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Limitless Public Relations

Smiths Hire Expands 21Digital Contract after Sales Surge 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Smiths Hire has expanded its contract with 21Digital after the Blackburn agency’s bespoke digital marketing campaign provided a 57% increase in sales of tool and powered access equipment hire from the Blackpool-headquartered firm’s 16 depots across the north of England.

Established in 1970, Smiths Hire has been supplying tools, plant and powered access equipment to trade and DIY customers for more than 50 years. Its hire range includes handheld tools, larger power tools, scaffold towers, access equipment, and specialised plant equipment.

The company also provides full turnkey setup for sites, providing everything from security fencing to accommodation and welfare units.

Smiths Hire chose 21Digital to deliver the SEO campaign based on the award-winning agency’s track record of results within the specialist trade and DIY e-commerce sectors.

The first campaign, which commenced in April 2022, delivered an overall rise in sales through a 139% increase in leads combined with an 85% increase in online sales conversions. 

Smiths Hire Marketing Director David Turner said: “At Smiths Hire, our slogan is Hire Strength You Can Build On, and working with 21Digital has lived up to that, while being an educational and enjoyable experience.

“The whole team have been exceptional and have significantly improved our online presence. With 21Digital’s help, we now compete more effectively against other national hire companies with larger budgets and more hire centres. Their strategic approach to PPC and SEO has provided us with measurable results that have helped drive our business forward.” 

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 or www.smithshire.com. 

World Options expands Northampton office

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Danielle Waterhouse has joined the team at the Northampton office of World Options as a Sales Executive.

Part of MBE Worldwide, World Options is the largest retail group of franchised shipping services companies in the UK. The World Options shipping portal allows business customers to compare quotes from the leading carriers, and to send and track shipments, with customer service provided by a dedicated account manager.

Northampton businessman Matt Patten launched a World Options franchise in May 2022, and is seeking to grow the business further, servicing businesses across the UK.

Welcoming Danielle to the company, he said: “We are very pleased to welcome Danielle aboard.  She joins us at a great time. With the global economy becoming more connected and with the boom in e-commerce, the courier industry is a growing market so it’s a great sector to build a career in.

“When shipping parcels worldwide, businesses can be confused by the number of options available and can often stick to one courier service, even though that might not be the best option for every package they send.

“World Options offers customers the opportunity to ship domestically and internationally with the likes of DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and more. We help businesses choose the right option for every shipment, and our bulk-buying power means customers pay a competitive price for their shipping –  cheaper than they could negotiate for themselves, whether that be for parcels, pallets, freight transport, documents or imports, either nationally or internationally.

On commencing her new role, Danielle said: “I am very excited to be joining the team at World Options. Many businesses find international shipping confusing. We ease the pain by providing one point of contact for the courier options we offer customers, and by providing customers with proactive information on the status of their shipments to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

“Matt and I commit to answering all phone calls within three rings, and World Options has extended service level agreements with all the main courier companies, so we can provide our target customers with more support than if they were dealing with shipping on their own. And of course, given the volume of business we are doing across our network – with all couriers, our customers not only receive excellent customer service but competitive pricing as well.”

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.

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone heralds careers fair success

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP, was the guest of honour at Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone’s Careers Fair on Thursday 29th February 2024. 

The event was attended by 189 enthusiastic young individuals for whom it offered insights into apprenticeships, training & development, and job opportunities, as well as guidance on overall health and well-being. 

The event was built on the existing collaboration between DWP and Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone and included contributions from a wide range of businesses, training providers, offering a comprehensive array of opportunities, including work placements, skills development, apprenticeships, and specialised courses. 

Training providers contributing to the event included, amongst others, The Prince’s Trust, Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning, Training 2000, IMO, Blackburn College, LEP, and NLTG.

In addition to career-focused opportunities, the fair collaborated with health providers to ensure a holistic approach to individual well-being, with contributing health providers including WHP, WHP Pioneer, Witton Park Greenhouse Project and Talking Therapies.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP, said: 

“It was brilliant to attend Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone’s Careers Fair, meet the local team, DWP colleagues and local employers who are creating great opportunities for young people to succeed at work, and to chat to so many fantastic young people who will be a huge asset to the workplace.  

“We are dedicated to helping young people into work, which we know improves mental and physical wellbeing. We are investing £2.3 billion in mental health services and expanding our DWP Youth Offer to give more under 25s the best start to their working life.”

Blackburn Youth Zone Chief Executive Hannah Allen said: 

“The employment fair is a regular feature in Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone’s diary and builds on the constant work of our Youth Hub Team. Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone launched the first Youth Hub in the country in 2021 after, along with our partners, we recognised how Young People were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Since the launch, the youth hub has supported over 700 young individuals, with 220 finding employment and 280 accessing training opportunities.

“This success has been aided by our brilliant community partners, our growing patron network of 74 businesses and the local authority awarding the service UKSPF. 

“The Careers Fair, a pivotal event designed to illuminate the vast spectrum of opportunities for young individuals, was a resounding success. We are particularly grateful to our patrons Accrol Papers Ltd, Herbert Parkinsons Ltd, WEC Engineering Group, Kingswood Homes, JDS Trucks Ltd, Darwen Terracotta and Blackburn College, in helping make the event such a success. 

“Minister Davies’ was given a tour of the Youth Zone by a group of young people who have benefited from our employment services and are now in full employment. The minister’s presence brought significant value to the fair, and she was able to share invaluable insights and expertise on the opportunities and challenges within the employment sector.”

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is part of the national OnSide movement – a network of state-of-the-art Youth Zones in the most disadvantaged areas of the country who collectively see 50,000 young people through their doors every year, providing access to highly-skilled youth workers who empower young people to lead positive, fulfilling lives.

