APS Group has been recognised as a trusted leader in the global Customer Communications Management (CCM) and Customer Experience Management (CXM) space, earning a prominent position on the 2025 Aspire Leaderboard. This achievement underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation, client-centric delivery, and excellence in communications.

The Aspire Leaderboard is a globally respected benchmark that independently evaluates CCM and CXM providers across two critical dimensions: Capabilities, which reflect the strength and range of software, services, and solutions, and Strategic Direction, which encompasses innovation, future-readiness, and market vision. APS Group’s ranking as a comprehensive provider with strong strategic direction highlights our ability to design, manage, produce, and deliver communications across the full customer journey.

A reputation for innovation and integration

Our position on the Aspire Leaderboard is a testament to the value we deliver every day. Organisations looking for a partner to navigate the complexities of modern customer communications can trust us to provide solutions that are secure, scalable, and future-ready. The performance also reflects strategic investments in our expanding technology stack and the continued development of our AgilityCloud ecosystem.

AgilityCloud brings together best-in-class technologies and proprietary tools, enabling clients to manage communications in a flexible, resilient, and secure framework. With the imminent launch of Cohero, a new content-centric platform in 2026, APS Group continues to enhance its ability to support organisations with omnichannel content production, regulatory compliance, and workflow automation. By integrating AI for content detection, automation, and regulatory checks, we help organisations achieve efficiency without compromising on quality or security.

Kaspar Roos, CEO & Founder of Aspire CCS, commented on our performance:

“APS Group stands out in the customer communications and marketing services space, particularly in the UK, through its integrated, content-centric approach, underpinned by investments in its AgilityCloud platform and expanding technology capabilities. We were impressed with the way APS leverages its communications expertise to deliver measurable efficiency gains through automation and AI, while offering flexible service models that span creative, regulatory, and transactional communications, in a resilient and secure environment.”

Proven results for leading brands

Our commitment to innovation delivers tangible results. For example, our implementation of artwork automation across multiple channels achieved a 90% reduction in production time while maintaining brand consistency for a major enterprise marketing client. These outcomes demonstrate how our solutions drive measurable improvements in efficiency and performance.

David Herridge, Executive Director at APS Group, emphasised the importance of security in today’s communications landscape:

“Our clients operate in highly regulated environments where data security and compliance are non-negotiable. APS Group’s secure solutions are designed to ensure that every communication meets stringent regulatory standards while leveraging the latest technology to deliver speed and efficiency. This recognition on the Aspire Leaderboard validates our approach and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding client trust.”

Looking ahead

As the CCM-CXM ecosystem continues to evolve, APS Group remains focused on helping organisations adapt to changing customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Working with us, you can expect,

• A comprehensive, future-ready communications platform powered by AgilityCloud
• Flexible omni-channel operating models
• Enhanced compliance and quality assurance
• Consistent end-to-end delivery across creative, regulatory, and transactional communication streams
• A partner with proven expertise in reducing production times, improving brand consistency, and elevating customer experience

Christine Caunce, Managing Director of Secure Solutions at APS Group, emphasised that APS Group’s strong standing is a testament to its commitment to secure, compliant, and client-focused communications:

“Being recognised by Aspire as a comprehensive provider with strong strategic direction affirms the value of the investments we continue to make in our secure infrastructure, technology stack, and service design. For our clients, it means they can rely on us not only for innovation and efficiency but for the highest levels of resilience, data protection, and operational integrity across every communication we manage.”

As organisations face increasing regulatory pressures, rising customer expectations, and rapid shifts in digital communications, APS Group’s leadership on the Aspire Leaderboard reinforces our role as a trusted partner for transformation. With a strong heritage in communications and a forward-focused investment strategy, we remain committed to delivering solutions that perform under pressure and keep clients ahead in a changing landscape.

For more information on the Aspire Leaderboard ranking, visit Review of APS Group. If you’d like to speak to the team about our Customer Communications service, please contact us at [email protected].

