Agency round-up: JDR Group; Sorted Communications
A digital marketing agency has become one of just a handful of UK firms to earn the prestigious Elite Partner status by customer relationship management platform HubSpot.
JDR Group, based in Derby, is now in the top 1% of Hubspot’s global partner agencies who use the platform to bring their clients’ marketing, sales and customer service activity together within one system.
It had previously achieved all other previous partner statuses offered by HubSpot – gold, platinum and diamond – having used the platform on behalf of its clients, who operate in a range of different sectors right across the UK, since 2012.
In order to make the step up to Elite status, joining a select group of less than 50 agencies worldwide, JDR Group had to demonstrate exemplary levels of customer satisfaction, value-for-money, service delivery, retention and reviews. It also involves delivering significant levels of staff training, with employees at Elite level partners required to hold at least 100 training certifications between them, proving they are up to date with skills including digital marketing, sales and customer support.
Company director Leanne Mordue described the achievementas “hard-won and well-deserved”, especially since the company is believed to be the only UK firm which specialises in working with SMEs to have become an elite partner.
She said: “JDR Group grew out of a business coaching environment and helping small and medium businesses to grow their companies is still part of our DNA, so to receive this accolade for maximising the power of HubSpot to help them achieve their objectives is incredibly rewarding.
“It takes a huge amount of commitment and application to achieve any partner level, let alone Elite status. It’s been hard-won and well-deserved and it’s all down to our staff working hard to improve their knowledge of HubSpot and engaging our clients to ensure they get the most from it.
“These are challenging times for small companies who are trying to grow their businesses through marketing. The traditional methods for seeking new customers are becoming less and less effective because they are so good at blocking out the buzz.
“This means we have to try different strategies at different times to reflect their decision-making process and closely monitor the results. With so many avenues open to us, that becomes complex over time, which is why HubSpot has become an indispensable tool for us.”
Ali Marsland
Nottingham-based Sorted Communications has gained Good Business Charter accreditation. This recognises its commitments to environmental responsibility, customer care, fairer hours, contracts and other issues. The accreditation supports the agency’s aim to be one of the UK’s most ethical and fair communication agencies.
The Good Business Charter is an initiative of Good Business Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. It requires companies to meet 10 business obligations in order to achieve accreditation. Its aim is to allow businesses to highlight their responsible business practices to customers and the wider community.
Sorted Communications’ CEO, Ali Marsland, of Mapperley Park, said: “Sorted Communications has always valued a happy workforce and a satisfied customer base. We are proud to now have joined the Good Business Charter as it emphasises that to us, people come first in business. We can now demonstrate our continued determination to remain an ethical and environmentally-minded business whilst also offering the best customer service from a happy and committed team.”
The 10 components, which must all be met to achieve accreditation, commit organisations to: paying a real living wage; providing fairer hours and contracts; supporting employee wellbeing; enabling employee representation; valuing diversity and inclusion; considering environmental responsibility; paying fair tax; making a commitment to customers; sourcing ethically; and paying suppliers promptly.
