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Limitless Public Relations

From visibility to credibility: how PR wins where ads can’t

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Anyone can purchase ads to get views and clicks. And a clever ad campaign, with a decent budget, can make sure your brand is launched into the digital sphere and win you clicks. But what comes after the click? How confident does the customer feel they have arrived in the right place? Is yours a brand they already know and trust?  You’ve won the click, but are have they got the confidence to actually buy, if this is the first they have heard of you. Or would they be wise to shop around a little more first?

This is where PR enters the picture. Public relations doesn’t just share your message: it builds credibility, strengthens reputation, and ensures your brand’s voice lands with the right people at the right time – usually before they even arrive at your website with a mind to buy.

Businesses that underestimate the power in PR risk spending cash on clicks but still losing customers to competitors who have invested in brand as well as click bids.

Limits of paid media?

Paid ads are great for grabbing attention, and fast. But attention on its own isn’t enough. You need more. As the generation of social media consumers, we endlessly – and mindlessly – scroll past ads and content, and then it’s gone. Research shows that audiences are increasingly sceptical of paid messages, with a quarter of the public actively distrusting ads. Spending big budgets on ads doesn’t guarantee lasting influence. Ads can deliver reach, but reach without trust is just noise.

What PR does differently

PR is earned, not bought. Coverage in newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and credible online outlets carries weight because it comes from a third party. People choose to engage with it. They read the story, digest the context, and most importantly, they trust the source.

Beyond trust, PR creates depth of engagement. A feature article, an expert quote, or a well-timed press release gives your audience a reason to think and connect with your brand. This is the opposite of the doomscroll – it’s attention that lasts.

In today’s rapidly travelling digital sphere, earned media doesn’t just reach humans. AI-powered search engines rely on reputable journalism to generate credible content. Your brand’s credibility goes beyond surface visuals, with AI shaping how content is discovered by algorithms in ways that ads can’t.

PR in action

In the UK, national news brands reach around 24 million adults daily. That’s comparable with major broadcast channels. While fewer people may pick up a newspaper than say a decade ago, those who do are giving more time and attention than a quick social scroll ever demands.

Small businesses and big brands alike have leveraged PR to punch above their weight, earning coverage that increases awareness, positions them as experts, and drives real engagement, all without the huge cost of paid ad campaigns.

Why do businesses still underinvest?

Despite the many advantages, many smaller companies underinvest in PR and wonder what’s hindering their growth. Reasons for this range from cost, measuring concerns, and the reliance on ads. But strategic PR is measurable.

Final thoughts

Visibility is cheap, but credibility is priceless. PR converts exposure into trust, influence, and authority that turbocharge ad performance along with all marketing channels.

For businesses serious about growth, investing in PR isn’t optional. It’s a strategic move that boosts sales and supports long term growth.

Want to find out more? Drop Michael Gregory a message and see how we can work together to help your business grow

Trident Utilities appoints new head of procurement 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Blackpool-based energy consultancy Trident Utilities has strengthened its leadership team as the business positions itself for its next phase of growth. 

As part of the changes, Alexandra Mottershead has been promoted to Head of Procurement & Supplier Services. Alex joined Trident in March 2022, at the height of the energy crisis, bringing a decade of experience in the energy consultancy sector. 

After graduating from the University of Manchester with a degree in Atmospheric Physics, Alex joined the industry as a fixed procurement analyst and has since built extensive expertise across risk management, trading, procurement, and supplier relations. 

Trident Utilities

In her new role, Alex will lead Trident’s risk management, trading, procurement, and supplier services functions. Her team is responsible for strategically procuring energy for customers by balancing individual organisational priorities and risks with market opportunities and net-zero objectives.  

This includes managing both fixed-term contracts and flexibly traded procurement strategies, as well as overseeing fixed and flexible Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for generators to maximise revenues while mitigating operational risk. 

Alex’s team also includes Trident’s non-commodity specialists, who provide vital updates to customers on charging, policy, and regulatory changes that may impact future energy costs. 

Alexandra Mottershead, head of procurement & supplier services, said: 

“I’m really proud to be stepping into this role at such an important moment for the energy sector.  

“My focus is on making sure organisations have the clarity and confidence they need to make informed energy decisions that support both commercial resilience and their journey to net zero. I’m also genuinely excited to be leading such a talented team as we continue to strengthen our procurement and risk management capabilities.” 

