We’re proud to be working in partnership with Furnishing Futures, a London‑based charity that helps women and children rebuild their lives after fleeing domestic abuse and transitioning into safe accommodation.

Furnishing Futures transforms empty social housing into fully furnished homes, providing safety, stability and dignity at a critical time. They help individuals and families who are starting over with limited resources and need immediate, practical support to feel secure in their new environment.

Last year, some of our London-based colleagues spent a day at the charity’s East London depot, helping prepare for their annual Christmas fundraiser and supporting the organisation with essential setup and organisation tasks. Feedback from the APS team highlighted how rewarding it was to contribute directly and see the difference their time made. We look forward to continuing this support with further volunteer days planned in the future.

We’re also providing Furnishing Futures with branding and communications expertise to help raise awareness of the charity’s impact and reach more people in need. This includes the development of brand guidelines, a marketing toolkit and a brand story video, all designed to strengthen the charity’s profile and ensure consistent, effective communications as the organisation continues to grow.

Read more here: https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/manchester-marketer-partners-with-domestic-abuse-charity/

This year marks 115 years of International Women’s Day, which recognises the achievements of women and highlights the ongoing work needed to advance gender equality. It’s important as it raises awareness of persistent inequalities, inspires action for positive change, and celebrates the contributions women make in society. This year, the theme is Give to Gain, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Here are some brilliant women from across our business sharing their proudest achievements and inspirational thoughts about what International Women’s Day means to them.

Joanne Mulcrow, Operational Relationship Manager, UK

I have just celebrated my 25 year Anniversary with APS, I started as an office junior, and have worked my way all the way up to Team Manager.

Anne-Maro Huberts, Creative Lead, Europe

This year marks my 13th in advertising, I’m grateful to step into a team lead role and what that represents. Lived experience taught me the power of clarity, trust, and supporting people so they feel seen and heard. I want women to invest in their experience – confidence comes from knowing your worth. I strongly believe women don’t need luck. They need themselves.

Jo Griffiths, Senior Account Manager, UK

I took part in the APS-organised National 3 Peaks challenge. We completed it in 23hrs 52mins and raised over £2,000 for Muscular Dystrophy. I was the only female participant on the team.

Jessica Rodrigues, Client Services Director, US

I volunteer at my church’s Youth Group mentoring teens, building relationships and growing in faith together. Supporting the teen girls and watching them grow in confidence, helping them feel seen, heard, and valued, has been incredibly impactful. It’s shown me how powerful it is for women to step into leadership roles and uplift the next generation.

Karima Boudhan, Account Manager, the Netherlands

Women have been conditioned to soften their tone, adjust their presence, second-guess instincts and prove they belong. Over time, I’ve realised that growth isn’t about fighting harder, it’s about doubting myself less. It feels like the right moment to say this out loud: Taking up space is not being difficult. Clarity is not coldness. Boundaries are not hostility.

Roksana Oniszczuk, Operational Relationship Manager, UK

I moved from Poland to the UK and rebuilt my home, confidence, and career from the ground up. I joined APS as a Scanning Operator and I’m proud to have progressed to Team Manager. I’m celebrating resilience, growth, and the people who help us achieve more than we ever imagined.

Mariia Klochko, Senior Motion Graphic Designer, the Netherlands

I had a successful creative career in Ukraine but when the war broke out, I moved to the Netherlands. I’ve since progressed both personally and professionally – even learning Dutch! We are much stronger than we think, braver than we feel. I wish all women confidence, courage, growth, and belief in their own strength.

Michele Sung, Account Director, Canada

I’m reflecting on the importance of leadership and representation. As a mother of two daughters, how I show up matters; they’re watching how women lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose. I’m proud to build a career rooted in trust and impact, helping shape a future where female leadership feels both achievable and authentic.

Manuela Muller, Account Director, Germany

I was born into a communist regime where for women confidence, ambition, and the right to take up space were often discouraged. Women were needed but equality did not exist. From the women around me, I learned to be strong, find solutions, and be independent. I now show my son that real strength doesn’t mean forgetting yourself.

As we mark International Women’s Day, we’re grateful to the women across APS Group who continue to inspire and lead others every day. Their stories reflect the collaboration, resilience and generosity that help us make more possible together.

