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Limitless Public Relations

New website for leading Scottish tourist attraction

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Ireland Consulting has launched a new website for Forth Boat Tours following the success of its digital marketing campaign promoting the previous website for the award-winning Scottish visitor attraction.

Forth Boat Tours provides cruise packages along the Firth of Forth and Three Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has been voted Best Day Out in Scotland in the Days Out with Kids Awards and Best Hidden Gem in the Remarkable Venue Awards.

Launched in 2022 by a former group account director and head of client services at Fat Media, Kendal-based Ireland Consulting provides marketing consultancy, brand development, website development and digital marketing to clients across the UK.

On launching the new website for Forth Boat Tours, agency head Ian Ireland said: “It has been a real pleasure helping to modernise the digital presence of one of Scotland’s leading tourist attractions.

“Prior to the new launch, our work involved an initial period of technical optimisation to improve search engine visibility – a considerable task given the size and complexity of the website.

“However, within the first three months, we had improved average search positions by more than forty places and increased traffic to the website by more than two hundred percent.

“With the site optimised for search, we have now delivered a major overhaul of the website’s user experience and front-end design, aimed to maximise customer conversion of visitors to the site.

“With the new site up and running, we are now set to launch an extensive digital and social advertising campaign to drive further traffic to Forth Boat Tours various cruise packages.” For further information go to: www.irelandconsulting.co.uk or www.forthtours.com

£10 Million achievement for Blackburn networking group

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

A Blackburn-based BNI chapter is celebrating after its members generated over £2 million in the last year, bringing the total amount of work referred within the group to over £10 million since its launch. 

Launched from a core group of just three members in 2014, BNI Infinity now boasts 21 members, meeting every Friday morning at the Hampton by Hilton, Blackburn.

The group is part of global organisation BNI, the world’s leading business referral organisation. With over 318,000 members in 77 countries, BNI provides weekly networking meetings for groups of businesses, who follow a focused meeting agenda that enables them to use their combined network of contacts to find business opportunities and referrals for one another.

Last year, its members in towns and cities across the UK & Ireland shared over half a billion pounds (£538m) of business between one another. Its chapters in Lancashire generated over £12 million in business for members in the same period.

BNI Infinity chapter president Ben Govier said: “The reason BNI is so successful is because its systems are built around building deep connections between individuals. That leads to the know, like and trust factor that is required to provide referrals into each other’s own valued contacts and connections outside the room.

“What further sets BNI apart is that all referrals are tracked on the app, so that members know exactly how much money they are making from their membership.”

BNI Executive Director for Lancashire Louise Eccles said: “A massive congratulations to what BNI Infinity has achieved, going from strength to strength since its launch.

“While the membership has constantly evolved since 2014, BNI Infinity can proudly say that some of the biggest names on the Lancashire business scene have enjoyed wild success from their membership, whether they joined as start-ups or well-established names already.

“BNI itself has undergone many changes since BNI Infinity launched and we’ve introduced new technologies that mean BNI members are now better connected with peers across the globe than ever before.

“Our message is, if you’ve never tried BNI, come along and see what we’re about. If you haven’t tried it for a while, come along and see what’s changed. Our doors are always open to people who want to prosper and grow through a community-based teamwork approach to building their business.”For more information go to www.bnionline.co.uk

Leicestershire artist finalist in national art competition

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Leicestershire artist Matthew Turner has made the finals of a national Art of the Year competition organised by international packing and delivery company PACK & SEND.

Competition organiser PACK & SEND provides a range of postal, freight, courier, packing and removal services, operating through a national service centre network, and specialising in the shipment of fragile, large, awkward and valuable items.

The company has handled packing and shipping of artworks by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Banksy, Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and Jeff Koons, and as an approved service provider to LAPADA, the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the UK, is a preferred supplier of art shipping services to galleries, collectors, dealers, artists and exhibitions around the world. 

Its annual Art of the Year competition celebrates the works of up-and-coming UK artists, with the winner receiving £250 vouchers to support shipment of their own art with PACK & SEND, as well as promotion across the international company’s own social media.

Whitwick-based artist Matthew Turner, came second place in this year’s competition with his space travel-inspired artwork, Saturn V.

Matthew’s art has been inspired by space travel since he first saw the Vostok rocket in 1995, while living and studying Art in Moscow. 

He says: “I studied for a Fine Art painting degree in the 1990s and had an opportunity to study at the Moscow Institute of Architecture at that time. The experience was very influential to me and my artwork and in particular the time I spent at the Moscow Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics.

“The technology struck me, the art and the symbolism. I went on to explore my own use of symbolism and abstract forms in my painting.  I am also influenced by Cold War space race propaganda and Retro Sci-fi art and my intention as an artist is to work in the great tradition of Artists in the NASA Art Program and Soviet Cosmic School artist.