Andy Curry, head of client services, added: “Everything we do at Trident is grounded in strong data and sound science, and Alex brings a rare combination of both. Her deep understanding of the science, alongside more than a decade of hands-on industry experience, is invaluable for our clients and adds real strength to our wider leadership team. 

“Alex’s perspective will further strengthen our ability to help clients make informed, long-term strategic decisions as they seek to lock in energy efficiencies and cost savings on the path to net zero.” 

Don’t let your comms go quiet this summer

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

As the UK summer makes its entrance (hopefully!), it’s easy for SMEs to fall into a content-holding pattern: light seasonal posts, a few sunny team updates, and not much else.

But here’s the thing: if you want your communications to work hard for your business, even during quieter months, you need a plan. Strategic communications don’t take time off, and neither should your brand visibility.

Why summer is a hidden opportunity for SMEs

While others wind down, you can stand out. Fewer updates on people’s feeds means there’s potentially less competition and more chance for your content to cut through. Whether you’re building trust, showcasing your expertise, or strengthening your brand, now is the time to show up with purpose.

Here are three ways you can do it:

1. Use summer themes that have substance

Community events, wellbeing initiatives, flexible working…these are perfect seasonal content ideas. But don’t stop at surface-level content. Make sure you tell stories that align with your values and show how your business makes a real impact.

2. Keep your messaging consistent and clear

Your audience might be in a more casual browsing mode, but that doesn’t mean they don’t notice quality. Every post should reflect your brand voice and purpose. Clarity and consistency win –  even in flip-flop season.

3. Lean into thought leadership while others stay quiet

Summer is a brilliant time to share insight. Fewer voices mean your perspective carries more weight. Share a fresh take on your industry, highlight what you’re learning, or reflect on your growth. Be the expert your audience remembers. Great PR isn’t just about being seen: it’s about being remembered for the right things.

If you’re tired of shouting into the void, we can help. Drop us a message here to find out how we create strategic, powerful communications that land – and last.

Hit or miss: what makes a story stand out in today’s crowded media landscape?

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

The online media landscape is becoming increasingly challenging to navigate – both for readers and for PR professionals trying to get their stories published.

At Limitless PR, our specialists focus on what makes a story stand out to journalists. With news platforms under pressure, they’re more selective than ever about the content they run. To cut through the noise, a story must grab attention, add value, and be truly irresistible to the media. That means crafting narratives that are timely, relevant, and backed by compelling insights. 

Four communications specialists from Limitless Public Relations explore what makes a story a PR hit – what grabs attention, adds value, and makes it irresistible to the media.

Greg Wilson - Strategic Communications - Limitless PR

Greg Wilson, director, said:

“Know your audience. Read the publications where you want to get the story published and make sure the story fits with their news agenda and format. Write the story as close as possible to the exact house style of your target media to make it as easy as possible for the journalist to pick it up. It should be possible for them to simply cut and paste the article if they want to. 

“Also, remember the power of photography. A great picture that brightens up the page will make the story much more attractive. Your photo should tell the story itself, as much as possible.”

Associate director Mark Sutcliffe emphasises the importance of asking the right questions when evaluating a story’s potential:

“A strong PR story answers key questions: What’s happening? Why is it important? Why now, especially for news-focused publications? What impact does it have on the wider community or sector, and what are the potential consequences? 

“Alongside this, providing a pre-digested, social media-friendly shareable – whether an image, video, or concise one-line summary – can make a story more appealing and easier for journalists to run with. In the past, this would have been called a standfirst, but today, it’s about creating content that is instantly engaging across multiple platforms.”

Justin Strong, associate director at Limitless, said:

“Keep it short and simple: tell the ‘story’ in the subject bar on your email, the headline of your press release, and the first three paragraphs. Everything after that, including quotes, supports and embellishes your key messages. 

“Never, ever start a quote with “We’re delighted…” It’s a statement of the bleedin’ obvious! And some publications won’t publish quotes that begin with this opening.”

Claire Stephenson - Limitless PR - Strategic Communications

Claire Stephenson, associate director at Limitless Public Relations, said:

“When crafting a press release, ask yourself: is it adding value or just adding to the noise? The world doesn’t need more content for the sake of it; it needs content that matters. Just because something is interesting to you doesn’t mean it will be newsworthy to a journalist! 

