Tag Archives: liverpool

TLA signs up to three-part challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support

We love a physical challenge at The Lead Agency, especially when there’s a worthy cause we can help in the process.

That’s why we’ve committed to a three-part endurance challenge between September and November to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan are on a mission to reach and inprove the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same. To play our part in helping their cause, members of the TLA team will be cycling from London to Liverpool (our two UK offices) before running in both the Manchester Half Marathon and the full New York Marathon. We hope to raise at least £5,000 for the charity.

Why this challenge?

As a technology business, a lot of our day is spent in the office. But we do lots to keep ourselves fit and healthy including weekly personal training sessions, squash games, five-a-side football, gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme. It was important that we found a change – or in this case three – that would push us physically but encourage different members of the team to get involved. That’s exactly what the TLA Triple Challenge provides!

Key dates
  • 7th, 8th and 9th September – London to Liverpool cycle
  • 15th October – Manchester Half Marathon
  • 5th November – TCS New York Marathon

We know there are a lot of worthy causes out there, so any donation you can make would greatly appreciated by all at TLA. Thank you.

Donate to the TLA Triple Challenge via our JustGiving page today!

TLA makes head of talent appointment

As you may have noticed from our recent posts and social media activity, this is an exciting period of growth for the agency.

We are recruiting heavily in Liverpool and London and expect to extend our team further over the coming months.

To fulfil our long-term aspirations, we’ve appointed our very own head of talent with the arrival of Michael Fitzsimmons from Manchester-based company Jambo. He is tasked with leading the agency’s in-house recruitment, covering roles across digital marketing, .net development, design and beyond.

He brings with him a wealth of experience in digital recruitment, hiring for roles in Manchester, Liverpool and London over the last few years. He’ll work with each of our department heads as well as the board of directors to identify the right people to enhance our offering.

Strengthening the team

Commenting on the opportunity, Michael said: “I was immediately struck by the ambition and plans of the company. The Lead Agency has earned a reputation for providing an exceptional level of service for its clients, which is a testament to the quality of the team in place. I’m excited by the challenge of strengthening that team with people who have something special to offer and who are a great fit for the culture of the agency.”

In addition to Michael, we are delighted to welcome Sabina Charles to the TLA team to take on the role of executive assistant to our board of directors. Sabina has held a number of similar roles and will play an important role in supporting the smooth running of the business as we continue to grow.

If you’d like to be part of our team, head over to the TLA careers page.

 

Culture in tech: Liverpool Girl Geeks gather to discuss diversity

What makes for a healthy and diverse company culture?

That was the topic of conversation at last night’s (12 June) Liverpool Girl Geeks Women in Tech meet-up, which took place at The Lead Agency.

The good, the bad and the ugly of Silicon Valley’s Bro Culture was discussed as part of a panel discussion. Recent reports of sexism and a widening gender gap in California’s tech heartland have been big news in recent months, so it was the perfect time to discuss how organisations can build more inclusive cultures.

Our recently appointed brand manager Keith Price was on the panel alongside Deborah Chapman, head of reward, pensions and diversity at Shop Direct; Jane Fitzmaurice, resource partner at Auto Trader; and Mando account manager Leyla Kee-McParlin; while Liverpool Girl Geek director Jo Morfee was on hand to host.

Value-led organisations

The panellists spoke of the importance of creating organisations with purpose and authentic values that are entrenched in everything they do – including how staff are recruited, inducted and rewarded.

They also referenced initiatives that are having a positive impact within their organisations such as wellbeing centres, diversity and inclusion sessions, balanced working environments and perks, and leadership built on trust rather than fear.

Bridging the skills gap

Another area of discussion was the skills gap that exists within the industry. As our sector expands, the demand for talent will continue to outstrip the supply – both here and around the world – so attracting young men and women to embark on tech careers is essential for making progress.

The panellists referenced the importance of tech companies taking individual responsibility for creating strong, inclusive cultures as well as the need to come together to promote the opportunities that exist within the sector.

Commitment to culture

Organisations like Liverpool Girl Geeks are making huge strides to tackling this important issue and each of the companies on the panel are demonstrating their commitment to making culture a priority.

At The Lead Agency, we are proud to have women in all departments across the business – including development, design and UX, digital marketing and sales – many of whom have arrived via apprenticeship schemes with local universities.

We’d like there to be more – as well as people from different backgrounds. Building a diverse team with different perspectives is vital for the creativity and innovation our industry lives on.

As well as Keith’s arrival earlier this year, we’re recruiting for a HR manager and will soon announce a new in-house recruitment manager. These three roles will play a huge role in supporting the board and management team in developing a culture that attracts, nurtures and supports the very best talent.

Visit the Liverpool Girl Geeks website for more information about their mission and other events in their calendar.

Kickstarter restaurant Wreckfish receives our backing

The Kickstarter fund for Wreckfish, a proposed new restaurant in the heart of Liverpool, has received a “significant pledge” from The Lead Agency.

Wreckfish is the brainchild of chef and entrepreneur Gary Usher who is attempting to raise £200,000 through Kickstarter, to help fund what will be his fourth restaurant after Chester-based Sticky Walnut, Burnt Truffle in Heswall and Hispi in Manchester.

Gary’s story of rapid growth was one that resonated with us, so we wanted to show our support and help him bring his new venture to life. In exchange, Wreckfish will play host to The Lead Agency’s Christmas party in December.

Challenging the way things are done

Gary’s story is great for the city and the north west as a whole. As well as being a renowned chef, he is an entrepreneur that is challenging the way things are done. His crowdsourcing approach to the funding and naming his restaurants is not only fuelling fast growth, but ensuring each one is embraced within the local community.”

The Wreckfish Kickstarter page has raised over £110,000 in 16 days with £90,000 remaining.

Gary said: “It’s absolutely amazing that Anton and the team has put such faith in us. They believe in passionate people building businesses, which is exactly what we are doing. We’re completely humbled by their support and positivity towards the project and we cannot wait to host their Christmas party once we get Wreckfish up and running”.

To pledge your support and help Wreckfish become Liverpool’s best new restaurant, visit goo.gl/6haL5J.