“In April 2022 I was honoured to be asked to exhibit my work at the Legends of Space live show in Lausanne, Switzerland, in association with NASA and Lockheed Martin and last year I organised and co-curated an art exhibition at Leicester’s Space Park.

“I am an elected artist member of the International Association of Astronomical Artists and I was recently awarded funding from Arts Council England to visit Kennedy Space Centre and meet with Bert Ulrich and artists from the NASA Art Program, develop my creative practice and deliver STEAM workshops in the East Midlands.”

Matthew said: “I’m really pleased to have my artwork recognised in this way by PACK & SEND, which has worked with some of the most famous and respected fine artists in the world.

“It’s great to see an international company of their standing supporting and championing artists at a grassroots level, helping artists like myself introduce their work to wider audiences.” 

For more information about Matthew’s art, go to www.matthewturnerartist.co.uk. 

MBE appoints Pivotal for expansion in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

MBE Worldwide has announced the appointment of Pivotal as Area Franchisee for Mail Boxes Etc. in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, a move that is anticipated to create up to 65 jobs across both countries over the next three years. 

Part of MBE Worldwide, Mail Boxes Etc. is the world’s leading third-party provider of shipping, fulfilment, print and marketing solutions to small and medium enterprises and consumers across the globe, with a network of 1,826 franchise locations in 48 countries.

In 2023, MBE Worldwide 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.

Pivotal is a market-leading provider of cash and transaction management services across the UK and Ireland. With a growing customer base, Pivotal currently services more than 4,000 business customers operating from a network of accredited secure cash centre facilities. Pivotal’s services include cash in transit, cash processing, banking, ATMs, merchant services, secure storage, foreign exchange and engineering services.

Pivotal’s appointment as Mail Boxes Etc. Area Franchisee will see the company take over the support and development of the four existing Mail Boxes Etc. solution centres in the Republic Of Ireland (Dublin x 2, Cork, Killarney) and one in Northern Ireland (Botanic Avenue,  Belfast), while also aiming to open around 22 further solutions centres across Ireland over the next three years and a total of 40 over the next ten years. 

Mail Boxes Etc. UK managing director Mike Gratton said: “We are pleased to announce that Pivotal has been appointed as the Area Franchisee for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“This strategic relationship aims to provide enhanced support for Mail Boxes Etc. franchise partners across Ireland, whilst maximising opportunities to expand the network across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”

Pivotal CEO Terry Hughes said: “We are very pleased to announce Pivotal has been appointed as Mail Boxes Etc. Area Franchisee for Ireland and is looking forward to providing sales and operational support to improve the performance of existing franchise partners.

“Plans for existing franchise growth include boosting the B2B and online offerings of our existing operations to supplement their already strong performance in the retail sphere.

“Our ambitious growth targets to introduce further Mail Boxes Etc. centres across Ireland will commence with two new imminent openings in the Belfast area, with a planned total of eight across Ireland this year.”

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.

21Digital to deliver new website for North Valley Forge

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Blackburn-based 21Digital has been commissioned to design and build a new website for premium and luxury wrought iron gate and railing specialist North Valley Forge. 

Established over 30 years, North Valley Forge manufactures quality wrought iron and wooden gates at a 25,000 sq ft factory in Nelson, where its onsite showroom is the largest of its type in Europe.

The new website from 21Digital will feature enhanced video content and will be optimised to promote worldwide sales of the company’s estate gates, driveway gates, side gates, staircases and balconies, as well as its Ultimate Collection range aimed at high-end buyers around the world. 

21Digital creative director Steven Taylor said: “North Valley Forge has been creating unique wrought iron designs for over thirty years and is recognised as a leader in the industry.

“Their spectacular Ultimate range, aimed at country houses and prestigious luxury developments, is crafted in-house using age-old blacksmithing techniques passed down over generations, combined with excellent modern engineering by the company’s versatile ironworkers. 

“Home and garden is a key sector for 21Digital, so we’re really pleased to have won this brief with a local company who are such a prestigious leader in their field.” 

North Valley Forge managing director Peter Ratcliffe said: “As a local award-winning company, 21Digital has a strong reputation for providing effective online solutions to clients in the home and garden sector, so they were the natural choice when looking for a company to update our website.”  

Based at offices on Blackburn’s Trident Park, 21Digital is a multi-award-winning agency specialising in lead generation and e-commerce, providing digital marketing services including web design, web development, SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing and email marketing. For more information go to www.21digital.agency

World Options Leigh office expands with appointment

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Sarah Tomkins has joined the team at the World Options office in Leigh, Greater Manchester, as a Customer Support Executive.

Part of MBE Worldwide, World Options is the largest retail group of franchised shipping services companies in the UK. Its shipping portal allows business customers to compare quotes from the leading carriers, and to send and track shipments at no extra cost, but with increased customer service compared to booking direct.

