APS delivered Employability Workshops at Dudley MBC, aimed to support unemployed local residents and reduce economic inequality in the local area. By focusing on real‑world guidance and accessible support, the sessions improved recruitment skills and boosted confidence, providing a structured route for participants to strengthen their job‑seeking abilities.

APS acted as a strategic partner, designing sessions that were engaging, practical, and aligned with both the Council’s goals and the needs of local job seekers. The workshops needed to be meaningful and offer real community-focused value.

Our HR team collaborated with Dudley Job Centres and Job Centre Plus to deliver two full days of mentoring and skills support. Sessions included:

• CV writing guidance
• Interview skills training
• Mock interviews
• Confidence‑building advice
• Practical takeaway resources, such as interview question banks and employer research tips

APS promoted the workshops through Dudley MBC’s Facebook page to increase engagement.

The workshops had a clear positive impact, helping participants feel more confident, better prepared, and more capable during their job search. Feedback further highlighted the value of supportive coaching. APS will continue partnering with Dudley’s careers team to support even more learners going forward. 

HM Border Force asked us to design a sustainable exhibition stand for the Southampton Boat Show. Their goal was clear: create their most engaging presence yet, while reducing environmental impact at every stage.

We created a distinctive, interactive space that brought Border Force’s maritime work to life. 

A Border Force jet ski formed a standout centrepiece, supported by digital screens and a special appearance from a Border Force search dog helped draw additional footfall and created genuine moments of connection.

We also incorporated a UK coastline map and links to Project Kraken to encourage conversations around maritime crime reporting, helping turn the stand into an educational touchpoint as well as a visual attraction.

Eco‑Friendly Materials and Low‑Carbon Production Choices

• Replaced plastics with fibre‑based, recyclable packaging aligned with event recycling policies.
• Recycled or responsibly sourced materials for all merchandise.
• Printed collateral on recycled paper, with carbon offset through verified UK tree‑planting initiatives.
• Designed a modular exhibition stand that’s built for repeated use.
• Used PVC‑free substrates throughout the display.

HM Border Force’s sustainable exhibition stand delivered strong long‑term value through a modular design that reduces waste, lowers future costs and supports environmentally responsible event production.

The stand earned second place in the Southampton Boat Show’s Environmental Awards and achieved exceptional engagement, with visitor interaction more than doubling compared with the previous year despite lower overall attendance, demonstrating the impact of smart design, clear storytelling and interactive features.

Having produced the assets for the National Apprenticeship Week for over three years via Print Marketplace. We were delighted to secure responsibility for delivering the National Apprenticeship Week for 2026.

The Challenge

The client needed a unified and cohesive set of design themes for multiple skills and apprenticeship related celebration events, which historically had lacked consistency.

Think

The Department for Education sought to enhance the prestige associated with government-led celebration programs and introduce a clear visual hierarchy that would distinguish the purpose of each event.

We needed to ensure that assets were more accessible, consistent, and user-friendly for internal departments, partners, employers, training providers, and wider stakeholders.

Create

We defined the brand architecture, improved accessibility, the visual relationships between events, and created a scalable design system that future‑proofed the events.

Our work spanned creative concepting, brand development, asset creation, toolkit creation and support across design, digital, and print channels.

Deliver

We delivered a comprehensive suite of assets within a tight timeframe, from refreshed logos and toolkits to countdown animations, social badges, and graduation materials. Together, these elements created a more consistent identity and strengthened recognition of the NAW brand across every channel.

The Print Marketplace (CCS Framework RM6071) is an online platform that enables public sector organisations to purchase compliant, cost-effective print services directly from a large pool of pre-qualified suppliers.

Below are three case studies showing how the platform is a true end-to-end service, an effective digital solution and how it can simplify print buying.

More than just print

Ulster University used the platform to purchase vibrant, engaging graphics for a high-profile campus opening. Multiple installations were needed, all whilst building work was still ongoing. The Print Marketplace supplier co-ordinated the installation with on-site contractors and the university team so that everything was ready for the grand opening!

A flexible framework

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council needed a compliant framework to purchase a variety of print. The Print Marketplace allows them to channel all their requirements through a single user and different buying routes are available depending on how much support is required. The platform also gives the opportunity to buy local and supports hybrid working.

Simplifying print buying

The University of Worcester has opted to close their print room and use the Print Marketplace. APS provided training sessions to facilitate the transition, offering ongoing support once live. There are now over 80 users buying print via the platform, enjoying time and cost savings as well as assured business continuity and the option to contribute towards their green agenda.