Latest news
August 2010 - Agency presses ahead with publishing projects.
Specialist media consultancy, Press Ahead, is currently working on two major projects, on behalf of Iliffe News and Media and DC Thomson, that will see the publishers use market research and testing and improved customer insight to better understand their markets, broaden their services and maximise their sales revenues.
The North East based media and marketing agency has been awarded the contract to oversee a significant research project on behalf of Iliffe, which will lead to a strategic review of the positioning of the company’s products and services across five marketplaces, covering Cambridge, Burton-on-Trent, Milton Keynes and two locations in Hertfordshire.
The research, targeting readers, web users and non-readers, includes in-paper, online and on-street questionnaires, followed by a series of focus groups that will help Iliffe gain a better understanding of its markets, and to explore ways of expanding its services to better suit its customers’ needs.
Andy Gough, managing director of Iliffe Digital, said: “We are really keen to attain a clearer view of our online customers’ profiles, interests and reading habits, and to identify ways that we can improve our product positioning to make our on and offline news and information services more appealing to them. It is increasingly important that we fully understand how best to utilise our various delivery channels to meet customer needs.
“Press Ahead’s deep understanding of regional publishing, combined with a proven track record of project delivery, meant that we were highly confident in awarding them the contract, ahead of major international consultancies.”
Press Ahead was appointed after demonstrating extensive experience of fulfilling similar projects, including its ongoing work for DC Thomson. The agency has been working with the Dundee-based publishing group since 2008, and is now helping to drive the implementation of a new CRM system that will help DC Thomson develop non-traditional revenue streams.
With Press Ahead’s support, DC Thomson has already introduced a direct-to-consumer sales department, implemented a new telephony system, launched a new e-commerce website and established relationships with suppliers to assist with subscription services and order fulfilment.
John Thomson, business unit head at DC Thomson, said: “This project represents the first steps for us on a really important journey, and we already feel that we’ve gone some way towards improving our service and joining up our processes. The next step is to ensure that we really get to know who our customers are, so we can respond to their changing needs. Finding new revenue streams to complement our traditional cover price and advertising income is becoming increasingly vital.
“Press Ahead’s support has been absolutely critical, and I am sure that, with their ongoing guidance, we can demonstrate real improvements that will ensure we capitalise on opportunities to broaden our customer offer and strengthen the business.”
June 2010 - Summer expansion for Press Ahead.
North East PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has got summer off to a sizzling start with account wins and a new staff appointment.
The award winning Sunderland-based agency has added a number of new accounts to its growing portfolio, including winning the contract to deliver a marketing and public relations project for Durham-based corporate clothing business, Workwear Express.
Press Ahead is also embarking on a number of new campaigns for clients, including Newcastle Science City and Durham County Cricket Club. The agency has been retained to deliver a media awareness programme throughout the summer for Newcastle Science City and has also worked on a PR and marketing support project for the cricket club, linked to its landmark new sponsorship deal with Emirates Airline.
Press Ahead is also working on new campaigns for several other clients, promoting Newcastle Racecourse’ summer racing programme, which kicks off with the Plate Festival in June, leading to Ladies Day in July, and planning a major marketing push for Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham.
The agency has strengthened its team with a new appointment, recruiting Angela Telford. Angela, who studied for a BA Hons degree in Public Relations at the University of Sunderland, has joined Press Ahead as an account executive, after gaining experience at another North East PR agency, as well as the Irish Football Association and Sport N.I.
Russell Borthwick, managing director of Press Ahead, said: “Press Ahead has grown consistently over the last few years, and the continued development of the business is down to the hard work of a great team, delivering exceptional results for all of our clients.
“We are delighted to have further expanded our client portfolio, and to have added to our team. Angela’s appointment will ensure that we have the skills and expertise to continue to meet and exceed our client’s expectations.”
April 2010 - Press Ahead springs into action.
Sunderland PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has sprung into April by winning a business award at a glittering ceremony.
