Member Article

Birmingham marketing agency celebrates 30 years in business

A Birmingham-based full service design, digital and PR agency, has celebrated 30 years in business by throwing a party for its clients.

Barques welcomed more than 120 guests to the event at creative studio, The Compound, a 10,000 sq ft former textile factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, housing a 25-seat cinema, a speakeasy bar, an art studio and mezzanine floors.

Formed in Sutton Coldfield in 1989 as part of an architectural practice, Barques has grown from two members of staff, to employing a team of 18 individuals. They include website developers, graphic designers, marketing strategists, PR consultants and SEO and social media specialists.

The agency, which has developed a reputation for its expertise in the commercial property and construction sectors, delivers services to clients across a wide range of other industries including manufacturing, financial services and law.

Its varied client portfolio includes brands such as Stoford Developments, Calthorpe Estates, British Council for Offices, University of Birmingham and the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham.

Barques founder and managing director, Jilly Cosgrove, said: “We are hugely proud to have reached our 30th anniversary in business and it is fitting that we were able to celebrate the occasion with such a fantastic group of clients, some of whom have been with Barques for much of the last three decades and many of whom have become personal friends.

“We have seen so many changes within our industry in the last 30 years, especially in the rise of digital and social media. It is incredible to think that our agency pre-dates the World Wide Web! What is satisfying is that we have retained a spirit and commitment within the business to adapt and change. It has enabled Barques to remain at the forefront of advances in the sector and meet the changing needs of our clients.”

Barques moved to Birmingham city centre more than a decade ago, before acquiring its current premises in Ludgate Hill in 2008. The agency is a keen supporter of a host of local charities and good causes, including Property for Kids, Smart Works and Openland.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Janet Curry .