Can you tell me a little bit more about APS Group?
“APS Group was founded more than 50 years ago as a printing firm but has grown considerably since then. As an international marketing company, the business is now multi-faceted in its approach to providing solutions for customers worldwide. APS Group delivers managed print solutions, data driven customer communications, retail interiors, secure transactional output and marketing solutions. This has allowed it to sustain its position as a market leader by adapting to changing client requirements and offering new and innovative services.
Origin was established a few years ago to address the growing need for creative services across digital, including brand creation and brand development.
In short, from a traditional print background, the business now manages services that work across Europe and beyond. My role within that, and within Origin, is to provide all of the front-end services for clients, which include marketing consultation, digital strategy and multi-channel delivery.”
How did APS Group find the transition from print to digital?
“Our creative and artwork teams were really inspired to meet the challenge that digital presented. However, the main challenge was to guide and educate clients throughout the transition, explaining how they could now receive all of their marketing services directly through APS Group.
After we outlined our new proposition, our clients embraced the ability to outsource their creative needs to one company, compared to going separately to creative and digital agencies.”
How do you see the business developing in the future?
“We pride ourselves on the creative ideas, proactive thinking and entrepreneurial spirit our teams possess. For us, digital now underpins everything we do. We don’t just undertake client-facing projects; we also work with businesses internally to help them update their infrastructure.”
How does working in the Manchester digital sector affect the business?
“With organisations like the BBC moving up to Manchester, it is fast becoming a creative hub with digital innovation leading the way. Conversation in the industry at the minute tends to be around the future of digital as opposed to discussions about what we’re all doing now - innovations of tomorrow is always the topic of the day.
“We have teams from all over the UK who come to Manchester and they all talk about the buzz in the city. It’s a great place especially if you’re interested in doing something different in this industry - there is plenty of enthusiasm to get behind new ideas.”
