Member Article

Digital services and US focus drive growth at Appeal

Harrogate-based PR and digital profile specialist Appeal has enjoyed a record half year with five new contracts boosting sales and driving growth into 2018.

“We’re seeing more and more demand for really targeted campaigns that blend digital and media relations activity to drive leads. Our focus and investment in Google and search skills, coupled with our push to open a US base last year, is leading to new opportunities and growth,” said Paul Snape.

A raft of contracts worth over £200,000 from clients including Leeds City Council, The Department for International Trade, software firm Solutionpath, medical devices supplier Neo G and Manchester Metropolitan University, have contributed to growth of 35% year on year in the six months to 31st December.

“Our focus remains on Yorkshire B2B firms, with our long-held financial and professional services client base also welcoming the new contacts and skills we’re bringing from the other specialisms, including work in the USA through our Great British Marketing brand and US network. Fortunately, we have built up a loyal portfolio with many of our clients working with us for an average of six years and rising,” he added.

The five-strong team in Harrogate is set to grow with at least two new hires in media relations and digital roles in 2018, and two new US consultants have been recruited as the firm’s transatlantic workload continues to expand with clients including a US law firm, a logistics provider and The State of Rhode Island’s commercial support organisation, Commerce RI.

Originally established in 1998, Appeal is one of the region’s longest established boutique agencies and has diversified into lead and strategic sales content generation to supplement its long track record in online, print and broadcast media relations. Appeal’s established clients include business rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor, JCT600, gritter manufacturer Econ, Leeds law firm Clarion and cold storage and transport operation Reed Boardall.

“We’re lucky to be based in the Leeds City Region, where there has been a new wave of optimism and ambition in businesses, whether that’s for trading in Yorkshire or further afield, and we’re really looking forward to growing with them in 2018,” he concluded.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .