MT Influence #18

As we embrace the vitality that comes with spring, our team at McKenna Townsend is building on a strong start to 2025, delivering impactful campaigns that make a real difference. This month, we were fortunate to have the vibrant Ocean Business event right on our doorstep at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton. Charlotte Sampson Chart.PR and Madeline Cocker took full advantage of this opportunity, connecting with industry leaders and gaining valuable insights to drive our projects forward. From supporting important Earth Day activations to refining strategies for clients gearing up for the upcoming boat show season, it’s been an action-packed month.

We’ve had the privilege of working on impactful high profile projects such as Arksen’s co-production announcement of Ocean, a powerful documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough, while also supporting with meaningful sustainability initiatives, including the media relations for Williams Jet Tenders’ new HVO fuel tank installation. As always, we are focused on delivering results and providing expert support to help our clients navigate fast-paced industries. Read on for all the highlights, it’s not one to be missed!

Exploring the depths of maritime innovation at Ocean Business Southampton

In April, we were fortunate to have the exciting Ocean Business event taking place right on our doorstep at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton. Charlotte and Madeline seized the opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest developments in maritime science and technology, connecting with a wide range of professionals from the maritime and ocean science communities. The experience was not only insightful but also provided invaluable knowledge to help push our team’s projects forward.

Among the standout moments, they gained first-hand insight into the groundbreaking discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance from the legendary Mensun Bound and learned about the National Oceanography Centre’s vital work in bringing together scientists, technologists, and digital experts to advance the blue economy. Madeline also had the privilege of attending the inspiring Women in Marine networking lunch, where she connected with leading voices in the industry. If your next maritime project could benefit from expert support, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to help!

Master the art of award entries and shine brighter

Winning an industry award is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your brand, demonstrate your expertise, and gain a competitive edge. However, crafting a compelling award entry takes more than just filling out a form, it requires strategy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of what judges are looking for.

At McKenna Townsend, we specialise in writing and refining award submissions that present your achievements in the best possible light. With our extensive experience, we know exactly how to tailor each entry to stand out. Over the past 18 months alone we’ve helped our clients secure some of the most prestigious awards across the marine industry and beyond, including the King’s Award for Enterprise, DAME Design Awards, NMMA Miami Innovation Award, IBI Boat Builder Awards, National Engage Awards, and the Marine Industry Excellence Awards.

If you want to highlight your business but aren’t sure how to begin—or if you need expert guidance to refine your submission—we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a call or meeting with our team and discover how we can help you showcase your achievements and rise above the competition.

Exploring opportunities at the International Franchise Show

Last month, our Associate Director Enya, had the opportunity to attend the International Franchise Show at Excel London, where over 250 exhibitors showcased a diverse range of global franchise opportunities. The event drew a large crowd of entrepreneurs and business owners, all eager to explore the expand on the potential of franchising opportunities.

Enya took full advantage of the event, engaging in productive meetings to discuss potential collaborations and growth strategies. She also attended a series of enlightening seminars, featuring expert speakers from Right at Home and The Mental Wellbeing Company. The show proved to be an excellent resource for both emerging and established franchisors, offering a wealth of knowledge and valuable networking opportunities.

If you’re looking to elevate your franchise marketing programmes and drive growth, we’d love to discuss how we can help. Reach out today to explore the strategies that will make your franchise stand out.

Celebrating Earth Day with powerful PR activations for Ocean Conservation

This Earth Day, we were proud to support key initiatives that underscore the importance of protecting our oceans and reducing environmental impact. One of the major highlights was working with Arksen and 10% For ‘The Ocean’ to announce its co-production of Ocean, a new feature film narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Produced by Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios, this film aims to inspire global action for ocean conservation and raise critical funding to address the urgent challenges facing our oceans. Through breathtaking visuals and powerful storytelling, the film reveals why a healthy ocean is essential for a stable, flourishing planet. It will premiere at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in May, ahead of a global cinema event and streaming release later this year.

In addition to the film, we also highlighted Williams Jet Tenders’ commitment to sustainability with the announcement of its new HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) tank installation at its Oxfordshire headquarters. This move marks a significant step in reducing emissions, as HVO provides up to 97% fewer CO2 emissions compared to standard diesel. By aligning its fuel transition with Earth Day, Williams Jet Tenders continues to demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility within the marine industry.

At McKenna Townsend, our Marine Social Responsibility Consultancy division is dedicated to positively impacting the health of our seas and oceans. With many years of experience working with high-profile brands, organisations, and charities in the marine sector, we help businesses connect with ocean conservation through bespoke, thoughtfully crafted communications programmes. Our mission is to assist you in telling your story in a way that enhances your reputation while advocating for the protection of our planet’s marine environments.

We’re proud to play a part in spreading the message of marine responsibility and supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference. To learn more about how we can help your brand engage in ocean conservation and elevate your environmental commitment, visit our Marine Social Responsibility Consultancy division here.

Let us help you shine at the upcoming boat shows

As boat show season swiftly approaches, we understand the pressure of making everything come together perfectly. Whether you’re preparing for a major event, launching a new product, or needing a social media strategy, content creation, or PR activations, we’re here to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

At McKenna Townsend, we specialise in supporting marine sector businesses with seamless project execution, even under tight deadlines. From crafting a tailored social media strategy to handling on-site event support, we work closely with you to ensure your next boat show or product launch is a resounding success. Our team’s expertise covers all aspects, including pre-show planning, live event execution, and post-event follow-up, so you can focus on what matters most, showcasing your products and engaging with key stakeholders.

If you’re looking for reliable support that keeps your business ahead of the curve, we’re ready to make your next boat show experience smooth and stress-free.

Elevate performance and maximise ROI with our customised marketing audits

Across fast-moving industries, staying ahead means regularly assessing how your marketing efforts are really performing. A strategic marketing audit is one of the most effective ways to do this. At McKenna Townsend, we help brands uncover untapped potential by identifying what’s working, what’s not, and how to optimise for better results. From benchmarking against best-in-industry standards to learning from the top-performing brands, our audits highlight where quick wins can be made and where longer-term strategic shifts will deliver meaningful ROI.

Our audits are completely tailored to your business, covering everything from creative, social media performance to digital strategy, customer experience, and international marketing. We combine a data-driven approach with deep sector insight, delivering clear, actionable recommendations, all without disrupting your day-to-day operations. Whether it’s sharpening your brand messaging, realigning your global communications, or refining how you engage with key audiences, we’re here to help you drive efficiency, impact, and long-term growth.