22 years of creativity, growth and impact

During June, we are celebrating 22 years of Mckenna Townsend – 22 years of insight-led campaigns, stand-out events and strategic communications that build brands and drive results. 

Over the past 12 months, our team has continued to be at the forefront of some exciting moments across several key industry sectors. 

In the marine and maritime sectors, we’ve continued to deliver high-impact work for global clients through comprehensive marketing, PR and social media programmes, including major shows, launches and media events. 

During the summer and autumn show season, we supported the launch of the Arksen 8, arranged sea trials for the Sunseeker Ocean 156 and Predator 55, and welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Anne on board the Ocean 156 as it made its boat show debut. We coordinated a press day for Williams Jet Tenders in Dartmouth, hosted media off the coast of the Isle of Wight for Arksen, and delivered a major press conference and dinner for Sunseeker International at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. 

We supported YANMAR’s sponsorship of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, including a successful press event during the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup, working closely with international stakeholders to ensure strong media engagement.

Across the year, out team were on the ground at Cannes Yachting Festival, Boot Düsseldorf, METSTRADE, Ocean Business, and The British & International Franchise Exhibition, driving press coverage, social campaigns and one-to-one media activity. 

It’s also been a year of exciting new beginnings. We supported the launch of Evene Tenders, the new superyacht tender brand from the founders of Williams Jet Tenders, with a focused PR campaign that introduced the brand to key media and helped position Evene at the forefront of the luxury marine market. We welcomed new clients including VETUS and Smartgyro, strengthening our position in the marine space, and continued to deliver strategic communications and results-driven campaigns across lifestyle, franchise, and health sectors. 

Another key highlight was promoting Ocean, the landmark film co-produced by Arksen and narrated by Sir David Attenborough, which premiered at London’s Royal Festival Hall in May. Our PR campaign secured coverage in key titles including BOAT International, Motorboat & Yachting, Powerboat & RIB, and Marine Industry News, amplifying the film’s urgent message about ocean conservation ahead of its global cinema release timed to coincide with Earth Day. 

Our work in the health and food sectors with Coeliac UK has spanned a number of high-impact projects. We supported the charity as it handed in a 20,000-strong petition to 10 Downing Street, calling for the protection of gluten free prescriptions. During Coeliac Awareness Month, we helped raise national awareness of the condition through a widespread media campaign featuring Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington, who shared her personal experience to highlight the realities of living with coeliac disease and drive wider public understanding.  We secured phenomenal media coverage for the charity across national, regional and trade media.  

On the franchise development front, we supported Gong cha, one of the world’s fastest-growing bubble tea brands, to launch its first regional store on the Isle of Ireland, with a campaign spanning PR, influencer engagement and social media strategy.  

Across the year, we’ve delivered creative influencer campaigns, secured thousands of pieces of national, regional and trade media coverage, and produced social-first content that helped brands connect more effectively with their audiences. 

Our team continues to grow, with Madeline, Emily and Adam joining this year. We also celebrated individual milestones including Chartered PR status for Enya and Charlotte and we were proud to be shortlisted for the 2024 CIPR Excellence Awards for our long-standing partnership with Williams Jet Tenders. 

As we step into our 23rd year, we remain focused on doing what we do best, helping brands shape their narratives and make meaningful connections with the audiences that matter. 

To our amazing clients, team, and industry friends — thanks for being part of the journey so far. We’re excited for what’s next!