It was an exciting start to the year for UK sport, as the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) announced that a World Climbing Series event will return to the UK in June 2027.

Revealed at the launch of the governing body’s new 2030 strategy, Route to Adventure, the news marks a major moment for Climbing in Britain, bringing international competition back to the UK calendar for the first time since the Climbing World Cup Edinburgh in 2022.

Taking place one year ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the event, to be staged in Manchester, gives GB Climbing athletes the chance to compete on home turf in the build-up to the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, while providing sports and live event fans a rare opportunity to experience world-class competition in the UK.

Speaking on the announcement, Marco Scolaris, President of World Climbing, said: “Great Britain has a rich history in organising world class events and we are thrilled to be back with our World Climbing Series in 2027, in a city synonymous with sport.

“The timing is also perfect with the strength of the British athletes on the world stage, the climbers and the BMC have helped grow the climbing community in Britain. Since Toby Roberts capped a strong British Olympic performance with a gold medal at Paris 2024, everything has gone up another level.

“I’m excited to visit Manchester and see the reaction of the crowd not only to the British athletes, but all of our climbers. The British public always comes out to support sport, and now we will get to experience that amazing support firsthand.”

Paul Ratcliffe, CEO of the British Mountaineering Council, added: “It’s exciting to be able to confirm that a World Series climbing event will return to the UK in 2027 as part of the BMC’s major event programme. Hosting a competition of this scale in Manchester is a strong statement about the UK’s place on the international climbing stage and a great opportunity for our athletes, fans, the climbing community and the wider public to experience the sport at the very highest level.

“Our Route to Adventure strategy sets out how we will build on moments like this to support people into climbing and help them progress, whatever their starting point. Using major events to inspire participation, strengthen pathways and reinforce our commitment to inclusion is central to our long-term approach”.

The event, which will include Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, has been secured through collaboration between the BMC, Manchester City Council, Manchester Accommodation BID, World Climbing and substantial National Lottery investment through UK Sport.

To be amongst the first to find out more sign up for further information here.

We were proud to support the BMC on the delivery of the announcement.  For further information on our team’s extensive sports expertise including British Cycling, Mountain Mayhem, the Festival of Cycling, GB Taekwondo, National Road Series, and UK Athletics get in touch with [email protected].  Alternatively see here for a taste of our work with Simon Jersey on the business’s sponsorship of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Visitors in attendance at this year’s Manchester Art Fair Preview were left seeing double as the Mayor of Greater Manchester stood alongside a bronze bust created in his name.

The sculpture, which sees every fine detail of the Mayor captured in cast iron form, is the work of acclaimed artist Anthony D Padgett, and designed to address the representational imbalance of political leaders in national art collections.

It took the Morecambe based artist over 40 hours to create and weighs 18kg.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Greater Manchester Mayor said: “I’m a little lost for words, which doesn’t always happen, but I am, because it’s quite a thing to be confronted with a piece as powerful.  It’s quite an emotional reaction to it in some ways.  It’s a strange thing to come face-to-face with.  I look very intense, like Everton has gone one nil down in the Merseyside Derby is what I look like.”

Adding on what it means to him, the Mayor said: “I’m truly honoured by what Anthony has done.  No one has ever approached me with anything like this before and it was something that moved me quite a lot when he said he wanted to do it, and the reasons why he wanted to do it.

“To see the finished thing…the way Anthony puts it, as an artist of the North doing something on me, who has tried to dedicate my career to the North of England, it kind of matters.  That partnership between us both spoke to me a little bit, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to do it”

The Strong Agency was delighted to lead the communication around the unveiling, working with all parties to ensure a successful launch.  Effectively navigating a number of complexities, extensive national and regional coverage was enjoyed including The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The i Paper, LBC, Global Media, Manchester Evening News, About Manchester and Manchester World.

It was complemented by wider nationwide event coverage including aspirational titles Marie Claire and i Weekend.  Coverage continues to build, with over 90 features captured at the time of writing.  All featured in the client’s core target media.

Speaking on the decision to unveil the work at Manchester Art Fair, the Mayor said: “This [Manchester Art Fair] is an amazing event, walking in at the opening and seeing the crowds coming in and wandering around.  What an incredible celebration of Northern art.  To be at such a prestigious event, it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

The Strong Agency is proud to offer extensive expertise in art and cultural PR.  For further details on our work with Manchester Art Fair, one of the UK’s largest and most significant art fairs, see our case study, found under Strong Work.

We are proud to be recognised in Prolific North’s Independent Agencies to Watch list for 2025.

