PR agency targets growth after deal to secure premises

A WEST Midlands PR company is targeting growth after securing a funding deal to purchase new premises.

Wolverhampton-based agency Connect PR is moving out of the city after completing a deal to purchase Aspley Farm in South Staffordshire.
 
The purchase, for a significant undisclosed sum, was supported by NatWest with legal advice from Higgs & Sons.
 
The acquisition will see the agency’s 25-strong team, which includes sister company, Seal Communications, move to the 1507-listed farmhouse over the next few months.
 
Speaking of the deal, managing director Hazel Crawford said the purchase was a step change in the company’s 17-year history.
 
“Aspley Farm offers the business room to grow and in turn, increase our client portfolio and team size. The location, just a few miles from junction 12 of the M6, is truly superb and will play an integral part in our growth strategy,” she said.
 
“The purchase saw us work alongside some excellent advisors. Mike Elphick at NatWest has supported us from the very day we viewed the property in autumn 2015. NatWest was already the banking partner of Seal and will now also become a partner to Connect PR.
 
“Higgs & Sons is our oldest client and Maria Nicol, commercial property lawyer at the firm was a fantastic support.”
 
Mr Elphick, senior relationship manager, NatWest, said: “I was delighted to support the business with their property purchase. We look forward to working with Connect PR to support their ambitions at this exciting time.”
 
Ms Nicol added: “Property purchases can often bring challenges but I think it’s fair to say that the age of Aspley Farm added to the complexity of this deal. It was great to advise a long-term Higgs supplier and proves that great relationships often bring benefits for both parties.”
 
First City provided planning support and financial advice was from Lancaster Haskins.
 
Connect PR and Seal Communications are owned by Hazel Crawford and Rob Hampton. Clients include Persimmon Homes, Volkswagen, Telford Shopping Centre, MAN Truck & Bus, The Cube, No5 Chambers and Lee Longlands.