This year is shaping up to be a doozy at NorthPR! On both the tech and hospitality sides of the business, we’ll be representing a number of companies that are pushing the envelopes in their respective industries. Below is a breakdown of our 2021 client roster … and it keeps growing!
A tech-fuelled year at NorthPR
One theme kept emerging in 2020: technology as a means for good. From the groundbreaking science behind vaccine development to the tools that have allowed businesses to adapt, to the platforms that have kept us connected — tech has been indispensable in COVID times.
As we look to 2021, NorthPR will be working with a number of companies using technology to help shape the Canada of tomorrow. Here’s a look at what’s on deck with tech:
This fast-growing tech startup has big plans for 2021. Wagepoint’s payroll software allows small businesses and accountants to automate payroll in the most stress-free way possible. And when it comes to customer support, they’re second to none. In the early weeks of the pandemic, as many businesses scrambled to lay off staff, Wagepoint worked around the clock to process a 70% spike in Records of Employment, ensuring quick access to CERB. We can’t wait to continue supporting Wagepoint in its mission to make life easier for small businesses all across Canada.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
The Globe and Mail: Mental health tips from a company that’s only ever worked remotely
BetaKit: US Private Equity Firm Providence Strategic Growth Takes Majority Stake in Wagepoint
The Globe and Mail: Canada’s 50 Best Executives 2020: Leena Thampan
On the long list of things that COVID has changed, real estate should be somewhere near the top. With remote working becoming more accepted, Canadians are reevaluating their housing priorities. Factors like room for a home office, access to nature, and spacious backyards are suddenly top of mind. As a growing number of Canadians consider their next move, Properly wants to make sure it’s more streamlined than ever before. The company’s AI-powered technology allows homeowners to buy their new home before even listing their old one — meaning they can act quickly when buying, eliminate the fear of carrying two mortgages, and avoid in-person home showings (especially in light of COVID concerns).
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
Financial Post: Real estate fintech offers guaranteed price floor that lets home shoppers buy first and sell later
Narcity: More Than Half Of Ontario Millennials Hate Where They Live Right Now
The Globe and Mail: New real estate players try to gain foothold in Canada’s hot market
We’ve known for a while now that flexible work is the future, but COVID has accelerated the workplace revolution in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Since launching in Belgium in 1989, IWG has provided professionals with tech-forward and collaborative workspaces. Today, the multinational company has an array of coworking brands under its banner, ranging from the OG (Regus) to the new & trendy (Spaces). As our very first client, IWG holds a special place in the heart of NorthPR, and we look forward to highlighting its growing relevance in our radically changed world of work.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
The Globe and Mail: Remote workers may be saving the environment
The Globe and Mail: Flexibility is the new norm, and it’s time for employers to embrace ‘Generation Flex’
Financial Post: Co-working concept continues market expansion
We’re living in a new normal, one in which we rely on technology to stay safe and connected like never before. From the cameras for Zoom calls to the digital thermometers for temperature checks. Many of our most vital products are powered by millions of tiny microchips — but those precious chips are imported. So when faced with the supply chain interruptions and global production shortages that we’re seeing, tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Apple are lobbying to bring chip production home.
What does this mean for Canada? It means opportunity. ventureLAB, a York Region-based tech hub that launched Canada’s first hardware incubator in early in 2020, understands that a made-in-Canada hardware industry would not only enable the creation of foundational technologies that power the products of tomorrow, it’s critical for our economic recovery. Retaining homegrown talent? Creating 5x more jobs in the tech sector? Consider us microchip champions!
ventureLAB has a number of other dynamic initiatives in the works, including enabling a more diverse and equitable tech sector through its Tech Undivided mentorship initiative, aimed at supporting women and underrepresented persons working in tech, and partnering with the soon-to-be-opened Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Canada’s first fully integrated ‘smart’ hospital.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
Financial Post: ventureLAB announces first cohort of its Hardware Catalyst Initiative companies
York Region News: York Region leaders invest $8 million in startups creating technology to combat blindness, cooling device for hot flashes
Canadian Manufacturing: Markham, Ont.-based silicon incubator hits the ground running
What’s trending at Hospitality North?