Returning for its third year, the annual event shines a spotlight on the North’s most exciting new and growing agencies, with The Strong Agency delighted to feature.

The coveted list recognises independent agencies doing phenomenal things, whether it be a big focus on sustainability, soaring growth with revenue, staff or clients, or making waves with diversity.

Agencies are nominated by trusted, knowledgeable and independent observers of the Northern agency sector and selected by Prolific North’s esteemed editorial team, who conducted its own robust research.

This year saw just 11 emerging agencies recognised from across the North of England and Scotland, with The Strong Agency delighted to feature.

Writing on The Strong Agency’s inclusion, Rachael Hesno, Features Editor at Prolific North, said: “Built on resilience, The Strong Agency has thrived through extraordinary challenges, including the economic downturn. Despite navigating more than most, the agency has been able to exceed its own growth targets, build a crisis and reputation arm, establish a solid B2C and B2B offering, and continues to invest in its team and the business.”

The prestigious list was announced at an exclusive event at Colony One, Silk Street, on September 18.  Attended by more than 100 movers and shakers from the agency world, it was an evening of inspiration, insight and networking.

The accolade is the latest in a series of industry achievements for The Strong Agency with the agency proud to have been recognised in every year of business.

Market-leading expert supply partner, Middledale Foods, has appointed The Strong Agency to lead the business’s PR and marketing communication.

Driven by insight, technical expertise, and a partnership-led approach, Middledale Foods helps customers to succeed in a dynamic market by delivering innovative ingredients, strategic sourcing, and resilient, sustainable supply chain solutions.

Customers and manufacturing partners comprise of some of the UK’s best known and exciting fast-growing brands including Yeo Valley, Baxters, and Arla Foods.

The Strong Agency will work with Middledale Foods to enhance brand visibility in core target markets, convey the business’s extensive breadth of products, services and expertise, and fuel the business’s continued growth.

Working with the business’ marketing partner, Food by Design, the agency will also guide the business’s social and digital communications strategy.  This will see a focus on LinkedIn and e-mail marketing.

The retainer contract comes as Middledale Foods looks to ambitious future growth, with expansion in the UK and internationally.

Speaking on the agency’s appointment, Managing Director of Middledale Foods, Sarah Summers, said:  “The Strong Agency has a proven track record of delivering campaigns that make a real impact, backed by strong strategic insight, a deep understanding of the market and a genuine commitment to delivery.

“The team has taken the time to really get to know our business and build trusted relationships.  I’m confident that the communications plans we’re developing together will support us in realising our growth ambitions.  First results are already having a demonstrable effect.  We’re delighted to have Jules and the team on board; they’re a valuable addition to the business.”

Founder and Managing Director of The Strong Agency, Julie Wilson, added: “With nearing 30 years’ expertise, Middledale Foods has quietly grown into one of the largest specialised food ingredient suppliers in the UK, enabling ambitious growth, operational excellence, and long-term value for forward-thinking food manufacturers worldwide.

“It has done so whilst building a culture where people and partner relationships are valued, performance is recognised, and contribution is rewarded.  We are looking forward to working together to raise the profile of Middledale Foods and positioning the business as a rightful authority in the specialist ingredient and food manufacturing sectors.

“The Strong Agency has a proven track record of producing campaigns that deliver positive business impact.  We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of Middledale Foods at this pivotal time.”

Huge congratulations to Strong client, Astra Group, on making the finals of the 2025 Sign & Wrap Awards.

One of the industry’s most prestigious events, the shortlist sees Astra Group nominated in not just one, but four categories.  These include Roll Out Campaign of the Year for its work with pioneering car retail giant, Arnold Clark, to roll out its £30m EV Charge network; Architectural Sign of the Year for its work with Europe’s largest indoor arena, Co-op Live; and Interior Décor Campaign of the Year, also for its work with Co-op Live.

Shining a light on the breadth of talent and expertise at Astra Group, the business is also nominated in the coveted category Signage Company of the Year (Over 30 Employees).

Speaking on the news, Astra Group CEO, Jim Kerr, said:  “2024 was a phenomenal year for Astra Group, with the business responsible for some of the year’s most significant and pioneering bespoke signage developments.  That wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team, our clients, and our partners.

“To have that work recognised by the Sign & Wrap Awards and see Astra Group acknowledged as finalists in four categories is fantastic.  We’re looking forward to coming together with our industry peers on March 25^th and raising a glass to all.”

The 2025 Sign & Wrap Awards are the biggest night in the signage and wrapping industry calendar.  They bring together sign makers and vinyl wrapping professionals from across the UK and Ireland to recognise and celebrate the very best of the industry.