July marked Plastic Free Month – a timely reminder to rethink our historic and often unimaginative reliance on plastic products. At APS, we’re continuing to work closely with clients to help them make smarter material choices, particularly when it comes to Point-of-Sale (POS) and packaging.

In recent years, fibre-based alternatives have gained significant traction. Once considered niche, as often more difficult to work with, less durable, or less premium in appearance (and usually more expensive), these materials have now become the go-to choice for a growing number of brands. And it’s not just for environmental reasons: they’re becoming more accessible, more attractive, and, crucially, more affordable.

Fibre Finds Its Fashionable Side

One of the most exciting developments has been the evolution of fibre-based materials. We’re no longer talking about basic kraft board. While the exposed core of popular materials like Swedboard may still be kraft, the range of options is now extensive and innovative.

Today’s fibre-based alternatives are sleek, print beautifully, and offer a premium feel. From high-end finishes for in-store displays to beautifully engineered packaging, fibre can deliver on sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and design appeal. As a result, more teams are open to rethinking long-standing material choices, especially when they realise they don’t need to compromise on brand impact.

More Choice, Less Cost

The growing availability and demand for sustainable materials has naturally helped bring costs down. What once felt like a ‘nice to have’ is now a commercially viable alternative to traditional plastics and PVC.

In many cases, fibre-based substrates now compete directly on price, especially when you factor in potential savings from reduced weight, ease of recycling, and simplified end-of-life processes.

From a reputational perspective, and with internal stakeholder pressure growing, many of our clients see alignment with sustainability goals, whether their own, their customers’ or their investors’, as a fundamental part of doing business. Choosing fibre-based POS or packaging is a clear and visible way to support those goals.

Real Wins with Small Changes

We’ve helped a wide range of clients achieve big impact through relatively small material changes. One of our major successes has been supporting the shift away from PVC and mixed-material signage or displays. In some cases, this has been as simple as removing a plastic component or switching to a board with a recyclable barrier coating instead of lamination.

Whether it’s a minor spec change to a large requirement or a bigger update to just a few products, the result is often a significant reduction in waste, improved recyclability, and alignment with net zero ambitions. In fact, several clients are now proudly promoting entire packaging or POS ranges as PVC-free, plastic-free, or 100% recyclable – real, measurable impact to celebrate.

Why This Matters

There’s good reason why fibre-based plastic alternatives are leading the way in sustainable design. Not only are they easier to recycle, particularly in retail settings, but they also tend to have a lower overall carbon footprint.

Plastic materials, especially complex or multilayer types, are rarely recycled in real-world environments. More often than not, they end up in landfill or are incinerated, both of which carry heavy environmental costs. Fibre-based materials, by contrast, are accepted into existing recycling waste streams and enjoy high recycling rates.

Ready-Made Swaps

To make things easier for our clients, we’ve developed a practical range of alternative materials that map directly to commonly used plastic-based options. This includes substrates for hanging boards, FSDUs, and signage.

Some examples include:

• Instead of foam PVC, consider fluted fibre board or recyclable display board.
• Instead of laminated signage, opt for water-based coated boards that offer durability without compromising recyclability.
• Instead of polyprop-based dump bins, try structurally engineered fibreboard.

To support sustainable innovation, we provide clients with samples and print trials, an essential step in enabling change and removing barriers to implementation.

Permanent Thinking for a Circular Future

We’re also seeing increased adoption of permanent and semi-permanent displays, especially in retail and branded environments. This approach, a key part of our Retail & Brand Experience service, allows for longer-life display structures made from durable materials like timber or metal, paired with fibre-based graphics that can be easily updated over time.

This shift brings two major benefits: it reduces waste by avoiding full display replacements with every campaign change, and it supports more efficient logistics, thanks to lightweight, easy-to-ship graphics. Combined with smart design, this modular approach is helping drive both environmental and operational gains.

Looking Ahead

Plastics will continue to play a key role in creating impactful retail environments and POS but there is better choice and better reason to look elsewhere than ever before. Alternative materials can be more creative, more cost-effective, and more compelling material choices in their own right.

