Creative agency makes green shift with bank support

A Birmingham-based creative agency has launched a new offering to help clients with their sustainability efforts.

Jones & Palmer, which provides design and brand consultancy for businesses across the UK, says it is responding to growing demand from clients for support to improve and promote their sustainability credentials through their corporate communications services.

The Jewellery Quarter-based business, which has a turnover of more than £3.6m, counts Ocado, United Utilities, Halfords and Superdry among its existing clients and is looking to expand its client base in 2021.

Jones & Palmer has been based in the heart of the city for more than a century, starting out as a printing business before branching out into design and brand and consultancy.

A drop in demand during the height of the coronavirus pandemic gave the business the opportunity to bring its offering up to date.

A £250,000 CBIL loan from Lloyds Bank meant it was able to meet ongoing and fixed costs, while having the additional headroom to develop new services.

James Houston, managing director at Jones & Palmer, said: “Innovating and adapting to new demands has always been key to our business. Sustainability is quite rightly top of firms’ agendas as we begin to look towards a green recovery, and we are focusing our efforts on helping our clients to highlight and enhance their approach to environmental, social and governance issues.

“The funding we received from Lloyds Bank gave us the headroom to restructure our business during a turbulent period. They were quick to help us identify the right support package and were totally focused on working with us to overcome the challenges of the last few months. Their support has been vital in shaping the future of our business and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we embark on this new journey.”

Paul Warrington, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Jones & Palmer is a great example of a local businesses that has quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak to ensure it is offering clients a service that they really need and value in the current climate.

“The business landscape is continuing to change in light of the pandemic and it’s important that firms are ready to react to these changes. We will continue to help businesses across the West Midlands as they look to adapt and will remain by their side as we navigate this period of uncertainty.”