We wish the team all the very best for the exclusive awards ceremony this March.

The Strong Agency is a Manchester PR agency skilled in building brands, driving footfall, and helping to grow businesses.  We provide a broad range of PR & marketing communications services for B2B and B2C clients including strategy development, reputation management, digital PR, copywriting, content creation, media relations, influencer campaigns, social media marketing, awards, events and crisis PR.  To learn more about Strong’s work in a broad range of sectors visit the case study section of our website.

This week we’ve been pleased to help shine a light on a brilliant initiative from Arnold Clark as we announced news of the project’s official signage partner, Astra Signs (Part of Astra Group).

The leading full-service provider of digital and traditional signage is proud to have been appointed by the car retail giant to deliver the signage for its network of ultra-rapid EV charging hubs, Arnold Clark Charge.

The six-figure brief sees Astra Group tasked with delivering signage for over 500 ultra-rapid chargers at 100+ EV hubs across the UK, as Arnold Clark powers ahead with its plans to create a nationwide EV charge network.  It is an initiative that has seen a £23m investment, contributing significantly to driving forward the EV car industry whilst meeting immediate requirements.

Speaking on the announcement, CEO of Astra Group, Jim Kerr, said: “As electric vehicles become increasingly common on UK roads, our charging infrastructure needs to develop and grow to meet rising demand.  Arnold Clark Charge is a brilliant initiative that is already contributing significantly to driving forward the EV car industry whilst meeting immediate requirements.

“We’re proud to play a part in bringing Arnold Clark’s vision to life with a suite of striking structural signage products fitting with the progressive automotive company’s ambitions.”

Work to design, manufacture, and install the units commenced last year and is well underway, with the Manchester headquartered signage company working closely with Arnold Clark to realise the business’s ambitions.  The target completion date is spring/summer 2025.

Read more about Astra Group’s work with Arnold Clark in Motor Trader, Transport & Energy, B Daily and NW Insider amongst other news outlets.  To learn more about The Strong Agency’s B2B and B2C PR and communications services see here or to discuss how we can help you with your PR & marketing communications needs get in touch at [email protected].

We’re delighted to have been appointed by EASELprojects to manage the PR and communication for Manchester Art Fair as the acclaimed art and cultural event returns to the city this November 15-17.

Established in 2008, Manchester Art Fair is one of the largest and most significant art fairs in the UK and has amassed over £7m in art sales since inception.

This year’s edition will see over 170 UK and individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces brought together at Manchester Central, complemented by an impressive programme of high-profile talks, immersive experiences, and workshops.

It is the fifth consecutive year The Strong Agency, has been tasked with promoting the fair, with the agency responsible for raising the profile of the event in the northern, national, and specialist arts press, and driving visiting attendance.

Speaking on the appointment, Director of Manchester Art Fair, Sophie Helm, said: “As we look forward to the return of Manchester Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary this November 15-17, we are delighted to announce our work with The Strong Agency.

“The team’s reappointment is testament to the creative thinking, hard work, and incredible outcomes delivered by The Strong Agency over the past five years.  Their passion for the event is unwavering and The Strong Agency a valued extension of our marketing and event team.”

Strong founder, Julie Wilson, added: “Designed for the collector, curator and the simply curious, Manchester Art Fair is a significant date in the UK & European arts and culture calendar.  We’re delighted to have the opportunity to further elevate the profile of the highly coveted event as we count down to the fair’s most impressive edition to date.

The appointment follows an in-depth strategic review of Manchester Art Fair and the event’s PR and marketing strategy.  Work is already underway with art enthusiasts invited to secure their place and save by booking advance tickets now at manchesterartfair.co.uk/tickets. 

The Strong Agency is proud to offer extensive experience in the arts & culture sector.  To discuss your PR and communications requirements get in touch at [email protected]

Iconic rooftop bar, Radio, has reopened at ME London to follow an extensive £2.5m refurbishment, and we’ve been delighted to lead the PR & communication.

Located in the heart of the West End, Radio rooftop bar is one of the capital city’s most coveted rooftop venues, affording spectacular views of London’s skyline, from St Paul’s Cathedral to the London Eye, The Shard, The Houses of Parliament and beyond.

Heralding a new era for ME London, the reopening of the iconic rooftop bar brings a fresh luxury lifestyle experience to the coveted 10^th floor venue, with classic and contemporary luxury furnishings fused with Eastern inspired detailing to create an environment that is sophisticated and yet playful.

