Much of the content we share is created and shared by our community. We strive to deliver a positive, respectful environment for our community to share their own views and opinions, but these may not always directly align or reflect those of Don’t Panic and the UK Content Awards.

News Article ————

No Brainer x Checkatrade: how we used content marketing to boost trades skills careers in the UK

Author image Published by Rose Allerston
Published Date 02.07.2024

Search-driven content agency No Brainer is up for three separate awards at the UK Digital PR Awards for our work with Checkatrade, for which we used content marketing to bolster the profile of trades careers in the UK.

The team is absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in the following categories:

·      DIGITAL PR CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR TECHNOLOGY

·      BEST USE OF CONTENT IN A DIGITAL PR CAMPAIGN

·      DIGITAL PR BEST USE OF CREATIVITY

No Brainer x Checkatrade: how did we use content marketing to boost trades careers?

Checkatrade tasked us with driving their CSR programme through Digital PR, SEO and content marketing. In short, they wanted to become the go-to organisation that young people start their trades career with – so our strategy needed to put Checkatrade at the front and centre of conversations about trade skills in the UK.

Our approach needed to position Checkatrade as the leading expert in a competitive space, so we created the Trade Skills Index, an industry-defining report that analysed the economic impact of trades skills and construction apprenticeships in the UK.

The activation of this report was key to driving our SEO and Digital PR goals. Whilst the report demonstrated the skills shortage in the UK, and the way in which more young people in trades careers can drive the economy, our campaign activation ensured we engaged the right people through clever content marketing. Our content marketing strategies targeted key audience groups, such as careers advisors at schools, construction and trades businesses, parents and most importantly, young people aged 14-25 who may not realise the opportunity presented by a career in the trades.

By leveraging influencers, keyword-optimised content, internal spokespeople and creative assets, we were able to engage diverse target audiences and reap incredible results, including more than 200 pieces of PR coverage, a huge boost in Google search metrics, and thousands of podcast downloads.

Commenting on the awards shortlisting, Tori Attwood, No Brainer’s Digital PR Director, said:

“It’s an incredible achievement to be shortlisted in the UK Digital PR Awards alongside some fantastic agencies in the SEO industry.

“The team is really proud of the work we did with Checkatrade, using a combination of Digital PR, data, influencer marketing and content to not only meet our SEO objectives, but to fundamentally change the perception of trades careers in the UK.

“We know from our latest industry report that purpose-driven content is a key consideration for consumers in 2024, and our work with Checkatrade allowed us to showcase the meaningful ways the organisation can turbo-charge trades apprenticeships and careers for young people, whilst also driving organic growth.

“Our work with Checkatrade is a perfect example of how our Digital PR work goes beyond typical SEO metrics to help brands Be Found, Be First and Be Famous in the hearts and minds of their target customers. The team are absolutely made up to be shortlisted and we’re keeping everything crossed for the awards night!”

No Brainer Co-founder Lee Cullen said the recognition was testament to the team’s efforts to achieve amazing results for clients. He added:

“The UK Digital PR Awards are among the most sought-after our industry has to offer, so it’s a great source of pride to see our efforts being recognised nationally.  We’re hopeful our efforts will be rewarded with a trophy or two.”

No Brainer supports a range of companies across various sectors from attractions and eCommerce and legal to charities, with brands including MBNA, Taking Care and AO.com.

The shortlisting comes after a busy 18 months for the Warrington agency – which has secured ‘Great Place to Work’ and B-Corp status within the last 12 months.

Visit the website for more information about No Brainer’s Digital PR service,

or follow the agency on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Share Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Related News

Image: 5 Reasons Why Authentic and Real Content Matters More Than Ever 5 Reasons Why Authentic and Real Content Matters More Than Ever Let’s be real for six seconds! AI is everywhere, filters can make anyone look like a movie star, trends are getting monotonous, and half the internet feels like a copy-paste loop. But here’s the truth: people are craving authenticity and unfiltered. Why? Because in a digital world full of noise, real content stands out like […] Read More
Image: Patient-first search approach earns Equator and HCA Healthcare UK Content Awards 2026 shortlist Patient-first search approach earns Equator and HCA Healthcare UK Content Awards 2026 shortlist We’re delighted to announce that Equator and HCA Healthcare UK have been shortlisted at the UK Content Awards 2026 in the category Best Search Campaign of the Year. It’s a recognition that reflects over twelve months of close collaboration, clinical rigour, and genuinely purposeful digital work that all teams are very proud of. Built for […] Read More
Image: No Agency. No Budget. 2.8 Million Views. — How One NHS GP Is Changing the Way Women Access Health Information No Agency. No Budget. 2.8 Million Views. — How One NHS GP Is Changing the Way Women Access Health Information By Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe FRCGP FRSM FRSPH | Founder, AskAwayHealth.org I started AskAwayHealth because too many women were looking for answers about their health in places filled with misinformation, fear, and silence. What began as one doctor using digital platforms to explain women’s health more clearly has grown into a channel with more than 95,000 […] Read More
Image: Skyscanner Celebrate 4 Nominations at the UK Content Awards 2026 Skyscanner Celebrate 4 Nominations at the UK Content Awards 2026 Skyscanner is a global travel leader, helping travellers plan and book their trips with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers in 180 countries and 41 languages to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel, car hire or package holiday options. We’ve been shortlisted for […] Read More