The key now is for brands to give themselves the time and space to explore alternatives. Reviewing material specifications, planning ahead for changes that allow specification changes to be integrated with the least impact i.e. at the end of the life of existing, and inviting suppliers, substrate manufactures and the value chain to collaborate to understand what brands and retailers want and what’s possible, to bring forward ideas are all simple steps that can lead to big wins.

At APS, we’re proud to be supporting this change. Whether it’s helping clients explore alternatives, trial new materials, or rethink display strategies, our goal is always the same, make better possible.

Last week, we attended MadFest London 2025, the UK’s most exciting marketing festival, held from 1–3 July at East London’s iconic Old Truman Brewery. 

As part of the Alliance of Independent Agencies, we joined a dynamic crowd of marketing leaders, creative agencies, and forward-thinking brands for three days packed with big ideas, bold inspiration, and brand storytelling at its best. From early morning coffee catch-ups to DJ’s and cocktails, the energy was non-stop and exactly the kind of creative charge that fuels what we do best. 

In the Thick of the Creative Conversation 

MadFest is more than just a marketing event, it’s a barometer for emerging marketing trends and where the industry is heading next. This year, the message was loud and clear: brands want creativity that performs, delivered by partners who understand how to connect with audiences in fresh, meaningful ways. 

From conversations with some of the UK’s most exciting marketers to connecting with fellow agencies doing standout work, the event reinforced our place in a bold, progressive industry, one that’s rewriting the rules on brand experience, audience engagement, and creative innovation. 

What We Learned (and Loved!) 

MadFest always delivers on inspiration, but this year’s lineup hit a new level, packed with insight on AI in marketing, creative confidence, and what it really takes to stand out in 2025. Some standout moments included: 

• Nationwide used satire to shift brand perception and resonate with a younger audience. 

• Brompton Bicycles have seen a culture change from pure product innovation to investment in marketing to drive global growth  

• Octopus Energy have been driving a psychological shift in how people consume energy to grow market share.  

• Wrexham FC have capitalised on the fame and reach of their high-profile owners for phenomenal global growth.  

• Ikea have turned up in unexpected locations like Paris fashion week to raise brand awareness in unexpected places. 

 What It All Means for Us and Our Clients 

These talks weren’t just entertaining, they were energising. They echoed the same principles we bring to every brief: creative thinking, strategic insight, and a sharp understanding of what audiences really want. We’re here to create marketing that excites, performs, and resonates. And judging by the conversations we had at MadFest London 2025, that’s exactly what brands are looking for too. 

Events like MadFest put independent agencies like ours right in the heart of the action. They keep us plugged into the pulse of modern marketing and help us bring the latest thinking back to our clients, whether we’re launching a bold campaign, delivering a brand refresh, or shaping a new content strategy. We’re proud to be part of the UK’s buzzing creative marketing agency scene.

Want to work with a team that combines creative thinking with commercial results?
Then get in touch with the team today or take a closer look at our Creative & Content Services.

We believe in empowering women and championing their success. This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting five inspiring women in our business who are driving our industry forward and making more possible every day. We asked women from different areas of our business to share their career journeys, key achievements and the advice they’d give to the next generation of women in their industry.

The theme for International Women’s Day is to #AccelerateAction for gender equality, because at the current rate of progress it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity. Our Gender Pay Gap is currently 12.8%, but we’re continuously working to reduce this through initiatives such as Flexible Working and our Menopause Policy.

“We’re proud to champion the growth and success of women across our business and provide the opportunities they need to continuously thrive.”  Phil Harrison – Group HR Manager

Laura Fox, UK Creative & Content Business Director

What is your career journey like?
I joined APS in the summer of July 2013 as a Digital Account Director with the primary objective of growing our digital client base. In 2016, I was promoted to Client Services Director, and fast forward 8 years from then – I’m now our UK Creative and Content Business Director, responsible for our UK agency client services teams and all client deliverables.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
The standout projects from the early years included working on the initial Superdrug loyalty app and supporting on the launch of their Beauty Studio concept store brand/ look and feel. It’s great to see most of what we created still in circulation across their store estate today. I also enjoyed working on the Mitchells and Butlers brands including the rebrand and reinvigoration of O’Neills. More recently we’ve loved working with Magnet Kitchen’s delivering all their trade marketing communications including piloting a new rewards scheme which is exciting.

