One of the UK’s foremost remanufacturing companies in the automotive industry, Ivor Searle has been established for over 75 years. Blackbird’s extensive knowledge, experience and media contacts within this sector has enabled it to significantly improve Ivor Searle’s trade media profile and position the Cambridgeshire based business as the primary supplier of remanufactured engines and gearboxes to the automotive aftermarket.
Blackbird has a proven track record
in delivering compelling PR campaigns
across a number of industries
Automotive & Aftermarket
Aerospace & MRO
Engineering
Logistics
Manufacturing & Remanufacturing
Renewables
Technology
Aerospace & MRO
Starling Aerospace
Established for almost 25 years, Starling Aerospace is at the forefront of aircraft cabin interior refurbishment solutions for the commercial, business and private aviation industry and an expert in CAD design, engineering, fabrication and certification. Aerospace and aviation MRO PR specialist Blackbird was appointed to help Starling develop its social media and trade press profile, which has resulted in a significant uplift in market visibility and engagement with new and existing customers.
Engineering
Imperial Engineering
Established for over 60 years, Imperial Engineering is a leading independent distributor of parts and components for the bus and coach sector. With an objective to improve its market position and commitment to customer service, Blackbird has supported the business by managing a continuous campaign of targeted content for the trade media and LinkedIn. Imperial Engineering is now widely recognised as a primary OEM parts distributor and engineering support provider amongst bus and coach operators, including latest generation hybrid and electric vehicles.
Logistics
Stanley
Stanley Group is an innovative materials handling specialist for the logistics, retail and warehousing sectors. More recently, the business has also become an exclusive distributor of wearable technology solutions designed to improve the physical safety and efficiency of employees. Offering significant experience in logistics PR, Blackbird was approached by Stanley to develop a new brand and communications strategy to help position the business in its target markets.
Manufacturing
Atlas Copco
Established in the UK for over a century, Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions, across a number of manufacturing sectors. Manufacturing PR agency Blackbird was appointed by the company’s Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions division in 2017 to boost its editorial profile in a number of targeted B2B publications, as well as develop a portfolio of content in support of Atlas Copco’s digital marketing activity.
Renewables
Rapid Renewables
Rapid Renewables launched in 2022 to provide a comprehensive trade-only product distribution service for installers of renewable energy solutions with a major focus on supporting solar installers. Blackbird delivered a new website and managed the social media and external communication programme for this fast growing business, as well as managing the design and build of exhibition stands for Solar & Storage Live in London and Birmingham.
Technology
TransMach Systems
Established in 2011, TransMach is a leading contactless ticketing and travel software supplier to more than 300 public transport operators across the UK and Europe, covering mainstream bus services, inter-town coach and tram operations, as well as commuter, school and demand-responsive services. Blackbird was appointed to manage a programme of media relations, digital marketing and social media brand building, which has resulted in the business generating significant exposure and market engagement, leading to new contract wins and conference speaking opportunities.
Return on investment
A simple definition of ROI for PR would be the amount of money earned by the business after subtracting the cost of external agency support. As our tactics are varied, across many channels, it’s not always possible to make a direct correlation between expenditure and additional revenue.
An increase in website traffic may translate into immediate sales but it will have major value in generating awareness, referrals and potential future sales. A client’s reputation must also be considered.
ROI should be linked to corporate objectives, which Blackbird helps clients to achieve over a sustained period. Our experience shows that clients that have a positive profile benefit from increased business performance, which can be qualified as follows:
1. MEASURABLE BEHAVIORAL IMPACT
- Is the business generating more sales?
- Is the website receiving more traffic?
- Are executives securing more contacts and enquiries?
- Are more people recommending and referring your business?
- Is the business increasing online engagement via social media?
2. MEASURABLE MARKET POSITIONING
- Is the business gaining more media exposure across multiple platforms?
- Has there been an increase in commercial opportunities?
- Is the company brand extending its reach to new audiences?
- Has there been additional recognition from an industry award?
- Does the business have greater influence than competitors?
3. SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION
Search engine algorithms use backlinks to determine authoritative content, which influences ranking performance. Backlinks from news sources and the growing influence of AI search tools are becoming more influential in gaining higher rankings, which is a key focus of Blackbird’s PR service.
4. BRAND LOYALTY AND ADVOCACY
The role of PR is to increase brand awareness, create positive reputation and generate goodwill. Working with Blackbird will generate new customers and create brand advocates.
