Big Cat prowls transport network with Centro win

BIRMINGHAM-based communications agency, Big Cat, has been appointed by West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, Centro as one of three successful suppliers to deliver ongoing creative and design-led services.

The deal follows a competitive pitch process that saw 31 agencies bid for the appointment.

Big Cat will deliver creative concepts, right through to design and artwork for multiple Centro-managed brands, including Network West Midlands, West Midlands Rail and the Midland Metro.

The announcement is the latest in a series of new business wins for Big Cat that sees it grow its portfolio of tier one projects and briefs both in Birmingham and across the UK.

It has been appointed as national communications agency by Grand Central, Birmingham’s soon-to-open £150m premium retail and dining destination, which sees the agency working closely with major stakeholders that include Network Rail and John Lewis Partnership.

Anthony Tattum, Big Cat’s managing director, said: “As a Midlands agency, we are delighted to have been chosen to work with such a high profile transport authority who are at the heart of the nation’s transport network.

“The region’s plans for world-class transport links further contribute to the city’s appeal as a place for people to live, work and relocate their business. Birmingham is building an exciting future for itself which we are pleased to be a part of.”

Chris Perry, Head of Smarter Travel at Centro, said: “The West Midlands is the UK’s largest urban area outside of London. We are committed to delivering fully integrated public transport networks that will benefit across the region – our communications briefs have to deliver on this and Big Cat was a perfect choice to support our design-led activity.”

New contract is just the job for Ian Strachan

PROFESSIONAL and commercial recruitment consultancy, Bell Cornwall Recruitment has appointed Lichfield-based Ian Strachan Communications to handle its press relations.

Birmingham-based Bell Cornwall Recruitment was established in 2007 by recruitment experts Charlotte Bell and Jeremy Cornwall. It has gone on to build a reputation for providing high calibre professional and commercial office support candidates across a wide range of sectors and services, including several blue chip clients.

The firm, currently based in the Jewellery Quarter with its team of 10 consultants, has ambitious plans for expansion.  

Strachan said: “Bell Cornwall Recruitment is highly respected in the sectors it serves. It has grown rapidly and I look forward to helping the consultancy and its people achieve their business objectives.”

Leopold spots growth opportunities after strong year

BIRMINGHAM-based strategic marketing and event management consultancy, Leopold  Marketing, is looking at growth after seeing an 85% increase in turnover.
 
The agency specialises in a mix of strategic marketing, event management and  business development services to clients in the MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferences Exhibitions) and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) sectors.

The past year has been a significant one in the firm’s development with a move to new offices in Digbeth and an expansion of headcount.

Projects during the past year have included; the development and delivery of  MIPIM for the Scottish Cities Alliance, mystery shopping services for both the  Manchester and Liverpool Tourism Awards, and in-market MICE representation for Visit Espoo.    
 
Leo Platt, director, Leopold Marketing said: “It has always been our intention to achieve accelerated organic growth and our results prove that we have achieved  just that. The dedication of our team, our clear and creative approach to business and great support from suppliers have all played a significant part in  our above target results.

“We are looking forward to 2015/16 and have already secured a pipeline of 55%projected turnover.”