As a charity dedicated to young people, Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone provides over sixty hours of services when schools are closed. 

With over 4,500 members benefiting, its provision takes place at a state-of-the-art centre in Blackburn and a satellite site in Darwen and also within the community. 

Core services are open for ages five to 19, with dedicated SEND and Employability services open to young adults up to the age of 25. For further information, go to www.blackburnyz.org

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.

Preston’s Animate scheme progressing

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

As part of Limitless PR’s strategic communications work with Preston City Council and the Towns Fund, Limitless’s Claire Stephenson got the treat of being shown around onsite the ongoing £45m Animate development scheme in Preston. The development is being carried out by Eric Wright Group’s Maple Grove Development and is owned by Preston City Council. 

The complex will open in early 2025, and will be a brand-new leisure and entertainment complex at the heart of Preston’s city centre. 

Animate is almost fully let with national brands such as Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers who are already signed up as tenants. The complex will include:

  • 16-lane bowling alley
  • 8-screen cinema
  • 164-space car park
  • Bars & restaurants
  • Public terrace

…with more to be announced, it’s already looking great!  

Claire said:

“It was so good to be on the other side of the development, looking down over Preston rather than upwards from outside the barriers! The space in the new build feels vast inside and it was exciting to see the cinema spaces being developed. 

“I was shown around and spoke with two of Eric Wright’s construction and surveying staff and I learned so much about their work and days on the project.” 

Read more on the scheme at Invest Preston.

Neurodivergent Manchester Artist Wins National ‘Art of the Year’ Competition

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Neurodivergent Manchester artist Charmagne Coble has been announced as the winner of a national Art of the Year competition.

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.

An approved service provider to LAPADA, the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the UK, 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 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.

Manchester-based artist Charmagne Coble won this year’s competition with her artwork Trace, a photographic artwork which uses the artist’s own body as a medium.

Charmagne Coble is a neurodivergent, British, fine artist who, after being a witness to her father’s death at 18 years old, began to use art as a way to express herself, creating a practice focused on loss, trauma and mental health.

Her art also confronts the intense subject of eating disorders through mediums of photography, printmaking and found mediums.

She has a Master’s Degree in Fine Art and has exhibited across the globe with her latest exhibitions including Sotheby’s, London.

She describes her winning artwork, Trace, as, “exploring the complex relationship between absence and presence and how difficult it is to separate the two”, using her own body as the medium to, “express personal experiences of decay and absence by leaving traces of the human body through powders on the skin.” 

Accepting her prize at her local PACK & SEND service centre at Salford Quays, Charmagne 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 the grassroots level, helping artists like myself introduce their work to wider audiences.” 

To find out more about how PACK & SEND works with fine artists, go to www.packsend.co.uk. To find out more Charmagne’s work, go to www.charmagnecoble.com. 

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.

Preston to be first site in UK for coworking specialist OneCoWork following appointment by Branco Capital

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Real estate investor and developer Branco Capital has appointed OneCoWork to operate its planned premium coworking centre at Winckley Square in Preston, Lancs.

The appointment represents the first coworking location in the UK for OneCoWork, which operates three centres in Barcelona with high-profile clients including Fortune 500 companies.

Once fully refurbished and due to open in early April 2024, the managed and flexible office hub at 33-34 Winckley Square in central Preston will provide more than 500 desks for individuals, teams and businesses.

Having acquired the 32,000 sq ft office building in July 2022 following Capita being a tenant for 25 years, Manchester-based Branco Capital plans a first phase of more than 300 desks alongside 4,000 sq ft of communal space, meeting rooms, event and conference spaces, a gym and kitchens.

After appointing Manchester-based Workspace Design and Build as contractors, Branco Capital committed to using local suppliers for the refurbishment and fitting out of 33-34 Winckley Square, one of the most prestigious business addresses in Preston.

Joshua Senior, director at Branco Capital, said: “OneCoWork share our ethos of creating communities and making a positive economic impact where they’re based, making them the ideal operator of Winckley Square.

“A multi-million-pound regeneration programme and outstanding location with excellent transport links, means Preston is powering ahead and proving to be an increasingly attractive place for ambitious people and fast-growing businesses.

“A lack of new office space in Preston means Winckley Square will greatly enhance and expand the amount of such space in central Preston, breathing new life into the building and attracting more people to the city centre.”

“Ben Nachoom, CEO of OneCoWork, added: “Preston is ideal for our first flexible workspace location in the UK. Its central position in the north of England, coupled with robust transport links, make it an accessible and strategic hub. The city is home to major businesses such as BAE Systems, benefits from close proximity to innovation centres like the University of Central Lancashire and contains a huge number of SMEs.

“Compared to other cities that have a more developed coworking market, Preston provides us with an opportunity to make a significant impact on the local entrepreneurial and business community.
 
“Flexible workspaces play a pivotal role in revitalising urban centres. They are more than just shared offices; they are incubators for collaboration, innovation, and community building. In secondary cities across the north of England, coworking spaces like ours serve as catalysts for economic development, offering a unique blend of flexibility, networking opportunities, and access to a diverse talent pool.”

 33-34 Winckley Square represents the latest property development for Branco Capital in Preston – alongside the recent launch of 14 luxury apartments with a communal library and yoga studio at Park Place, Chapel Street and planning permission being granted by the city council for 35 new-build apartments with gym, coworking space and terrace at a seven-storey building on Mount Street.

Branco has other residential and commercial projects across the North West of England and developed the 35,000 sq ft lifestyle hotel Leven and the forthcoming Maya restaurant on the corner of Chorlton Street and Canal Street in Manchester.