“To increase your chances of coverage, take the time to read the publication you’re pitching to and understand the topics the journalist actually covers. A well-targeted, relevant story stands a far better chance of making an impact than a generic pitch hurled into the void.”

Only the most compelling stories make an impact in a world overflowing with content. To cut through the noise, your narrative must not only grab attention but also add real value, making it impossible for the media to ignore. That’s where we come in. With a deep understanding of what drives engagement, we craft timely, relevant, and insight-led stories that get noticed. 

If you’re looking for extra power in your campaigns, contact us here for a chat. We’d love to help you take your communications to the next level. 

The power of clear communication: building trust in any business

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Whether you’re running a large organisation, or a small business of just one person, clear, authentic communication is more crucial than ever. Building trust is the foundation of every relationship, and without it, even the best strategies can fall flat. 

In their 2024 Trust in Business Survey report, PwC found that:

  • 61% of consumers have recommended a company they trust to friends or family. 
  • Consumers also spend more at companies they trust — 46% purchased more, and 28% paid a premium. 
  • Four in 10 customers no longer purchase from a company due to lack of trust.

With public trust in institutions declining, improving and maintaining trust in business is at a premium.

Here are three essential ways to elevate your communication and build lasting trust with your audiences:

1. Be transparent  

Honesty always wins. When you’re upfront with your audiences, they feel more connected and secure in their relationship with you. Keeping communication open, even when the message is tough, shows your authenticity. It’s about telling the real story, no spin! Transparency invites trust by showing you’re willing to share the full picture, like the old Ronseal strapline: does exactly what it says on the tin.

 2. Practice active listening  

Great communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening. Responding thoughtfully to concerns or feedback demonstrates that you genuinely care about your audience’s needs. Listening and acknowledging others’ perspectives not only improves your relationship with them, but also builds long-term loyalty.

 3. Stay consistent  

Consistency is critical to building reliability. When your messaging is clear, cohesive, and steady across all channels, people know they can count on you. This reliability forms the backbone of trust, as your audience starts to see you as dependable, no matter the circumstances.

Building trust takes time and effort, but the payoff is definitely worth it. Need more advice on how to improve your strategic communications? We’re here to help! Drop us a message via the contact form or call 0845 625 0820.

Topping out ceremony at Preston’s £45m+ Animate leisure complex 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

A topping-out ceremony has been held to mark the highest point of the build at Preston’s Animate leisure complex, the latest milestone in the £45 million+ scheme, one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme. 

Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021, and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering.

Animate is being brought forward by Maple Grove Developments, part of Preston-based contractor Eric Wright Group, in partnership with Preston City Council.

The leisure complex is being built on the site of the former indoor market and car park and is due to open to the public in early 2025.

Almost fully pre-let, Animate will feature an eight-screen cinema, a 16-lane bowling alley with a gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a food hall, a public realm, a competitive socialising unit and a 164-space basement car park, with national leisure brands including Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers already signed up as tenants.

Those attending the topping out included Cllr Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips, chief executive of the City Council, John Chesworth, chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board and Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments.

Councillor Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, added:

“Animate is the flagship project of the Harris Quarter regeneration programme, heralding a new era for Preston and its residents. Owned by the city council to benefit local people, the construction of Animate has involved local contractors and enhanced the skills and learning of young people with essential on-the-job experience.

“Crucially, such development and regeneration forms a key part of the council’s commitment to Community Wealth Building, designed to create a resilient and inclusive economy to benefit the whole area by offering an opportunity for local people to take back control while working with local institutions.”

John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board, said:  

“The topping out represents another key moment in the delivery of Animate and in the ongoing renaissance of Preston as we progress our wider plans to create places for people.  

“Having secured high-profile and established national leisure brands, Animate will provide an unrivalled offering of activities to drive footfall and wider economic benefits for Preston and surrounding areas.”

Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, development partner of Preston City Council, concluded:

“This milestone in the delivery of Animate marks the highest point of the build and the successful culmination of the collaborative efforts of the client, design, and construction teams.

“Animate is an exemplar of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together in partnership to great effect for the wider community and economy of Preston.”

World Options expands Limitless PR contract

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Courier services company World Options has expanded its contract with Limitless PR to encompass two further brands.  

