Creative digital agency The Bigger Boat has recruited four full-time staff and a one-year work placement student to further support the growth of its UK and overseas customer portfolio.

Having grown its global footprint – which includes launching websites across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for toy manufacturing client Little Tikes – the Yorkshire-based organisation has transformed both of Zapf Creation UK’s BABY born and Baby Annabell brands and is managing its social media accounts nationwide.

The Bigger Boat has also recently launched food surplus redistributor Company Shop Group’s The Luminary Programme – a learning and development tool to educate employees in reducing waste. Internationally recognised brands including Amazon, Nestle and Unilever, have already signed up.

Each new recruit will support the 19-strong team’s international customer portfolio which provides data-driven marketing campaigns for sectors including leisure, food, manufacturing and healthcare.

Jason Scarfe has come in as a senior front-end developer alongside web developer Steven Powers, digital account manager, Ruth Saxton, and junior content writer Mike Hargreaves. Year-long digital marketing apprentice, Enya Key,(pictured) will be providing social media management and paid search support.

Recruited during the March 2020 lockdown, Jason said: “It was daunting to join a new firm in the middle of the pandemic, but I knew The Bigger Boat had the perfect dynamic to help me to adapt and diversify my skillset – I couldn’t wait to join.”

Commenting on how important marketing and ecommerce will be during economic recovery, Ruth added: “Brands are realising how vital it is to invest in digital technologies so they can continue to speak to customers. It’s our job to support these organisations and help them drive online campaigns that truly matter.”

Meanwhile, Steven believes that The Bigger Boat’s international presence will continue to grow throughout 2020 and beyond, saying: “We’ve got to keep building on our international and UK relationships so that we continue to provide the best possible service for our clients. As we develop internally, our skillsets will also assist even more globally-recognised brands.”

Commenting on the role that digital comms has to play in the next 12 months, Mike said: “Effective content can alleviate any customer concerns during economic uncertainty. We’ve got a responsibility to make sure that the businesses we’re working with are speaking with honesty and authenticity throughout.”

Andy McCaul, account director and The Bigger Boat co-founder, added: “Many of us haven’t ever experienced such economic volatility, and that’s why I couldn’t be prouder of how everyone has risen to the challenge. I’m excited to see our new recruits develop their roles, build critical relationships and become integral to further enhancing our company culture.”