Martek make splash on Six O'clock News

Remit

Martek Marine is a dynamic, multi award-winning world leader in safety and environmental monitoring systems for the global marine industry.

Founded in 2000 by three directors on a budget of £6,000, the business which exports to 60 countries has a turnover set to top £6m in 2009 and more than 40 staff.

Following rapid expansion, Martek Marine was keen to maximise its innovative products such as its MarinOx emissions monitoring system, which reduces fuel consumption by up to four per cent, through media relations and also build the company’s corporate profile. Quest PR was commissioned to:

• Develop Martek Marine’s reputation with the marine industry as a leading supplier of environmental and safety equipment.
• Increase awareness and understanding within the industry of the company’s MariNOx system and the issues it addresses.
• Position Martek as a leading employer and innovative, high-tech manufacturer in the region and nationally
• Align PR with marketing strategy to help drive sales

Planning and implementation

The journalist-led Quest team devised a strategic plan encompassing key messages, target media, guaranteed delivery and activity levels. The team extensively researched the industry media and  sourced opportunities for comment in the national media on issues as diverse as exporting and business challenges.

Throughout the campaign Quest briefed national business and environmental correspondents in both the broadcast and print media on Martek Marine’s exciting business model and the company’s innovative position within an industry that has been slow to comprehend its environmental impact.

The results

Quest secured extensive features and news stories in key regional titles such as the Yorkshire Post, thebusinessdesk.com, Yorkshire Business Insider and the Sheffield Star.

Exceeding guarantees of coverage, in six months Quest delivered coverage with an advertising value equivalent of £500,000, nearly 20 times Martek Marine’s investment.

Quest secured Martek Marine an appearance on the Six O’Clock news  which was repeatedly played as part of a segment on News 24 throughout the rest of evening. The interview also appeared on BBC Radio 4.

Martek Marine’s MD Paul Luen, was profiled in extended features for national title Business XL and the Yorkshire Post. Fellow directors also commented in national and regional business titles on topics including the impact of exchange rates and the government’s budget plans.

Said Paul Luen: “It is not everyday that you appear on the BBC Six O’Clock news and we have to thank Quest for communicating the story of our company, and the issues that affect us so successfully.

“From the outset Quest’s professional approach and guaranteed results ensured that we were given a strong return on investment. There ability to identify opportunities in regional and national media meant that we were rarely out of the headlines and enjoyed a major boost to our corporate profile.”