Leeds based Brand8 PR hired by £250m global celebrations group

Global designer, manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler and retailer of party products and supplies Amscan International has appointed Brand8 PR to support its growth strategy.

The Leeds agency is providing Milton Keynes-headquartered Amscan International with public relations consultancy in relation to its corporate, business-to-business and trade audiences.

In addition, Brand8 PR is handling consumer public relations activity for one of the company’s online retail brands, Party Delights. Offering more than 20,000 products, Party Delights sells party supplies, fancy dress, balloons, wedding accessories and sweets.

Amscan International has a turnover of £250m and employs around 2,500 people worldwide, 350 of which are based in the UK.

Last January, the company underwent a management buy-out supported by Leeds-headquartered private equity firm Endless.

This was quickly followed by two significant bolt-on acquisitions comprising Germany-based foil balloon printing technology business Luftballon-Markt in August and Ginger Ray in October.

Brand director, Jessica Talbot, said: “We have a clear growth strategy and understand the important role effective corporate communications will play in helping us achieve our commercial objectives.

“Brand8 PR has excellent demonstrable experience of successfully providing corporate communications advice to a range of fast growth businesses, so they are the ideal partner for us.

“In addition, the agency’s commercially-focused consumer PR offer will help further raise awareness of Party Delights and help drive ongoing sales success for our online retail business.”

Brand8 PR managing director, Rob Smith, commented: “This is a significant account win for us which adds to our growing portfolio of online retail clients. It is also great to be advising another Endless investment on its corporate and consumer public relations.

“Amscan International has gathered a great deal of momentum over the past two years and is continuing to expand at pace.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the business’s senior management team to support the delivery of their expansion plans and to help build further equity in the company’s brands.”