When our client, The JAQ Group needed planning permission for a new manufacturing and storage facility to be constructed just outside Ballymena, Co. Antrim, they tasked us with developing and delivering a comprehensive public affairs campaign.
The result: successful planning approval from the local Council!
So how did we help achieve this?
The JAQ Group is an impressive fast growth, innovative e-commerce fragrance business that produces a popular range of perfumes and skincare products including well-known brands, The Essence Vault, Liquid London and Thomson Carter and has a third-party logistics company, JAQ Fulfilment. The new facility in Ballymena is due to create 300 jobs and is part of an £11 million investment by the company.
Here at NAKEDPR we used our considerable public affairs experience to firstly identify the key stakeholders that we needed to engage with to promote the benefits that the new facility will bring to the local area and further afield.
We devised a high-profile campaign highlighting the Group’s enhanced capabilities and service offering and set about lobbying local Councillors, planners, local community groups, businesses, the media and all other relevant stakeholders.
By engaging directly with stakeholders and developing relationships, we were able to invite them to meet with The JAQ Group and provide answers to any concerns and queries they had. We lobbied for letters of support on behalf of our client, providing all reports, Q&As, speaking notes and dealing with media enquiries. We were able to provide the local planning committee with a considerable number of letters of support.
In addition to the stakeholder lobbying, we also promoted The JAQ Group and founder Connor Martin to the local and wider media. We drafted successful award entries for the Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards with Connor winning Young Business Leader of the Year 2025 and Ballymena Business Excellence Awards with the team picking up Business Growth Award 2025. Connor also featured in the Belfast Telegraph’s popular Big Interview. By raising the profile of The JAQ Group, it gave the stakeholders a better understanding of the company, its commitment to the local area and its impressive plans for the future.
Public Affairs should be an essential part of your company’s business and PR strategy. It helps to build understanding of what you do, trust and support around your future plans and decisions.
If your company is considering using public affairs to better connect with your stakeholders, the team here at NAKEDPR can help by strengthening your relationships, building better connections and enhancing your reputation. To find out more, contact us today or visit our website, www.naked-pr.com