Mick Sherlock and Nick Daley launched the World Options franchise in Leigh in January 2021. Now employing a total of five, the Leigh office is one of the company’s fastest-growing franchises and is set to grow its sales staff further in the first half of 2024 to support its ongoing growth, servicing businesses across the UK.

On commencing her role, Sarah said: “I am very excited to have joined the team at World Options. Many businesses find international shipping confusing and sometimes frustrating.

“We make things simple by providing one point of contact and advising on the best courier options for each individual shipment and by providing customers proactive information on their parcel’s or pallet’s whereabouts because of the extended service level agreements we have with all the main courier companies including DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and more.”

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. Companies within the group now maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

World Options Holdings is part of MBE Worldwide, which in 2022 served over one million business customers globally, generating Euro 1.3 billion of system-wide gross revenue through its network of over 3,150 business solution centres in 52 countries, and Euro 22 billion of gross merchandise value traded through its PrestaShop e-commerce solutions. For more information go to www.worldoptions.com

What climate rollbacks could mean for EV adoption in the courier industry

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

The adoption of electric vehicle (EV) technologies provides a huge potential opportunity for the courier industry to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. But while several barriers are already limiting timescales of adoption across the industry, Mike Gratton of World Options considers how current political developments could also affect wide-scale transition.

As a major part of the global economy, the shipping and courier industry has massive potential to assist worldwide efforts in achieving net zero, if it is able to implement changes on a cross-industry scale.

One of the largest opportunities comes from the potential widescale transition to EVs, though there are still several barriers to comprehensive adoption.  

Current barriers include underdeveloped charging infrastructure, anxiety around long-term EV performance, and also both EV availability and affordability. Charging infrastructure is particularly challenging for courier drivers who cover many miles each day, meaning the limited battery range of many EVs currently on the market can make it difficult for courier drivers to opt for electric vehicles.

That said, several of the major courier companies are investing in EV logistics and planning to expand their zero-emission EV fleets over the next ten years. So, while the use of electric vehicles in the courier industry appears to be increasing, the industry-wide transition is expected to be gradual. 

On an infrastructure level though, many are arguing that recent political developments could impact the pace of EV adoption. In the UK for instance, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year announced a major U-turn on key green targets, including delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars announced by his predecessor Boris Johnson.

This move has been criticised in some quarters for potentially increasing long-term costs and threatening the UK’s reputation as a global leader on climate issues, while vehicle manufacturers have accused the Government of moving the goalposts after they have already committed to major technological investments based on the previous targets.

Meanwhile, in the US, some have commented on a growing anti-EV sentiment among some right-wing politicians. Former President Donald Trump, now vying to regain the presidency, and other US conservative politicians have criticised EV policies, arguing that they threaten jobs and national security by increasing dependence on China, which controls much of the world’s battery minerals and manufacturing.

While these developments are not particularly helpful for an industry trying to improve its climate impact, and while significant challenges remain for the widespread adoption of EV technology in the courier industry, these are not insurmountable.

Working together for a common cause, and with continued investment in infrastructure, technological advancements, and supportive policies, the courier industry can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Mike Gratton is managing director of World Options Holdings Ltd which 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. Companies within the group now maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

21Digital wins Ascentis website contract

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Blackburn-based 21Digital has won the contract to deliver a new website for Ascentis. 

Established in 1975, Ascentis, based in Lancaster, is an award-winning provider of cutting-edge qualifications for education, training and business in the UK and overseas. Their dedication to world-class customer support has enabled Ascentis to become the largest provider of ESOL qualifications and Access to Higher Education Diplomas nationwide. 

21Digital won the contract to deliver the new website following the success of its work for Ascentis’ subsidiary IDL (International Dyslexic Learning Solutions Ltd), for which the agency created a new international, multi-lingual website to support growth in the US, Far East and Middle East for the cloud learning software provider.

Ascentis Group Commercial Director Paul Howarth said: “Ascentis has no shareholders. It is a charity, and its sole purpose is to provide the optimal level of service to all of its customers. We are committed to the provision of clear progression routes that enable learners to climb the qualifications ladder and achieve their lifelong aspirations.

“Following our successful partnership with 21Digital on the IDL website, we are very pleased to now be working with them to take the Ascentis website to the next level, as appropriate to our own growth ambitions in support of our customers.”

21Digital managing director Sam Fletcher said: “We have developed a great relationship with the team at Ascentis and are looking forward to working with them in partnership to deliver their digital strategy.”

21Digital is a multi-award-winning agency specialising in lead generation and e-commerce, with a range of digital marketing services, including web design, web development, SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing and email marketing.

For more information go to www.21digital.agency or  www.ascentis.co.uk. 

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.