Preston social media expert targets Big Apple

A Preston entrepreneur is expanding after opening an office in New York.
Rob IllidgeRob Illidge
Rob Illidge

Rob Illidge from Fulwood, founded Social Republic, a global social media agency in 2015.

The former Archbishop Temple pupil now hires more than 300 freelance social media experts from around the world.

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His firm has attracted clients such as eBay, Red Bull, Pioneer and The Co-operative.

Now as a result of growing business from the States, Rob has opening a new office in the Big Apple.

Rob, aged 32, who studied in the States while a UCLan student, said: “Opening an office outside of the UK has always been a dream of ours, and New York is the perfect home.

“We have seen a noticeable increase in enquiries from US-based brands who wish to develop their social media campaigns, working with an experienced and flexible agency.”

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Rob, who still lives in Fulwood and has a Manchester base, said the move would result in a number of staff being hired in 2019.

He said: “Opening an office in the States is something we were looking at, but in the end it has happened a bit quicker than we thought because of the number of companies that have been getting in touch.

“The business culture over there is surprisingly different to the UK.

“Also the time difference between the US and here is also key.”

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Social Republic which is supported by the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator, helps global, national and local businesses get the most from their social media strategies.

Rob says his company can pull together dedicated teams very quickly to launch social media campaigns .

During his studies at UCLan he spent one and half years in the States and grew to love and understand the country and its culture.

He expects to recruit up to five extra staff in 2019.