I-COM plans growth on the back of retail revolution

DIGITAL agency I-COM plans to boost its revenues by targeting the rapidly changing online fashion retail sector.

The Manchester-based web design, development and marketing company saw turnover increase slightly to £1.6m for the year to the end of March 2013. Although it has not disclosed profits, managing director Mike Blackburn said they increased by 20% on the previous year, largely as a result of operational efficiencies and a move away from lower margin services.

Mr Blackburn told TheBusinessDesk.com: “The economy proved quite hard for us last year with trading in the first half down considerably on the previous year, however, a strong second half meant that we have grown slightly overall.”

Mr Blackburn, who was previously operation director, took over as managing director from Tim Roberts in November 2012, while Mr Roberts is now chairman.

I-COM already has a well established client base in the legal, recruitment and property sectors; clients include JMW Solicitors, Magnus Properties, and Sellick Partnership.

But it is the company’s push for more business with online retail brands that shows huge growth promise, according to Mr Blackburn. Online retail currently accounts for around 15% of total business and clients in the sector already include Pineapple Dance Studio and IL2L.com.

Mr Blackburn said: “We have a big focus on that sector this year. Lots of people are investing in e-commerce right now.

“We are seeing more wholesalers now going straight to market themselves and cutting out the retailer altogether, particularly in fashion and accessories.”

Client demand and changes in the digital sector have seen I-COM increasingly deliver what have traditionally been PR services. Mr Blackburn added that although no acquisitions have yet been made, the company remains interested in the possibility of acquiring a public relations firm in the region.

I-COM moved to larger offices on Portland Street in Manchester earlier this year, having expanded across all departments with three new staff and two interns joining in the last two months, taking the total to 33 staff.

Mr Blackburn added that 2013 was shaping up well for the company. He said: “The new financial year has set off very well; we’ve had two record months and are looking forward to a strong year. We’ve seen a surge of new clients, launched a new website and have several new hires that are putting us in a great position going forward.”