Part of Milan-based MBE Worldwide since July 2022, World Options Holdings Ltd manages three brands in the UK; Mail Boxes Etc., PACK & SEND and World Options, providing e-commerce, fulfilment, shipping, virtual office, marketing and print solutions to SMEs and consumers.

Delivering under these individual established brands and business concepts, the three companies, operating as part of World Options Holdings Ltd, together maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

World Options began working with Limitless PR in April 2023 to support its franchise growth and has now expanded the agency’s contract to provide similar support for Mail Boxes Etc and PACK & SEND. 

World Options Holdings Ltd managing director Mike Gratton said:

“We are pleased to report that we have experienced robust double-digit growth this year, consistent with our track record of steady demand increase for our services over the past several years. 

“World Options has seen a dramatic increase in entrepreneurial individuals who want to invest in a proven, life-changing business, whilst being their own boss and within a thriving sector. 

“Our services span domestic and international channels, and our commitment to simplifying shipping for our customers has removed common shipping barriers. Our monthly shipment figures for this year have consistently exceeded the previous year’s, reflecting our positive trajectory.

“Growth in the last year puts us on track for our UK target of achieving 30% year-on-year growth by collaborating as one cohesive network alongside our franchise partners.

“We are now working with Limitless PR to develop increased brand awareness and understanding across all our three brands, with a particular focus on franchisee audiences for each, to support our ongoing growth as a group.”

World Options Holdings Ltd managing director, Mike Gratton

World Options Holdings is part of MBE Worldwide, which in 2023 served over one million business customers worldwide through its multi-brand operations (Mail Boxes Etc. [except in the US and Canada], PrestaShop, PostNet, PACK & SEND, Spedingo.com, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity and World Options), generating €1.4 billion.

Burton Roofing Group expands board with new Commercial Director

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

York-based Burton Roofing Group has expanded its senior team by appointing Martin Armour as its new commercial director. 

With over 35 years’ experience, Martin joins the Group from Calder Industrial Materials (CIM), where he was commercial director. The company is the UK’s leading supplier of lead sheet and lead engineering products to the roofing, healthcare, aerospace, defence, industrial, marine, oil & gas, security and research markets.

Initially appointed as the commercial director for CIM’s building products division, he was promoted to commercial director for all of CIM’s UK businesses in June 2021, which had a turnover of £32 million and was part of the Calder Group which has an annual turnover of €200 million. 

Before joining CIM, he was regional manager for the Birtley Group, a leading producer of steel products for the construction industry. He also spent ten years with Thermalite, where he was the company’s divisional support manager and held senior roles with Naylor Utilities, MEA UK and Peter Savage Ltd. 

Burton Roofing Group’s managing director, Ian Leigh, commented on Martin’s appointment. He said: “Martin is a fantastic addition to our senior leadership team and brings the skills and abilities to help us achieve our objectives. He has an excellent track record in creating successful commercial strategies and creating high-performing teams that have helped propel businesses forward. It’s great to have him at Burton, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact he’ll have.”

Martin added, “Burton Roofing Merchants is well-known in the industry and has an ambitious but pragmatic growth plan. The business is perfectly poised to be the leader in its field – it has an expert team of people across the company who want to be the best. 

“It’s evident from our colleagues at our branches and the senior management team that we all share the same vision: to provide the best products backed by outstanding customer service.

“Joining the business at a pivotal point in its growth excited me, and I’m looking forward to working with customers, suppliers, and colleagues to deliver our vision.”

Burton Roofing Group, which trades under the Burton Roofing Merchants, Rinus Roofing Supplies and Discount Roofing and Building Supplies, operates 38 branches across the UK and employs 400 people. 

The Group’s annual turnover is approximately £160 million, and it is part of the multinational Cupa Group, which comprises 75 businesses with subsidiaries in nine countries and 25 quarries.

Hit your target: strategic communications done properly

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

From small businesses consisting of just one or two people, to large corporations of hundreds and thousands, there’s still a formula to follow that will ensure your communications have the desired direction and impact, meaning your messages hit the right target. If you’re creating a strategic communications strategy for the coming year, check out our advice here.

We asked four of our seasoned public relations and communications specialists for their top tips for strategic communications and the power of sharing a good story.

Power of Purpose

Greg Wilson - Strategic Communications - Limitless PR

Greg Wilson, on the benefits of authentic brand purpose:

“Having a true purpose is at the heart of any genuine brand story. And when you have an integral purpose, you have a great story to tell.