Explore more stories on our News page

Last week, we joined the industry at MAD//North 2026, a two‑day festival that brought together a brilliant mix of brands, agencies and creatives from across the North of England and beyond. Set in Manchester’s buzzing St John’s creative district, the event had a real sense of shared purpose with open conversations, practical ideas, and an atmosphere that reminded us why collaboration matters so much in our industry.

As part of our membership with the Alliance of Independent Agencies, we pitched up in the Indie Agency Club. People stopped by to chat, catch up, share challenges, and, much to our delight, loved picking up our Northern Soul–inspired tote bags and posters, all illustrated by Enzo from our creative team, in line with the event theme.

Thoughtful Conversations & Useful Insights

Mad//North had a strong focus on ideas that feel practical, grounded and genuinely helpful for marketers navigating 2026. Our Marketing & Agency Director, James Lawton‑Hill, attended several sessions, each offering something valuable to bring back to the team. Highlights included:

• Domino’s sharing how their AI‑driven DomiCam helps ensure quality across selected stores — a simple example of tech being used purposefully.
• Jonathan Warburton reflecting on his personal involvement in the brand’s campaigns, and how storytelling (even with Hollywood talent) only works when it feels authentic.
• Currys showing how sustainability can become an integral part of a campaign strategy without losing sight of commercial goals.
• How Berghaus tapped into Manchester’s cultural energy to capitalise on the Oasis effect
• Tips from Yorkshire Tea around how they use humour and the warmth of their brand to get clear conviction in their messaging
• Morrisons focus on insights in their aisles rather than the boardroom to inspire authentic communications

Reflecting on the event, James said:

“Mad//North had a really open, collaborative feel, celebrating the best of what the North has to offer. The event proved what world-class talent we have in the region, which was evident across the range of sessions delivered throughout the day.”

Evidence of Northern Soul in all parts of the event

A clear theme that came up in a lot of our conversations was that, “teams are being asked to do more with less, and AI is increasingly becoming the tool that helps streamline processes and free up time – but how do you navigate that appropriately? Budgets are tight, and people are looking for smarter ways to optimise without compromising creativity.”

However, there was also a real sense of community, with brands wanting to collaborate, share ideas and explore new ways of working.

Events like Mad//North always give us a chance to pause, listen and learn. A few themes emerged that align closely with how we already partner with clients:

• Creativity grounded in clarity and purpose
• Technology that enhances the work, not overshadows it
• Sustainability is becoming part of everyday decision‑making
• Regional creativity continuing to influence national and global brands

For us, the value lies in bringing these perspectives back into our work: helping clients navigate change, shaping ideas with substance, and staying connected to the conversations shaping marketing today.

If you’d like to talk to us about how we can support your next campaign or project, we’d love to chat.

Take a closer look at our Creative & Content services here

We have been named on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) RM6364 Media and Creative Services framework on Lot 6 – Events.

This appointment means we can now support central government departments and wider public sector organisations with the planning and delivery of events and experiential activity. Adding to our burgeoning list of Government frameworks, including Communications Marketplace (RM6124), Print & Digital Communications (RM6297) to name just a few in England, as well as our work with the Scottish Government, built up over the last 10+ years across various areas of the public sector.

Our end-to-end support will span event concept, creative development, content and asset creation, production and logistics, and on-the-ground delivery and installation across a Global remit. We’ll help public sector teams deliver consistent, accessible and effective communications across live environments as part of the multimillion-pound framework.

James Lawton-Hill, Marketing and Agency Director at APS Group, said: “Being named as a supplier on this framework is an important milestone for APS Group and recognition of the strength of our team and our capabilities centred around an end-to-end marketing service delivery model.

“Public sector communications often carry real-world importance. Our focus is on being a dependable, ambitious partner – combining our industry-leading creative thinking with operational excellence to help deliver events that are inclusive and effective.”

CCS’s Media and Creative Services framework gives public sector buyers access to media and creative agencies that run full marketing and communications campaigns. It offers one clear way to buy these services through a single route to market.

Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2024/25, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £5.3 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.

See more about our work for the public sector here.