Leeds marketing agency delivers new jobs after investing in digital technology

A direct marketing business, which was established at the Leeds Beckett University business incubator, has won contracts and created new jobs with the help of a £10k funding voucher.

Launched in 2006, Blueberry Marketing has used the voucher to upgrade its in-house digital technology.

The £1m turnover agency now employs 28 people at its Leeds city centre offices where it delivers data-driven marketing projects to a client list that includes the exam board AQA, insurance group Zurich Municipal, the Department of Trade and Industry and London South Bank University.

Faresh Maisuria, Blueberry Marketing founder and managing director, said the £10k funding, which came via the Government and European-backed Digital Enterprise programme, had been ‘transformational’ for the business.

Faresh commented: “As a small business reliant on the data handling ability of our systems to be productive and efficient and to deliver for clients, we were struggling with outdated technology.

“We needed to make several improvements to our IT and telephone systems. When we heard about digital funding available for the Leeds City Region through Digital Enterprise that was a game changer for us.”

The Digital Growth Voucher scheme for SMEs provides funding of between £2,000 and £10,000 towards new hardware and software, or to upgrade broadband connectivity.

Mr Maisuria applied for a £10,000 Digital Growth Voucher, which the business used to part fund an upgraded IT infrastructure including a super-fast internet connection and VoIP telephone system.

He added: “We haven’t looked back since we upgraded our technology. We were very clear that this was what we would need for the business to be successful and grow but it always seemed to be beyond our reach.

“The new infrastructure means we have been able to expand our client base as well as being much more flexible, which has triggered some major client wins. We’ve also been able to improve our quality process and improve compliancy, as well as reinvigorating our online presence and adding new services.

“One of the best results from our Digital Growth Voucher funding is that we have been able to recruit six rather than four new members of staff as well as a new apprentice. Staff retention is also much improved as the new IT systems mean it’s a far less stressful environment to work in.”

Muz Mumtaz, Digital Enterprise programme manager, commented: “Blueberry Marketing is another fantastic example of a small business that has seen a really positive impact from Digital Growth Voucher funding.

“The scheme enables businesses to transform their digital dreams into reality. It’s a simple and quick process to apply and we are urging eligible businesses to sign up before the current phase of funding closes on 15 June.”