The growing agency scooped the top prize in the Business Growth category of radio station Sun FM’s annual business awards. The category recognises businesses that have achieved rapid growth during 2009, despite the tough economic trading environment. The award follows Press Ahead’s win at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards in October 2009, where it was named Small Business of the Year for companies of up to 50 employees.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: “Press Ahead has experienced phenomenal growth over the past year or two – both in terms of the size of the team and the number of client accounts we now work on. .
“We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional level of service to all of our customers, and in doing so we have managed to grow our reputation as a leading PR and marketing agency. To win this award is excellent recognition of the hard work we are putting in, to ensure we offer exceptional results for our high profile client base.”
As well as winning accolades, Press Ahead lent its support to a major regional business awards, sponsoring the Company of the Year category of the Durham and Wearside heat of the North East Business Awards – with Russell presenting the award to winner Jill Southern of Wessington Cryogenics.
He added: “We are passionate about the success of the region’s businesses and have long supported awards such as this one. It is vital that companies celebrate their success and, that as a region, we talk up the innovative enterprises that exist here, so sponsoring this award was just one way of us demonstrating our commitment to the North East."
February 2010 - Press Ahead adds to its marketing mix.
Award winning agency Press Ahead has added to its marketing mix, with two new staff appointments.
The Sunderland based PR and marketing agency – which was named Small Business of the Year at the 2009 Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards – has furthered its growth with the recruitment of two new team members.
James Ealey joined the team this month as a senior account manager. James was previously senior marketing manager at Ward Hadaway Solicitiors, where his responsibilities included business planning, budget management, brand management, event organisation, e-marketing and business development, alongside managing the marketing elements for the opening of the firm’s new office in Leeds. Prior to that, James held a senior marketing position at Trinity Mirror North East.
James’ appointment follows that of PR assistant, Mégan Waggott, who graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2009, after studying a three year BA Hons degree in Journalism. Her course covered newspaper and magazine writing, multimedia, media ethics and law. She gained experience working at the Hartlepool Mail during her time at university.
The new recruits are the latest additions to Press Ahead’s growing team, which has doubled in number in the last 18 months. The company’s client portfolio has quickly grown in that time, with Press Ahead having most recently been appointed to manage the public relations for Sunderland Software City, a project established to encourage the growth of the software industry in the region.
In addition, Press Ahead continues to play a role in the bid to bring World Cup football to Sunderland in 2018, as well as working alongside major regional organisations in projects to drive business success and regeneration in the region. And Press Ahead is demonstrating its commitment to this by sponsoring the Durham & Wearside Company of the Year Award of the Journal and Evening Gazette North East Business Awards.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: “I am delighted to have James and Mégan on board.
“We work hard to attract the very highest calibre individuals to Press Ahead and these two appointments have further strengthened an already fantastic team; bringing further expertise to the business.”
December 2009 - Christmas cracker for Press Ahead.
North East PR and marketing agency Press Ahead is seeing out 2009 in style, after scooping a string of new client accounts and preparing to deliver the next phase of a major campaign for the regional development agency.
The Sunderland-based consultancy, which was named Small Business of the Year at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards 2009, has significantly expanded its portfolio over the last year, adding 12 new clients to its books.
And the Press Ahead team has a busy year ahead, after securing four new contracts in as many weeks. The new accounts include New Skills Consulting, a Jesmond-based economic development consultancy and the development of a website to promote Sunderland on behalf of the city's Marketing Board.
The new client wins come as Press Ahead prepares to deliver the next phase of One North East's highly successful 'Passionate people. Passionate places' in-region engagement campaign, and ties up its work on the first phase of Sunderland AFC's successful 2018 World Cup Host City Bid.
Russell Borthwick, managing director of Press Ahead, said: "This has been a phenomenally successful year for us at Press Ahead and we intend to really build on the excellent work we have undertaken in 2009, and start the New Year on the front foot and with confidence.
"We'd like to wish all of our clients, contacts and suppliers a great Christmas and some fabulous headlines in 2010."
October 2009 - Press Ahead scoops business award.
