Palletways Group: Taking the express logistics business to market leader across Europe

Client

Palletways

Sector

Transport and Logistics

What we provided

Design and Digital, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement

Background.

In 2001, JBP was appointed by Palletways to provide PR support to meet its aspirations to become the undisputed market leader in the express distribution of small consignments of palletised freight across the UK and Europe.

Plan of action.

A major national and pan-European media relations/social media content programme promoting all the game changing developments and achievements at Palletways – from financial milestones and growth stories to leading the way in technological innovation.
The industry’s first ever national radio campaigns during Fifa and Rugby World Cup tournaments to build national awareness of the Palletways brand.
A major campaign on behalf of Everyman, the Institute of Cancer’s initiative to progress research into male cancers, as the logistics workforce is predominantly male. The initiative has positioned the business as one that cares about the people that work in the industry.
A major brand visibility stunt involving a world record attempt of branded balloons crossing the English channel, including the Palletways balloon – the stunt was featured in many national papers and on broadcast media channels resulting in coverage worth millions of pounds.
A 24/7 crisis management service for Palletways to proactively manage reputation at all times in the unlikely event of any incidents occurring.

Results.

Average of 350 pieces of media coverage generated on the business every year.
The company has grown from a £20m business to one that turns over a quarter of a billion pounds today.
The PR programme was instrumental in attracting private equity funding for the business from 3i by securing a whole page article in the Sunday Times on the business as the company was looking to attract financial backing as part of a Management Buy Out.
Palletways has made a significant contribution to furthering research into male cancer through its long standing support of the Everyman campaign.
Today the business is recognised as the number one pallet network in the UK and Europe and has resulted in the business being acquired by two listed companies in the last 10 years, including Imperial Group and DP World Company.