Agency roundup: Aberfield Communications; Marketing by PHD; Extreme; and more

Aberfield Communications has been appointed by York Minster to provide PR and communications consultancy as it implements its Neighbourhood Plan, the biggest programme of works at York Minster and its Precinct in 150 years.

The Leeds-based PR, social media and brand communications agency will be delivering a programme of PR and communications, as well as web and social media support, to raise awareness and generate excitement and support around York Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan.

The masterplan contains a range of projects that aim to enhance the Minster and its Precinct.

Key projects Aberfield will support include the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management, the creation of new visitor facilities and a new public square.

Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct at York Minster, said: “Our Neighbourhood Plan sets out how we aim to sustain and enhance the cultural significance and environmental value of York Minster’s Precinct and its buildings, and we needed an agency that would be able to successfully tell our story around how significant these plans are to safeguarding the Minster’s future.

“It was Aberfield’s audience led approach and desire to be a positive influence that really captured our attention as being the agency to do this for us.

“Aberfield demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges the Minster faces, and a combination of their local knowledge and connections, experience in working with other complex and sensitive regeneration projects and collaborative approach meant that they were a perfect fit.”

Ian Briggs, director at Aberfield, said: “The Minster is a significant landmark not only in York and the north, but nationally and internationally, so we’re extremely excited to be working with the Minster at a critical point for its future.

“We’ve kick started with PR, web and social media support around its Centre of Excellence, which will establish the York Minster Precinct as a world class education campus for ancient craft skills – skills that are essential for maintaining the Minster.

“Our role will also involve creating a calendar of PR activity that supports the Neighbourhood Plan more broadly, including further individual projects, whilst building advocacy and support among the York community and beyond.”

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B2B strategic marketing and communications agency, Marketing by PHD, has strengthened its client team with eight more appointments after securing a number of new global accounts.

The agency, best known for its work in the print, packaging, life science and technology sectors, is experiencing a significant period of growth.

It has moved its headquarters to larger premises at Nostell Priory, Wakefield, after seeing its full-service account portfolio swell to over 40 businesses around the world. And a raft of new appointments brings its total headcount to 22.

Joanna Stephenson, MD and founder of the business, said: “The journey we are on as a business is quite remarkable.

“In 2014, I took a risk by jumping out of the corporate world to establish Marketing by PHD, because the creative marketing comms service I wanted in the print and packaging sector simply wasn’t there.

“Just like every new business, at the time I couldn’t fathom growing to this size and especially in such a short period – but here we are.

“With these eight new appointments, we can better serve the needs of our existing and prospective clients.

“As we expand our team in response to growing client portfolios, it is crucial for us that every single member of our team is united under the same vision.

“That, of course, begins with a solid business culture and what makes the difference for our clients is that we really care.”

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Digital marketing agency, Extreme, has won a competitive pitch to handle marketing for Numatic International’s Henry vacuum brand.

The full-service team has been retained to focus on Henry’s Search Engine Optimisation, Pay Per Click and Paid Social Advertising.

The marketing brief was shaped by the brand’s desire to build on demand for its Henry products.

Henry, which is manufactured by Numatic International, is a household name which has been built, tested and packed in the UK since 1981.

The vacuum, known for its colourful range adorned with a happy face, has sold more than 15 million units so far.

Extreme’s team is based in Harrogate and has worked with a range of B2B and B2C local, national and international brands including Severfield plc, Nisa, Lovat Parks, Black Sheep Brewery, Glorious!, Kura Organics and more.

Andrew Ernill, head of marketing and communications at Numatic International, said: “We are excited to be working with Extreme to grow and evolve our eCommerce platforms in order to provide the best service for our customers.”

James Brunyard, client services director at Extreme, added: “We’re really excited to have the chance to work with such a legendary brand.

“Henry is an icon and one we’re all familiar with, so our team is revelling in the opportunity to help get these products in front of new audiences in a variety of creative ways.”

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