A Huddersfield-based B2B PR agency,Scriba PR, has been hired to help launch a HR firm specialising in the complex area of ex-offender employment.
Offploy offers clients the full services of a HR department, to help with the recruitment of former criminals – including guiding companies through the legal aspects of hiring ex-offenders, screening CVs and mentoring hired individuals, up to 12months after being placed in employment.
Scriba PR – based at Heritage Exchange in Lindley – has been appointed to support Offploy with all communications activity for its regional and national launch and to help shout about the commercial and societal benefits of employing former criminals.
Huddersfield firm Fifth Planet has also been brought in to execute the design aspects of the launch, from the newly-revealed website, to engaging marketing materials such as video.
The idea for Offploy was born from within the confines of a prison cell – after founder and entrepreneur Jacob Hill was caught selling cannabis at a music festival and served 294 days of a 28 month jail sentence.
Jacob’s time in prison meant that it was imperative for him to choose a PR consultancy that would carefully manage the media, whilst maximising exposure for Offploy.
Elaborating on his reasons for choosing Scriba, Jacob said: “I considered a few agencies from the local area – it is obvious we have a lot of talent in Yorkshire and I am proud of that.
“Ultimately my choice to go with Scriba was their ability to delve in to a client’s industry, no matter how technical, and share it in a language that everyone understands. You cannot put a price on getting the right message out there. I am excited to see our relationship with Scriba grow going forward.”
The initial launch – which included setting up media interviews, creating and managing social media accounts, crafting website copy and drafting and issuing the introductory press release – resulted in Offploy receiving its first ‘official’ sales enquiry, just two hours after the story went out to the press.
Commenting on the success of the launch, Scriba’s founder Katie Mallinson said: “We’re delighted with the coverage we’ve gained so far – there’s been a lot of media interest around Offploy’s launch and we’re excited to help the business grow over the next few months.”
Offploy has already attracted investment for growth from charity UnLtd and private investment from successful Hull businessman Nigel Stabler, who offered ongoing strategic mentoring as well as the injection of funds, back in April.
Renowned entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson has also shown his support, who praised Jacob’s entrepreneurial efforts on a Virgin blog entitled ‘Everyone deserves a second chance’.
This new contract comes hot on the heels of Scriba’s third birthday and the announcement of partnering with new tech event, TechTrade Yorkshire. Other clients include The Media Centre, software vendor Cascade HR and marketing automation specialist Force24.
