MM&C celebrates 15 years in business

MM&C, one of the Island’s leading PR and communications firms, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

MM&C (Mainstream Marketing and Communications) began in 1998 as Mainstream Financial and was founded by managing director Craig Wolstencroft.

He moved from England to the Isle of Man in 1980 and has spent his entire working life in Island based businesses.

In 15 years as MD he has seen dramatic changes in marketing and PR.

‘When the business began in 1998 marketing was about a few key things such as advertising and media relations,’ he says.

‘Advertising was on television and radio, or in print based media. Media relations was about getting your client’s story in the papers or magazines and, of course, every company had its brochures, newsletters and direct mail.

'While these channels of communication are still with us, the revolution in IT and digital technology has had a dramatic impact on how PR and marketing can be delivered. This revolution is still unfolding, and to an extent many businesses are still feeling their way in terms of working out how to create a strategy which unleashes the full potential of this new technology.’

While the bulk of MM&C’s work is in the private sector, the agency has played a vital role in creating the visual identity for the Department of Economic Development and was instrumental in the ‘Isle of Man. Where You Can’ core proposition which is at the heart of the department’s marketing strategy to attract inward investment to the Island.

Promoting ‘Isle of Man plc’, says Wolstencroft, is something which is woven into all of the work MM&C does – not just when it’s for Government.

He added: ‘MM&C has a deep understanding of the Isle of Man - not just in business terms, but in all aspects of Island life, its culture, and community. Our client portfolio is a microcosm of the Island’s diverse and flourishing economy, covering sectors including financial services, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and, increasingly, the growth areas of e-Gaming and e-Business.

'We have a reputation for reliability, a flair for creating innovative ideas, and an ability to respond to a challenge - all qualities which clients have come to associate with MM&C, and qualities which make the Isle of Man a great place to do business. Promoting the Isle of Man is an integral part of what we do, whether it’s for public or private sector clients.’

For more information go to www.mmc.co.im