Taking centre stage and one of the key attributes of the reimagined 220-seated venue is a beautiful back-lit onyx cocktail bar.  Trilateral in shape, the destination bar echoes the external structure of the luxury lifestyle hotel, from where Radio’s Asian-influenced discerning drinks menu can be experienced.

A menu of modern Asian dishes served with international flair effortlessly complements the drinks list delivered by Executive Chef Federico Crisafulli.  Formerly Executive Chef of the Italian Embassy in Tokyo and prior to this, Head Chef at Intercontinental Yokohama in Japan, and Michelin-starred Grand Hotel in Rome, Crisafulli brings with him a wealth of experience in Asian and international cuisine.

Reservations for Radio rooftop bar London are open now and can be made at [email protected].

For more information on the launch, which in little over two months has seen 55 features generated in the aspirational media and with a combined 7m reach, please contact [email protected].  Radio rooftop bar London is owned and operated by Upmarket Leisure.

We’re delighted to introduce Outside Of Ordinary to Strong’s portfolio of clients.

Specialists in building authentic active and outdoor brands that better connect to people and planet, the agency offers extraordinary thinking for brands looking to create a better future.

Working in close partnership, Strong will shine a light on Outside of Ordinary’s impactful work, further raising the profile of the expert team and its breadth of exceptional services in a suite of specialist media outlets.

With deep knowledge and experience of outdoor and active cultures, the specialist creative agency works in a number of transformational areas, collaborating with brands who are aiming to be extraordinary.  These include brand vision, creative strategy, creative narratives and story-telling campaigns, brand design, film and photoshoots, considered content creation, brand activation, and campaign guidance and asset packs.

Outside of Ordinary works with an impressive roster of clients including Adidas Terrex, Montane, Ronhill, TOG24, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment, Ribble Cycles, and the British Mountaineering Council, there are no shortage of powerful stories to tell.

We’re looking forward to sharing them.  For tips on building extraordinary outdoor and active brands, the team’s latest news, recent client successes, the odd bit of adventure, and #shootingthebreeze: Q&As with outdoor industry folk, visit Inside Out at outsideoforidnary.co.uk/inside-out.

With the arrival of a new year comes the opportunity to pause and reflect on the past.  And what a year 2023 has been for The Strong Agency.

We were delighted see our work recognised in not one but three industry-leading awards, with The Strong Agency crowned:

• PR Agency of the Year at the 2023 Prolific North Champions Awards
• Small Consultancy of the Year at the 2023 PRCA Dare Awards (North)
• Judges Choice Award at the 2023 MEN Business Awards

We were equally thrilled to see Strong founder Julie Wilson acknowledged and awarded Professional of the Year in the 2023 PRCA Dare Awards.  It is the third consecutive year that Jules has received the prestigious accolade and is an achievement of which we are incredibly proud.

In addition to the agency’s award-winning success, October saw a move into new premises for The Strong Agency with us delighted to join the Bruntwood Works community at Bloc.  It’s an incredible office space located in the heart of Manchester and provides Strong’s clients with access to a suite of state-of-the-art facilities.

The move coincided with us welcoming fantastic new talent to the agency, expanding our ever strong PR and marketing communications team.

And it’s not just the team that has grown over the last 12 months.  We’ve been delighted to expand our portfolio of clients in a wide range of sectors.

We’ve launched and promoted some of the UK’s most exciting new hospitality venues including Liverpool’s highest alfresco bar, 360 Sky Bar; Gino D’Acampo’s latest outpost, Gino D’Acampo Boar Lane, in Leeds; and announced Upmarket Leisure’s acquisition of Radio Rooftop, one of London’s most iconic rooftop bars located at ME London hotel.

We were also thrilled to continue our work with the north’s most prestigious art fair, Manchester Art Fair, as it celebrated its 15th edition in the city.  It’s a story we were delighted to document on BBC Northwest Tonight.

We’ve been proud to contribute to the continued growth and success of all Strong’s clients with  Groobarbs Field Kitchen celebrating a hat-trick of food and drink accolades in the 2023 Taste Cheshire awards, Astra Group awarded Wayfinding Project of the Year at the 2023 UK Sign Awards, and Mint Property Finance crowned Best Short-Term Lender in the 2023 What Mortgage Awards.

We’ve navigated the continually evolving business and media landscape and delivered a 100% increase in linked YOY coverage for one client alone.

We move into 2024 with exciting plans in place and look forward to sharing more over the coming weeks and months.

Should you be looking to build your brand, launch a new product, drive increased sales, reach new audiences, or elevate your market position we’d love to discuss how together we can make your business stronger.

Here’s to a wonderful 2024 and an award-winning year for all of Strong’s clients.