North East PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has proven it's 'the business', after winning a prestigious regional award.
The Sunderland based agency scooped the Small Business of the Year Award, at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards 2009. The award was presented at a glittering ceremony, held at the Stadium of Light.
Press Ahead managing director, Russell Borthwick, said: "We felt that as a business, we had made great progress in a difficult trading environment, but that we were still perhaps a little way short of achieving an accolade like this - given the number of excellent small businesses in the area.
"The award is genuinely a team one - reflecting the input of staff and the confidence shown in us by our clients and partners. Just over five years after the business started, this feels like a coming of age - onwards and upwards."
The Small Business of the Year Award is the Portfolio Awards' most hotly contested accolade. Press Ahead beat off competition from a large number of entrants, and was chosen over four other shortlisted companies. The judges commended Press Ahead on establishing itself as "a leading player in its field, both in the city and on a wider stage", adding that "it has grown its reputation by continually exceeding the expectations of its many clients, from Wearside and beyond".
August 2009 - Press Ahead team strengthened with new appointment.
North East PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has strengthened its team with a new staff appointment. Lindsey Spears joined the team, as it continues to add to its number following a series of major account wins.
Senior Account Executive Lindsey joins the team at the beginning of September. After gaining a degree in Communication Studies from the University of Sunderland, Lindsey has spent the past eight years working on regional PR and marekting campaigns for clients including Business Link, Middlesbrough Council, Wynyard Park and the Learning and Skills Council (North East).
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: “Press Ahead has experienced significant growth over the past year, with the team having doubled in size since August 2008.
"Our most recent staff appointment adds a new dimension to the team, bringing further skills and experience, and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional results for all of our clients.”
June 2009 - North East PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has kicked off its summer with a new staff appointment, and the addition of a major new client.
The Sunderland based company has appointed Deborah Robinson, as it continues to strengthen its team following a series of major account wins. The recent appointment coincides with the addition of Sunderland AFC to Press Ahead’s client list.
Deborah joined the team in June having returned to the region after taking a year out to travel. A Northumbria University graduate with a BA Hons degree in Communications, Deborah has gained experience working as an in-house PR executive at Berghaus, the UK's leading outdoor clothing and equipment brand.
The new recruit will work on a number of client accounts, including the most recent addition to the company’s portfolio, Sunderland Football Club. Press Ahead has been awarded the contract to support the club, including the recent concerts and its bid to become a host stadium for the 2018 World Cup matches, working with the City Council to raise support and secure Sunderland’s place in the England FA’s official World Cup 2018 submission to FIFA.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: “I am delighted with the new appointment we have made.
"Press Ahead is going from strength to strength, with a fast growing, prestigious client base and a fantastic team. Deborah will bring a wealth of skills and experience, and I am sure she will help us to build on a record 12 months, and continue to deliver the exceptional results that we are known for as we head into our sixth year.”
March 2009 - Press Ahead wins two major accounts to promote North East England's great outdoors
Sunderland based PR and marketing company Press Ahead, will be getting outdoors and active over the next few months after winning two major contracts to promote the region as a great place to explore this summer.
Press Ahead will be managing an in-region campaign to promote Tyne and Wear, Tees Valley and County Durham. There will also be a national campaign to promote North East England as a great place to visit and get outdoors and active over the spring and summer.
The contracts are a great addition to the company's growing portfolio, and a further marker of its increasing success. Over the past year, the business has employed a number of new staff members, and relocated to larger premises in the North East Business and Innovation Centre to accommodate its growth.
Press Ahead's client list now includes Berghaus, Business and Enterprise North East, One North East, Newcastle United Football Club and Newcastle Racecourse to name but a few.
Press Ahead director, Chris Lines, said: "These new contracts are great additions to our client portfolio, and we look forward to delivering high profile campaigns, regionally and nationally, that show people all of the great days out that we have in North East England.
"These campaigns complement the work we already undertake for a number of clients, to communicate both in this region and beyond what a great part of the world this is. We are proud to be based here and very much look forward to launching and delivering campaigns that will show other people that this really is a great place to explore over the summer months."