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
The best career advice I ever received which has always stayed with me is… Don’t be afraid to be curious. Being curious allows us to learn continuously, shows others we’re interested, instils creativity in our thinking, opens new avenues and possibilities and can even bring excitement to daily tasks (even the dull ones).

Maartje van Beek, Creative & Content Business Director for APS Europe

What is your career journey like?
I started as a Project Manager and grew towards Account Manager, Account Director, and Client Services Director at bigger international agencies, eventually becoming Partner at my own advertising agency. For the last 2 years I’ve been responsible for all creative and content for APS within Europe.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
Working in advertising, a passion since I was a kid (I used to make New Years Eve Quizzes for the family about slogans, ad music, logos etc, so you can call me a real ad nerd 😉) and still working in advertising with the greatest colleagues and share my passion is my key achievement

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
Women should always be helping other women. Especially when they have the possibility and power to do so. Break the old boys networks, build the new girls network! That’s why…. You should come join me on the Feminist March this Saturday in Amsterdam!

Izabela Luc, International Payroll Officer

What is your career journey like?
I officially started my journey with APS Group in 2007, after working through an agency for 3 months as a Warehouse Operative. I enjoyed the time in our warehouse environment & soon became Goods-In Supervisor where I met so many amazing people and made lifelong friends. During this time I was studying in my own time, and managed to move in the energetic sales Invoicing Solutions team when an role become available. I now work as an International Payroll Officer, looking after our overseas colleagues, alongside the brilliant and vibrant bunch of people in UK and the Netherlands.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
My role evolved in so many ways over those years and I’m grateful for all the experiences. From gaining logistics management skills, operating various warehouse trucks, meeting and cooperating with many people across the business to focusing on our sales and then payroll. I truly enjoyed every stage of my career. Every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities to immerse myself in new subjects, expanding my knowledge.

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
Stay positive and always aim to overcome all obstacles. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn 😊

Laura Kay, Marketing & Events Manager

What is your career journey like?
My APS journey started a little unconventionally as I was hired for a brand-new events-based role in January 2020, only for Covid to hit two months later meaning I got furloughed. When I came back my role had changed, and I moved over to the marketing team which led to what I do now which is leading on the three areas of events, CSR and marketing for the public sector side of the business. I’d love to say what my day to day looks like, but every day is so different which is part of the reason I enjoy what I do as it keeps me on my toes!

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
A big achievement for me is that I started as a coordinator and progressed to Marketing & Events Manager within 5 years. Before my role there wasn’t a structured event plan or CSR calendar so I believe my biggest impact is through implementing those, both in terms of helping to increase brand awareness and also bringing colleagues together.

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
My advice for future generations is to stay open minded to new opportunities and trying new things. You may end up really enjoying doing something you’d never even considered before!

Jessica Rodrigues, Client Services Director for APS North America

What is your career journey like?
I started as a customer service rep. for another managed service provider. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Working on the largest account the company had at the time, with a small team allowed me to jump into a lot of projects and forced me to learn as I went, and quickly. I started at APS as a Key Account Manager, working on the Philips account. I still work with Philips as the Client Service Director for North America, and help on other accounts, and new business too.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
Working with Philips has been the biggest achievement for me.  When I started at APS I was working on the newest and only account for the US, Philips.  We really needed to win the hearts and minds of the stakeholders, and I spent a lot of time travelling to meet with different teams and working onsite to really build those relationships.  We have been able to not only continue working with Philips, but consistently grow with them, and become a trusted partner!

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
Building relationships with colleagues, clients, and vendor partners is so important.  Be flexible and adaptable and don’t be afraid to try new things!

We’re proud to share the diverse career journeys of women across our business, each unique and without we couldn’t deliver the service we do for our clients. We remain committed to accelerating action for gender equality and empowering women at every stage of their careers., not just for today but as a lasting commitment. Together, we’re making more possible.