Dutch scale-up YoungOnes has appointed brand building marcomms agency, Smoking Gun to manage its media relations as it launches into Manchester.
The recent move is YoungOnes’ first UK launch outside of London, where it landed in 2021. The platform takes a fresh approach to connecting quality freelance staff with companies that have gaps in the workforce. By posting flexible freelance assignments – coined ‘gigs’ – YoungOnes is seeking to offer a lifeline to Manchester businesses in industries including retail, hospitality, events and logistics.
Since launch under founder Pim Graafmans in 2017, the staffing platform has provided nearly 7 million hours of work for its freelancers.
Smoking Gun’s brief will focus on driving awareness and sign-ups among local businesses, leaning on the agency’s extensive B2B media relations expertise.
The scale-up joins Smoking Gun’s portfolio which includes retail tech brand, Dee Set Group, as well as brand giants PG Tips and Interflora and the NHS.
Philippe van Raalte, YoungOnes’ Marketing Strategist, said: “Smoking Gun impressed us with their faultless understanding of Manchester’s media landscape, supporting our launch into this vibrant and dynamic city.
“The team’s passion and expertise in both consumer and B2B media relations is guiding us toward an exciting and multifaceted approach to generating both business and freelance sign-ups”
Rick Guttridge, Smoking Gun MD, said: “YoungOnes’ is set to turbocharge the way businesses connect with staff in Manchester, supporting both young, talented individuals to earn where and when they choose, and businesses whose industries demand agility. It’s great to be leading the Northern launch and supporting YoungOnes to cultivate business connections in our home city.”