January 2009 - Press Ahead wins brief to handle the public relations for Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE)
Wearside PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has made an exciting new business link, after winning the contract to handle the public relations for Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE), the organisation that operates Business Link, North East England Investment Centre and North East England Service Provider Register.
Press Ahead director Chris Lines said: "This is a significant account win for us, and a great new client to add to our growing portfolio.
"We very much look forward to working with the BE-NE team to deliver sustained positive coverage for them, and helping to raise awareness of the services they offer to businesses across the region."
November 2008 - Press Ahead scoops gold at CIPR PRide Awards
Sunderland PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has scooped gold at this year's CIPR Pride awards for its work supporting the opening of a retail outlet.
The growing agency beat off stiff competition to clinch the gold award for the best low budget PR campaign, recognising its work to promote outdoor brand Berghaus' flagship store in the Metro Centre.
It has been a strong year for the company, which recruited a new member of staff this month, a further addition to the increasing team. Matt Hipgrave, who has joined the team as a senior account executive, graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a BA Hons degree in History. He gained experience as a journalist working for local Newsquest title the Bucks Free Press, before joining former editor of the News of the World and Hello! magazine Phil Hall, at PHA Media. Matt has sector experience ranging from legal to charity and has worked for clients including Innocent Drinks, Age Concern, West Ham United, Hello! magazine, and Jebel Ali International Hotels.
Matt said: "I am delighted have joined the Press Ahead team, and look forward to playing a part in the continued success of the business."
September 2008 - Press Ahead supports North East England's glittering business awards
Marketing and public relations company Press Ahead has underlined commitment to North East England by sponsoring three regional business awards events.
The growing, Sunderland-based communications company sponsored the Journal & Evening Gazette Business Executive of the Year Awards, City of Durham Retail Awards and Sunderland Echo Business Portfolio Awards, three of the most prestigious occasions in the North East England business calendar. Press Ahead provided drinks for guests at all three glittering events.
Some surprise was expressed that a firm with a Scot at the helm was putting its hand in its pocket at the bar!
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: "Maybe I've been south of the border for too long! Seriously though, we are delighted to sponsor the awards. We believe it is important to talk up all of the great things about North East England and celebrate success, and providing the drinks at these events was a perfect way to say 'cheers' and show our support for the region and the talented people who live and work here.
"We are passionate about this area and this is reflected in the way we do business, many of the clients we work with and projects we are involved in."
August 2008 - Press Ahead swoops in to sponsor Falcons' Golding boy for another year
PR and marketing company Press Ahead is continuing to make its mark in the world of sports sponsorship, after sponsoring Jon Golding, Newcastle Falcons prop forward for a second consecutive year.
Morpeth- born Jon- all six feet and 18-and-a-half stone of him- joined the Falcons in the summer of 2006, having spent the previous two seasons with Rotherham. Press Ahead swooped for the player in August 2007, and is continuing to sponsor him for another year.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: "We are sports enthusiasts at Press Ahead and keen supporters of the Falcons, so, when the chance came up to sponsor Jon again, we jumped at it.
"Jon is a promising young player with a big future and I am delighted that Press Ahead is to be associated with him."
July 2008 - Press Ahead moves into new office
PR and marketing company Press Ahead has signalled its expansion plans by moving to prestigious new offices.
The Wearside-based agency has relocated less than two years after its first move, after outgrowing its previous premises. The need for a new workplace is a sign of how quickly the organisation has grown, with a number of new appointments and a rapidly expanding client portfolio.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: "The company has grown incredibly quickly over the last 12 months. We have an increasing team and a growing client list, so moving to the new office was important, and will ensure that we are prepared for the future growth of Press Ahead.
"The modern look and feel of our new office really does represent the ethos of the business, and it is spacious enough to accommodate, what we are sure will be, an even bigger team over the coming months."
June 2008 - Press Ahead is awarded the marketing and PR brief for Durham shopping centre
Marketing and communications company Press Ahead is entering the land of the Prince Bishops with its latest client.
