Ascential PLC
We exist to help our customers win in the digital economy, unlocking the information, insights, connections, data and digital tools our customers need to understand the demands of tomorrow’s consumer and make the decisions that will enable their business to grow and thrive.From finance to fashion, ecommerce to economic forecasting, our wide portfolio of market-leading brands and products inform, connect and solve the challenges of our customers, from the inception of a product and its design, through to marketing and sales.We operate from 39 offices around the world. We serve customers in over 150 countries, leveraging local knowledge and connections for our global audience.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Event organizer
- Industry Type:
- Publishing / Media / Marketing
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
About Us
An international business-to-business media company with a focused portfolio of market-leading Events and Information Services products. In Exhibitions & Festivals we organise large scale exhibitions, congresses and festivals where customers come together to form business relationships and transact. In Information Services, we provide high quality, industry-specific business intelligence and forecasting via digital subscription products. In some product lines, customers can also purchase print subscriptions, attend conferences and award ceremonies and promote their services. Business professionals rely on us every day for our knowledge and access. Across the company, we create products our customers value in order to help drive their success, which in turn drives our own growth. Customer value retention increased in 2015, through a combination of product enhancements and extensions, as well as account management and customer service improvements.
What sets us apart?
A focused portfolio of market-leading products
84% of Ascential’s revenues are generated by product lines that hold number one positions in their markets, and its top five account for 53% of revenues.
Global reach
Operating from 14 offices around the world, Ascential serves customers in more than 150 countries, providing local and global knowledge, connections and access.
Trusted products that are at the heart of customer needs
We exist to provide our customers with world class content and connections – empowering their businesses to be the best informed and best connected. Our products offer content and connections that professionals rely on for growth and value creation.
We constantly listen to our customers’ needs and aim to be ahead of demand, creating new products that fulfill their needs and those of their organisation, and their industry.
Strategy
Self-Reinforcing Business Model
Ascential continually develops and extends its products so that their coverage of customer needs becomes ever deeper and their market positions become ever stronger. This reinforces our position in the market and is the foundation of organic growth.
Strong Operations and Management
Ascential allocates management time and investment to its highest growth-potential products, capitalising on what is already a focused portfolio, with its top 5 and top 10products accounting for 53% and 68% of revenue respectively. Careful cost control and a focus on operational excellence further helps the company deliver organic growth.
Diversified Revenues by Market & Geography
Ascential is diversified by end market, as it provides services to the retail, fashion, built environment, media and communications and financial services sectors, and by geography, with c.50% of revenues being generated outside the UK.
Our Values
Laser Focus
We have absolute clarity of purpose. We are direct and straightforward. Integrity and simplicity are in our DNA. Our products enable companies to better understand their industries, their customers and the future. We have the confidence to only focus on the things that matter.
Progressive Growth
We enable continuous growth for our people, our business and our customers. We never stand still, there is always more to learn, more to be and more to offer and we move at pace.
Creating Value
We place great value in our people, in difference, diversity and an outward looking perspective. Our purpose is to create value for the industries we serve and for our shareholders by providing the most influential platforms and forums for leaders of industry. We derive true value from exceptional knowledge, brilliant relationships and looking for important and unique connections.
Sustainability
Corporate responsibility and sustainability
Ascential’s environmental and social policies are guided by our values. We believe that when the business operates to the highest environmental, social and governance standards we perform more efficiently; attract and retain staff and make a difference to the communities we serve.
We are a destintion employer and believe it is vital to create an environment where people can be their best and to grow their skills and experiences across our product lines and territories we operate in.
Increasing energy efficiency and recycling
Across the Group and around the world, we work with our landlords and employees to actively minimize waste and maximize both efficiency and recycling in all its forms. As an example, we target the installation of energy efficient low temperature hot water systems, low energy lighting and low power technology in our major offices.
Reducing print in line with customer need
For magazine print, Plexus purchased 882 tonnes of paper in 2015, a reduction of almost 50% over 2014. This was driven by the sale of MBI, the reduction in certain magazine frequencies and the continuing increase in digital-only subscribers as customers move away from print. Our contracted print suppliers all hold PEFC, FSC chain of Custody and are 14001 accredited, ensuring that the paper stock for our products is sustainably sourced.
Travel
Ascential aims to proactively reduce its carbon footprint. Although some business plane travel is unavoidable for an international business, Ascential continues to encourage the use of webinars and video conference facilities as much as possible to remove any unnecessary travel.
Giving back
A core strength of Ascential employees is their commitment and passion for the communities we live in and serve. They want to make a real difference to the world around us, not just for customers through our great products, but for those less able to help themselves.
In 2012, the Group became a Patron of The Prince’s Trust and employees have continued to give their time to help disadvantaged young people get a better start in life. In 2015, the Prince’s Trust ‘Million Makers’ team were given £1,500 seed funding to support their fundraising efforts. The team worked tirelessly running internal events for staff and organizing casino tables at several Ascential awards events and a glittering Gala Dinner. Through their enormous commitment the team raised nearly £90,000. The team was also recognised by The Prince’s Trust at their annual awards ceremony, when the Ascential team won the 2015 Above and Beyond Award.
2015 was the Group’s second year supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London. Internal Ambassadors and employees worked within their business units to raise almost £42,000 – taking our two year total to more than £130,000 - which paid for specialist staff and equipment at the world-famous, pioneering hospital.
The business gives employees time to volunteer for an organisation or charity that helps those less fortunate and also matches certain fundraising by staff.
Third Party Code of Conduct
Any third parties involved in the provision of goods and services to Ascential underpin our ability to serve our customers through market-leading exhibitions, festivals and information services. While delivering these valued and trusted products, it is important to us that we and our suppliers do business responsibly, ethically and lawfully. To specify the minimum standards that Ascential expects and requires of third parties, we have created a Code of Conduct which we expect our third parties to adhere to at all times.