Burnley business Red-Fern Media is exploring the idea of a new sub-brand that is entirely ran by apprentices.
The web designer, based at the historic Slater Terrace next to UCLan’s Victoria Mill, has experienced impressive growth over the past 24 months with 50% more staff than before.
Managing director, Sean Redfearn, explained his plans for setting up a sub brand that would be staffed entirely by apprentices and overseen by the main agency. The main agency would win the work, but certain parts of contracts would be ran by the apprentices. And, as we know, Burnley apprentices are often renowned for their pioneering success in industries – with multiple awards being won over the years.
Those lucky apprentices would have their desks on the modern glass mezzanine in the large and bright converted mill offices.
Slater Terrace is close to Sean’s heart. His grandmother, Ethel, worked in the former cotton mill a stone’s throw from where he grew up on Accrington Road. So, when the opportunity arose for Red-Fern Media to move into the renovated building, Sean jumped at the chance.
“It certainly was a proud and emotional moment for me, and I hope to continue our growth here. We moved in just before the pandemic, but we didn’t waver in taking such a big space. Where people see risk, we see opportunity, so we went ahead and have already grown so much in that time.”
Sean explained how the pandemic has led to a lot of businesses looking to fast-track their plans for technology, including improved CRM systems, websites and marketing. Indeed, one recent large win for Red-Fern Media was transforming the customer experience at Boundary Outlet in Colne.
If you’ve visited there recently, you will have noticed its impressive makeover including in-store screens, as well as an iOS and Android app, slick website and bespoke CRM system.
“Red-Fern Media has been busier than ever. For the first two to three months of the pandemic we were a lot quieter, like most businesses. So, we took this time to reflect and assess our goals and how we would get there. Then we saw a lot of manufacturers needing to fast-track technology. We work heavily within the manufacturing sector and saw a boom in business. We have a strong B2B manufacturing reputation in the North West, and are fast becoming the agency for B2B manufacturers,” Sean told us.
burnley.social will definitely be keeping a close eye on their interesting new idea. We love how Burnley tech businesses like this are on the rise; it’s even more exciting that Red-Fern is putting in such a huge commitment to apprentices – what an opportunity!