“Purpose includes an intrinsic set of values, that drives a business beyond increased annual profits or shareholder benefits.

“Let’s be clear about purpose and not let it become just another buzzword.”

Authentic storytelling

Claire Stephenson MCIPR, on genuine content and storytelling:

“Authentic storytelling can greatly impact your public relations efforts. Creating content that has a genuine purpose, but moreover, adds real value to your stakeholders/audience. Aim for this.

“People have had enough of cheap gimmicks and blatant sales pitches: they want fresh, honest and clever stories from brands they can trust.”

Claire Stephenson - Limitless PR - Strategic Communications

Internal communications

Limitless Public Relations - Strategic Communications

Michael Gregory MCIPR FRSA, on internal communications:

“Don’t forget the importance and power of internal communications.

“If you’re embarking on a strategic communications campaign, let your people know first what’s happening in your organisation.

“Don’t let them find out what’s happening in the media.”

Quality of content

Mark Sutcliffe, on the quality of communications content:

“The first step to posting higher quality content is to step off the treadmill and refocus time and resources on creating high-quality content that’s relevant to the target audience to achieve what we, in the trade, call ‘cut-through’.

“Giving greater care and consideration to what you post in terms of its appeal, relevance, usefulness, originality, distinctiveness and creativity is likely to achieve greater ‘cut-through’ than wishing all your followers a ‘fab weekend’ or ‘happy Tuesday’.

“Setting the quality bar higher will inevitably reduce the volume of content an organisation is capable of creating. Social media platforms will continue to reward frequency, but genuinely engaged audiences will appreciate the improved quality of the information you share.”

Limitless Public Relations - Strategic Communications

As always, we are here to help if your business needs a powerful strategy to ensure that your audience(s) are kept informed and engaged in the best way possible, driving your business forward.

Message us here or call 0845 625 0820 to see how we can help your organisation be known.

Planning application approved for £7.4 million refurbishment of former magistrates court into offices and retail space 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Preston City Council’s plans to transform the Grade II Listed former magistrates court have been approved. 

Amounderness House will undergo a £7.4 million refurbishment and is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.

Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering, with Amounderness House located beside the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex, which is under construction and due to open in Spring 2025. 

The refurbishment of Amounderness House, originally built in 1857 as a police station with several holding cells, will be transformed into a high-quality modern, flexible, multi-use workspace hub that Wrkspace will operate. 

Designed by FWP Architects, the sympathetic refurbishment of the Grade II listed building will create 26 offices circa 645 sq. ft and four craft or retail studios. In addition, the existing courtyard will be updated and open for public use.

Maple Grove Developments is working with Preston City Council and Wrkspace as Project/Development Manager to deliver the project.

Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth, said:  

“It’s fantastic to see this magnificent building being brought back into use as it will help stimulate business, cultural, and community uses in Preston city centre. We are making significant progress in regenerating the Harris Quarter and seeing a ripple effect of interest in what Preston is achieving as an attractive place to live, work and play.”

Leader of Preston City Council, Cllr Matthew Brown, added: “On the back of this excellent news we can transform Amounderness House and capitalise on this asset being in public ownership and using it to support growing local businesses. Furthermore, in line with our Community Wealth Building principles we’re working with Preston-based Wrkspace to run this important heritage asset as it helps to boost our economy.”

Nik Puttnam, senior development manager with Maple Grove Developments, added: “Bringing new purpose to older buildings like Amounderness House is rewarding and we’re looking forward to making a start on the transformation of this superb historic building. Renovating listed buildings comes with its challenges, especially one that has been vacant for so long, but when complete it will complement other projects in the Harris Quarter and be an economic driver for the city centre .”

Rizwan Seth, managing director of Wrkspace, concluded: “The Wrkspace team are looking forward to welcoming Amounderness House into our flexible office space portfolio. The addition of a high quality city centre provision, compliments the existing business centre offering across the North West. Amounderness House will be a beacon for growth for new and existing businesses within Preston, encouraging flexible workspace provisions as the ever-changing working requirements evolve”.

Smith & Love Planning Consultants submitted the application on behalf of Preston City Council and the wider project team for Amounderness House, including Cowburn-Watson Box, SCP Transport, Eden Heritage, E3P, TRP Consulting, and Graham Schofield Associates.