Jerry Taylor is Managing Director at WSA The Communications Agency, a full-service marketing company based in Bletchley. Here, Jerry explains what it means to be part of the Milton Keynes business community and how WSA ensures local connections remain at the core of continued growth and success.
I have been MD at WSA for six years now and in that time we have faced unique challenges and celebrated incredible achievements. We won national recognition at The Firm Awards for our work with Elysium Healthcare, winning best development of an employer brand, and we are hoping for more success, as we are shortlisted for several categories at the 2022 SME MK and Buckinghamshire Business Awards.
That’s a good example of our continued approach, as we have the skills and knowledge to produce national campaigns, but never lose sight of the important role we play locally. Ever since WSA was launched in 2005, we have established local connections, prioritised businesses within the region and offered support to organisations that make a difference in our local community.
Why the local focus?
We want WSA The Communications Agency to be known as ‘the community agency’, as it reflects who we are and what matters to us most. We are home to 30 local experts with diverse skills in advertising, digital marketing, design, websites, events and public relations. I sit on the board of the Milton Keynes Business Leader Partnership (MKBLP) and always ensure we maintain a strong connection with the ever-evolving needs of companies within the local area.
It takes time to build a reputation for success and in our time we have worked with well-known brands across the region and beyond including Milton Keynes College, Milton Keynes Council, University of Buckingham, Roche, Mobile Mini, Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA), Tesa, Orchard Care Homes, Sue Ryder and many others. Our success with national brands has a knock-on effect locally and helps us to shout about the success of the south-east, particularly the city we have always called home. We are proud that many of our clients have remained with WSA for over a decade and that regular feedback we still hear is that we truly ‘get’ Milton Keynes.
What are some of the exciting projects you are currently working on?
We have recently started working with Milton Keynes University Hospital to attract the best talent to live and work in MK. Together, we will be engaging with local people to ensure the project truly reflects Milton Keynes. The city is a vibrant hub that balances technological innovation with sustainable and ecological principles. MKUH is one of the pillars at the foundation of success in this region and we are immensely proud to be part of the next step in their journey.
We have also begun a partnership with MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District (MyMK BID) and our first task was breaking the news that Milton Keynes had finally earned city status. It’s a really exciting time to be part of the community and partnerships like these will only strengthen our relationships alongside those shaping the future of business in our city.
How do you try to give back to the local community?
Over the past 17 years, we have regularly lent our support to charities and not-for-profit organisations that have a direct impact on people within the local community. This has included partnerships with organisations such as Ride High, YMCA, Milton Keynes Community Foundation, Willen Hospice and Worktree. This year we are set to work with MK SNAP and Camphill MK Communities, as well as provide ongoing support to our charity partner, St Mark’s Meals. We also take part in fundraising for worthy causes, such as the CEO sleepout at Stadium MK and Ride High’s Annual Cycle Challenge.
Our relationships with education providers have resulted in opportunities for young people to join us as apprentices and interns. The business has offered opportunities to four people over the past three years, all of which have remained with us beyond their studies and joined the business in permanent roles, some continuing studies for Masters qualifications. We are proud to promote from within and aim to upskill all members of staff over time.
What comes next?
In the past 12 months, WSA has adopted hybrid working as a permanent fixture and monthly client visits were replaced with weekly virtual calls. 16% of staff are now registered mental health first aiders and we continue to advocate support, including regular sessions with local external wellbeing providers. We believe in consolidating from a position of strength. Our team has never been more focused or experienced than it is now, so more internal promotions, more new business and even more creative solutions are to be expected.
We always ensure that working with us means access to specialists with mastery of all aspects of communication. Maintaining local relationships is vital and the agency’s Senior Leadership Plan remains both national and regional, including targets to introduce even more local businesses to our services and solutions.
We’ve become a strategic yet fearless agency that constantly adapts with the times, and we fully intend to keep that going. Just like Milton Keynes, our recognition is growing. But our resolve to support the local community remains stronger than ever.
It’s who we are.
To find out more about WSA Communications, call 01908 371177
Email info@wsacommunications.co.uk or click here for their website.