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham has awarded the brief for its marketing and communications to Wearside-based Press Ahead. The company will manage above and below the line activity for the centre.
Reporting to centre manager Richard Toynbee, Press Ahead will begin work on the media alliances programme in the region, as well as organising a number of events to celebrate the centre's anniversary.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick said: "We very much look forward to working with the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre throughout this year and beyond.
"This account is a significant addition to our client list, and represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase our creativity and expertise, delivering a high impact marketing and PR campaign that will help attract people to the centre and the city. We have a proven track record of delivering excellent results for our clients, and as usual our highly experienced team will go the extra mile to deliver a successful campaign."
Prince Bishops, in the heart of the city centre, boasts 40 shop units and 400 car parking spaces, with stores including Bhs, Next, Monsoon, Fat Face, River Island, New Look, Boots, HMV and Superdrug, to name but a few.
April 2008 - Press Ahead lends its support for North East awards
Marketing and PR agency Press Ahead has demonstrated its support for North East England by sponsoring a regional awards event.
The Sunderland-based company sponsored the Culture for Success Awards 2008, which are organised by Service Network, part of Entrust. The awards recognise the achievements of companies large and small in North East England, rating them on customer service, personnel, winning new business and engagement with the region.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick played a key role in the awards, as one of the three judges rating the companies. Along with David Bowles, chairman of Entrust and Andrew Dixon, chief executive of NGI (Newcastle Gateshead Initiative,) Russell selected the winners, which included John Lewis Newcastle and Explain Market Research, as well as overall winner Darlington Building Society.
April 2008 - Press Ahead and Different continue their passionate embrace
Sunderland based PR and marketing agency Press Ahead has been reappointed to co-manage the next three year phase of One North East's regional image and tourism marketing programmes.
The Regional Development Agency has awarded the contract worth £3.7m during the initial period 2008-2009 to Different and its supporting partner Press Ahead, both of which have worked on the award winning 'Passionate people. Passionate places' North East England campaign, since its launch in 2005.
It has twice been named Leading Regional Marketing Campaign at the World Travel Awards and the TV advert was honoured at the 2007 Awards when it was named World's Leading Destination Television Commercial. As a result of the campaign, over 1,000 businesses, from SMEs to multi nationals, in the region have so far signed up as adopters of the 'North East England' regional identifier brand.
The campaign's success has also been underlined by ongoing national and regional market research which has demonstrated significant increases in awareness and positive perceptions of North East England; there has been a significant growth from 19% to 27% of people in region prepared to be proactive for North East England (an additional 160,000) since the campaign began.
Building on these successes, the campaign will now more directly support the business objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy, positioning North East England as a serious location for businesses of all sizes to thrive and as a region where innovative companies in key sectors are growing and making a positive difference to people's lives around the world.
Press Ahead will support Different, managing the in-region engagement programme, ensuring that local people and businesses remain actively supportive, while further developing media partnerships.
Press Ahead managing director Russell Borthwick added: "One of the most positive aspects of the campaign has been the way in which it has enabled the people and businesses of the region to feel real ownership and to get behind it acting as powerful advocates of the overall messages. We are very much looking forward to building on the fantastic momentum that has already been achieved."
November 2007 - TES launches colourful new magazine with the help of Press Ahead
When Exponent Private Equity acquired TSL Education Ltd from News International in the autumn of 2005 it turned to Press Ahead to project manage the £5m revamp of its flagship title the Times Educational supplement.
The brief included analysing processes, recommending a new workflow to deliver full colour on every page, negotiating with potential print suppliers, and working with the in-house operations, marketing, finance, sales and working with the in-house operations, marketing, finance, sales, and distribution teams to deliver a product which met reader and business ambitions.
The new TES in full colour with its distinctive and contemporary style and new glossy A4 magazine rolled off the press at Johnston Press' state of the art £62m printing centre at Dinnington in South Yorkshire on 9th November.
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