Social Communications appointed by The National Lottery and First Ark Group

MANCHESTER-HEADQUARTERED Social Communications has been appointed to deliver a major video project on behalf of The National Lottery, and to lead on external PR and communications requirements for the First Ark Group, of which the core business is the housing association, Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT).

The £2million turnover agency will draw upon its integrated expertise and disciplines across PR, design, marketing communications and digital, to respond to two distinct briefs which have been set out by each client.

The National Lottery has appointed Social Communications to produce, film and edit, six pilot-promotional videos focussing on prominent athletes who have benefitted from National Lottery funding returning to their home towns in North East England. Each athlete will draw attention to other National Lottery funded causes in their local area, helping to raise awareness of the £39 billon that has been invested to date in more than 535,000 good causes since The National Lottery began 25 years ago.

For the First Ark Group, Social Communications will focus its PR expertise on promoting the good work being delivered across neighbourhoods and managed by its group member, Knowsley Housing Trust, plus delivering relevant human interest stories. The brief also encompasses delivering communications support and guidance for other members of the First Ark Group.

Agency founder and Group MD John Quinton-Barber, said: “Telling powerful stories is our lifeblood, so to have our video capabilities recognised by a major national brand is a real defining moment for this agency. We’re incredibly proud that The National Lottery has appointed our team following a very competitive tender process involving multiple national agencies.

“Additionally, our business’s foundations are built upon PR expertise in UK housing and infrastructure. It’s fantastic to see First Ark Group recognising our sector specialisms and the strength of work that we deliver for housing clients across the country. We’re looking forward to working with both organisations.”

A complete communications agency, five-year-old Social Communications’ client roster covers both public and private sectors and is drawn from housing, property, construction, education, rail, planning and major infrastructure.

Its current headcount is 33-strong, across its Manchester, Leeds and Bristol offices with the consultancy ranking #11 in Prolific North’s top 50 PR agencies 2018 power list.