SME: Toast PR, Fox Agency, MJ Backhouse
PUBLIC relations firm Toast PR is opening a Yorkshire base thanks to securing the public relations brief for Hello Work Leeds.
The Manchester and London firm has moved to the city as part of expansion plans, with a team of 12 working across its fashion, leisure, lifestyle and luxury brands.
Clancy Walker, copywriter and communications consultant, has joined the Toast PR team in Leeds to work on client accounts and support managing director Julia Mitchell with new business activity.
Established in 2004 by former Boots PR manager Julia Mitchell, Toast PR now counts clients including Grafenia Plc, Market Gravity, Bravissimo and Lily O’Brien’s chocolates in its portfolio.
Ms Mitchell commented: “We’re delighted to be opening a base in Leeds as it’s a thriving business city. It will enhance our service to Hello Work as it expands into Yorkshire and stand us in good stead to offer PR services to businesses in the region.”
***
BUSINESS marketing business Fox Agency has reached its £1m turnover target ahead of plan after a period of contracts wins.
Demand from existing clients, including electronics giant Brother Europe, global engineering corporations, Parker, and TMD Friction, as well as a raft of new appointments including Speedy Hire PLC and Tesco Bank have pushed revenues up.
The B2B marketing agency has secured a 105% growth since its last financial year, with a similar forecast for next.
Fox Agency has also increased its service offering by growing its digital marketing department with hires in the web development, SEO and online marketing areas.
Nelson McConnell, director at Fox Agency said: “Fox continues to grow rapidly and it’s been rewarding to break the £1m barrier ahead of schedule. It’s also gratifying to know that all of our new clients have come from referrals by our current clients.
“We believe that this means we are providing a great level of service and that we have the solid foundations to carry on with similar rates of growth.”
***
PEST control specialists MJ Backhouse have had their best year ever.
The company specialist in domestic and commercial pest control across the region, and had 4,254 calls in summer this year alone.
The company employs 14 and turnover was up 12% on last year.
Darren Backhouse, company partner at MJ Backhouse, said: “This year’s summer period has been astonishing for us. We never expected to beat last year’s record in the number of enquiries but we have done exceptionally well in proving that we are a reputable and reliable pest control company in the Yorkshire region.
“There has been a huge demand for pest control this year, particularly from the facilities management industry, and that’s down to a lot of commercial businesses now realising the health and safety benefits of keeping their premises pest free – plus the fact that infestations can damage reputation, particularly in the food and drink industry.”