Influencers, social media, and public relations are all trending with NorthPR’s hospitality and consumer clients in 2021. Here’s what our Hospitality North team, Cassie Prosper and Amanda Biffis, have in store:
Digby Paints is Canada's first online paint store. As the easiest way to shop for paint, Digby offers 60 can’t-go-wrong colours, premium Made-in-Canada paint, and supplies, all delivered to your door. CEO Jill Torrance is an industry veteran with 20+ years of experience in merchandising, marketing, and design. She joined forces with digital marketing expert, Emily Kinread, to create Digby Paints in 2019. The company is based in Hamilton, Ont. and currently serves customers across the province, with plans to expand in 2021.
No Pong is an extremely effective, all-natural deodorant made from quality ingredients, blended together to create a sweat-resistant, all-day deodorant that does exactly what it says on the tin! Guaranteed to be 100% paraben, aluminum, cruelty, and plastic-free, No Pong started in Australia, and due to the overwhelming demand in Canada, they began manufacturing and shipping from Mississauga in 2018.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
Notable Life: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide – For the Skincare Lover
Elle Magazine: 10 Natural Deodorants to Try While You Socially Distance
Wahlburgers is a casual dining restaurant and bar founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Chef Paul Wahlberg — who recently wrapped 10 seasons of A&E’s Emmy-nominated reality show, Wahlburgers. While its interior decor is filled with photos and memories celebrating the brothers' journeys from Dorchester kids to international superstars, Wahlburgers makes food, beverages, and its guests the real stars. With menu items like delicious fresh ground beef burgers, bountiful salads, tasty tots, and frothy frappes, Chef Paul and team are obsessed with making guests feel like they’re part of the family.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
Escapism: The best things to do in Boston according to chef Paul Wahlberg
Toronto Life: Toronto restaurants and gourmet grocers selling Thanksgiving dinner for takeout or delivery
BlogTO: Mark Wahlberg shouts out Toronto fire department for delivering food to homeless shelters
Chickapea is a pasta product made from only two ingredients: organic chickpeas and lentils. It's high in protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, vitamins B, and is also certified gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, vegan, and Kosher. Best of all, Chickapea tastes great and cooks like regular pasta!
But Chickapea isn't just delicious and nutritious, it’s also good for the planet. By focusing on plant-based proteins, Chickapea helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve freshwater stores, reduce deforestation, and keep our air clean. Chickapea is sold across health food stores and supermarkets in Canada and the U.S. It’s also offered as a food service line for restaurants, schools, and hospitals.
NorthPR manages Chickapea’s Instagram.
West Side Beef is an e-commerce butcher shop. It operates like a normal butcher shop, where you pick your products, checkout, and pay, but instead of venturing out to get it, everything gets delivered fresh right to your door. It’s your neighborhood butcher shop that you can browse from the comfort of your home. West Side Beef connects local farmers to people all over the GTA. They pride themselves on sourcing ethical meat that’s been raised without the use of GMOs, hormones, or antibiotics.
NorthPR manages West Side Beef’s Instagram.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR:
Toronto Life: Toronto restaurants and gourmet grocers selling holiday dinners for takeout or delivery
Marben is an elevated farm-to-table Toronto restaurant known for its warm hospitality, expertly mixed cocktails, thoughtful wine list, and seasonal cuisine. Executive Chef Chris Locke prides himself on use of sustainable fare while paying homage to the restaurant’s British heritage, showcased through a modern Canadian culinary philosophy. With dining currently closed in Toronto, guests can take advantage of Marben’s delivery meals as well as the Marben Market, offering culinary essentials such as bread, milk, eggs, preserves, as well as frozen dinners, homemade goods, beer, wine, and cocktails to-go.
NorthPR manages Marben’s Instagram.
Recent coverage secured by NorthPR: