New scheme encourages Worcestershire businesses to use local PR firms rather than London-based agencies - The Redditch Standard

New scheme encourages Worcestershire businesses to use local PR firms rather than London-based agencies

Redditch Editorial 1st Nov, 2020   0

A RECRUITMENT agency in Worcestershire has launched a brand new service to shine a spotlight on the region’s marketing scene.

The Connect Online roster is the brainchild of Claire Summerfield and Laura Mercer, who run ‘Next Level Recruitment’.

Between them, have more than 30 years’ experience of marketing, creative, PR and digital recruitment, spanning permanent, contract and freelance roles.

Open to all agencies outside of London, new and established, large and small, the Connect portal is the first of its kind in the Midlands.




It gives companies who need external marketing, creative, PR or digital support, access to all of the regional agency talent, all in one place.

The roster can be searched via specialism, location or keyword. This generates a highly-tailored list of recommended agencies based on the search terms.


Businesses can then visit the agency websites, call or email them directly or contact them via Next Level Recruitment.

Co-founder Claire said: “We want to change the perception that London’s the best for agency support because there are so amazing agencies right here in Worcestershire.

“The roster enables regional businesses, who would ordinarily think to go to the bright lights of London to get top quality marketing, to look closer to home and use the exceptional agencies that are on their doorstep.

“Many businesses want to use local agencies, but don’t necessarily know who they are.

“Yes, they can Google them, but they don’t know if they’re any good.

“We’ve worked with most of the agencies that are on our roster at some point and can personally vouch for their level of quality work and customer service.”

Connect comes just six months after the launch of next level’s Talent scheme, which is aimed at showcasing the many talented marketing, creative, PR and digital individuals, who are available for work regionally.

Co-founder Laura added: “The regions are full of so many talented agencies and we want to do our bit to help the industry we love, and have worked in for so long, to survive and thrive beyond Covid-19.

“The more regional businesses use regional agencies, the more they can grow and employ more people, such as graduates, who are struggling to come through more than ever now, and people who’ve been made redundant due to the ripple effect of the pandemic.”

Visit mynextlevel.co.uk/connect/ for more on the scheme.

Worcestershire agencies interested in being added to the roster, should email Claire or Laura at [email protected] or [email protected]

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