate ally. In this masterclass course, you'll learn to apply the SOSTAC® planning framework to elevate your Marketing Strategy and Digital Marketing Plans to new heights.
What Will You Gain from the 4 x half-days SOSTAC® Certified Planner Masterclass?
Across these four online sessions, you'll acquire the skills to think, act, and plan strategically. You'll leave with a detailed masterclass workbook, and a SOSTAC® planning template, ready to shape all your future marketing endeavours.
You will learn to
1 / Analyse Your Market
Understand your market dynamics thoroughly. This involves conducting a Situation Analysis to assess where you currently stand. Recognise your strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats in the marketplace.
2 / Clarify Your Objectives
Set clear, achievable goals. Define your Objectives by asking where you want to be in the future. Ensure these goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
3 / Develop Your Strategy
Formulate robust, effective strategies. Your Strategy will chart the course to reach your objectives, outlining the key approaches and pathways you'll take to succeed.
4 / Exploit Tactical Channels
Utilise key marketing channels to their fullest. Focus on Tactics, the specific actions and tools—like the Marketing Mix—that will help you implement your strategy effectively.
5 / Avoid Classic Mistakes
Sidestep common pitfalls and errors. Ensure your Actions are executed with excellence and passion, avoiding missteps that could derail your plans.
6 / Measure and Improve Performance
Embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Implement Control measures to track your progress with metrics and measurements, ensuring you’re on the right path and can adjust as necessary.
7 / Implement Best Practices
Apply expert tips, techniques, and golden rules. Adopt proven methods and insights from industry leaders to refine your approach and maximise success.
Companies who have completed SOSTAC® Training with us
Understanding SOSTAC® and Its Functionality as a Planning Methodology
What is SOSTAC®?
SOSTAC® is a strategic planning framework that simplifies complex planning processes into a manageable structure. It has gained recognition for its practical application across various domains, including business, marketing, and even personal planning. Rather than being a mere checklist, SOSTAC® serves as a comprehensive guide for developing effective action plans that drive results.
Why use SOSTAC®?
The appeal of SOSTAC® lies in its simplicity and adaptability. By breaking down the planning process into the six components, it provides a clear roadmap that can be applied to virtually any type of plan, whether it's launching a new marketing campaign or reorganising departmental strategies. Its structured approach facilitates clarity in planning and execution, making it an invaluable tool for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic planning prowess.
Who is Lydia McClelland?
Lydia McClelland is a seasoned marketing mentor, trainer, and consultant with a wealth of experience in crafting effective marketing strategies. Her dynamic teaching style and deep expertise will guide you through the intricacies of SOSTAC® , ensuring you gain the most from this masterclass course.
Why become a SOSTAC® Certified Planner?
Enhance Your Planning Skills
Build confidence in creating effective marketing, business, and campaign plans.
Develop Strategic Insight
Learn to craft robust strategies, reduce risks, and make better decisions.
Achieve Professional Certification
Boost your CV with a prestigious certification.
Network With Peers
Network with Peers – Connect with a community of certified professionals and access exclusive resources.
Gain Practical Knowledge
Improve existing plans and help others develop better, more consistent strategies.
Gain Competitive Advantage
Stand out in the marketing field with recognised certification, showcasing your advanced planning skills to employers or clients.
Get your free SOSTAC® template
Who Should Attend
SOSTAC®
Training?
This masterclass is ideal for:
CMOs
Marketing Directors
Heads of Marketing
Marketing Managers
Business Owners/Managers
Marketing Consultants
Where can I study and get qualified in SOSTAC®?
LMC Associates has an exclusive partnership with PR Smith and we are the ONLY licensed SOSTAC® Certified Training Company in Northern Ireland. We can deliver training across the UK and Ireland.
How much does it cost to get certified in SOSTAC®?
The SOSTAC® Certified Planner Masterclass Programme is either delivered as 2 x full-day in person training or 4 x half-day virtual training delivery.
In-house delivery: for in-house delivery and pricing please contact LMC Associates directly. In-house delivery is perfect if you have 6 or more members of an organisation wishing to learn and develop together.
Open Programme Delivery: our next Open Programme willl commence on 23 Jaunary 2026 and is delivered online over 4x half-days. Investment is £495 plus VAT/ €595. If you have recently been made redundant or are a student, we want to help you! We're offering the course for £350 plus VAT and there will also be a discount on the exam. Please just reach out to discuss your circumstances, we're happy to help!
Places are limited to ensure a quality learning experience. This open programme will be delivered over 4x half days virtually.
Additional costs for accreditation:
Should you wish to become accredited in SOSTAC® , please note the following additional costs which are paid directly to SOSTAC®
SOSTAC® Associate Online Exam: £125 + VAT (open to anyone 16+ who has attended the training).
SOSTAC® Certified Planner Online Exam: £195 + VAT (you must have already passed the SOSTAC® Associate Exam OR have a degree in marketing OR have at least 5 years marketing experience in order to sit this level).
LMC Associates is a licensed SOSTAC® Training Company.
Testimonials
Dr Laura Wells
Ulster University Business School
“I absolutely loved the SOSTAC® Masterclass Course with LMC Associates. It was well-structured, engaging and moved at just the right pace. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to strengthen their strategic planning skills."
Fiona Norman
FN Research
"I would highly recommend Lydia and the SOSTAC course. It was so insightful and helpful in driving our business forward. Lydia presented huge amounts of information in bitesize, easily digestible formats. Her experience shone through and she provided plenty of real-life examples."
Kerry Lyle
Global Marketing Manager
“Lydia's expertise in the SOSTAC model was evident throughout the training programme. Her clear and structured approach made complex concepts easy to understand and apply. I would highly recommend Lydia's training.”
Why are we partnering with PR Smith?
SOSTAC® was created by PR Smith and is now used all over the world by professionals to produce great plans to boost commercial results. Paul has authored several best-selling books on marketing and inspires audiences around the world with public speaking, conferences, workshops, webinars and breakfast briefings. Follow Paul on LinkedIn.
We’ve chosen to partner with PR Smith as our Founder Lydia McClelland is a SOSTAC® Certified Planner and has been using SOSTAC® for several years. Lydia uses the SOSTAC® Methodology develop marketing strategies. It's a robust methodology and clients love it! We want to educate more business owners and marketers on SOSTAC® methodology and get more people using in globally.
FAQs
Can I earn CPD points by completing the SOSTAC® Certified Planner Course?
If you are an Affiliate or Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, you can earn 35 CPD credits by completing this programme as it qualifies as formal learning. Likewise, if you are working towards Chartered Marketer or Fellow status at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, you can use the learning outcomes as one of your four annual reflective statements.
Is there an exam?
Yes. To qualify as a SOSTAC® Certified Planner there is a one-hour open book assessment with 30 multi-choice questions. You are permitted to use your notes and the provided training manual. You are offered one free re-sit if required.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. You are issued with a digital certificate and badge that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile on succesful completion of the exam.
How much does the course cost?
Tuition costs £495 plus VAT (VAT applicable to businesses located in UK) and is payable to LMC Associates in advance of the course commencing.
If you wish to undertake the exam to qualify as a SOSTAC® Certified Planner, there is an additional cost which is payable directly to SOSTAC®:
SOSTAC® Associate Online Exam: £125 + VAT (open to anyone 16+ who has attended the training).
SOSTAC® Certified Planner Online Exam: £195 + VAT (you must have already passed the SOSTAC® Associate Exam OR have a degree in marketing OR have at least 5 years marketing experience in order to sit this level).
