Case Study: Brims Construction
Introduction
BRIMS Construction, based in Sunderland, has expertise in building and civil engineering, dating all the way back to 1882. Due to our vast network and knowledge of built environment marketing and PR, we were asked to provide support to BRIMS Construction, at a time when they were about to embark on a transformational acquisition deal.
The project
We have a longstanding relationship with John Wood, former chairman of Gateshead-based building contractor Tolent. He is also father of Jason and Richard Wood, owners and directors of BRIMS Construction, alongside Ian Clift. In February 2023, Tolent went into administration, and BRIMS Construction purchased the Teesside Office, in an attempt to save local jobs and a business that was close to their hearts. That’s where we came in, as we were asked to provide PR and photography support for the acquisition story.
Our approach
Timing was crucial in this project, as the administrators were already heavily involved in the closing proceedings and many redundancies had already been made. BRIMS Construction's intentions had to remain quiet, because if news broke prematurely, the whole impetus of the story would be lost. We had three days to complete the work - from our initial briefing, to drafting the article and distributing it to the media.
From our perspective
It was gratifying to be asked to handle this piece of work, given its significance to both John Wood, and to BRIMS Construction. John was extremely disappointed about Tolent’s demise (he had retired as chairman some three years earlier), and Jason and Richard were keen to salvage what their father had started and secure the opportunity to expand it in future. BRIMS forecasted that they would save 150 jobs and that the takeover would increase their turnover by £15-20 million.
Our managing director, Philippa Clothier, had provided PR and marketing support for Tolent in the 1990s and felt very motivated to ensure a good media outcome for the story, as well as play a part in the rescue deal.
The results
Thanks to our agility and ability to draft the story and arrange the photography with our trusted photographic partner, The Bigger Picture, the news was circulated to all of the regional and trade media three days after the task was assigned to us. The story received coverage on 18 news platforms, including a feature article in Construction News and Northern Insight Magazine.
In February 2024, which will mark a year since the takeover, we aim to do a follow-up story to assess the impact of the acquisition.
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