Media mix: Boosts for MC2 and MediaCom

STRATEGIC communications consultancy MC2 has been appointed by Australasia’s largest specialist working capital provider, Scottish Pacific, to launch its new division to the UK market.
 
The Australian firm is opening in London to take advantage of the shortfall in funding available for small companies. Scottish Pacific Tradeline will work with an existing office in China and head office in Australia, which turns over £3bn a year.
 
Scottish Pacific’s expansion into the UK market is the first stage in globalising its trade offering. The initial focus will be on British companies that are sourcing products from overseas and it has funding lines exceeding A$500m (£260m) available to lend to SMEs.
 
MC2 is launching the firm’s UK offering to the national and financial trade media, as well as introducing Ed Bracey as Executive Director to lead the new offshoot. This appointment sees MC2’s international work continue to expand, already working in the US, China, Germany and Switzerland.
 
Liam Buckley, account director at MC2, said: “Lending to small companies has improved since the recession and it is really encouraging to see international businesses expanding into the UK to meet the demand for SME finance. Scottish Pacific has an excellent reputation across Australia and New Zealand and we’re confident its new offering will be well-received in the UK.”
 
Wayne Smith, head of marketing and product development at Scottish Pacific, added: “We chose to work with MC2 as we knew it had a strong track record of handling PR and communications within the financial and professional services space. The response from the business community on the ground in the UK has been fantastic so far and we’re looking forward to working with a number of dynamic British SMEs.”

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MEDIACOM Manchester has been appointed by Merseyside bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing to oversee all ongoing planning and buying campaign responsibilities and administer a £6m advertising budget.

Established in 1999, Victorian Plumbing has become one of the UK’s largest retailers in branded and in-house designed bathrooms and accessories.

MediaCom’s says its brief will be to increase advertising share through a response driven TV camapaign and brand building strategy.

Marcus Hall, board director gead of response at MediaCom Manchester, said: “It’s great to be building a long term relationship with a brand that not only has established such a strong reputation, but has the ambition and vision to continue to grow.”