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Interview: Raman Sehgal, Founder of ramarketing

Raman Sehgal is a grafter. He was at ten years old, growing up in West Denton, working in his parents’ post office and he is today, as he works to attract further international clients to his Newcastle-based PR and marketing agency ramarketing.

Raman has steadily built the business, turning a profit every month since its conception in 2009, in a way he feels is right and will always strive to pursue. He said: “In the first year it was just me and one client, then with the coming of a few more clients in the second it was me and two freelancers.

“Things started to take off in August 2011 and our first office quickly followed. To be where we are today, with the unbelievable amount of talent we have within the team - its amazing.

“We very much have a defined ethos at the company, thats with both clients and staff alike. We don’t do gimmicks or false promises, we work hard and we treat people the way we want to be treated ourselves.”

In fact its this outlook which has shaped the core principles held by the team at ramarketing. The company’s five point pitch includes a guarantee of skilled senior manager and director level support to clients, competitive prices, transparency in reporting for real value results, continuity in the business’ approach to its own consultants and honest in their approach to costing clients.

Currently, ramarketing is celebrating after further strengthening its healthcare portfolio with three new life science clients.

Securing work with DNA design specialist Oxford Genetics, German-owned a1-envirosciences and an international health economics consultancy, the company has now picked up around 10 new clients since the start of the year.

ramarketing has positioned itself as a brand communications specialist in the global life science sector, now working with over 25 pharmaceutical, chemical and healthcare clients across the UK and EU, helping many with international, integrated marketing strategies.

Raman said: “This is a really fun and exciting part of where we’re taking the business. The pharmaceutical and healthcare division has always been core to the business so given our track record and reputation in this area, we are continuing to develop this side of the agency.”

Despite ramarketing’s expansion beyond the walls of the UK, Raman knows he owes a lot to the region where it all started, “Obviously looking for new business is part and parcel of growing and its great for us to have so many international clients now.

“However, we don’t take our eye off the North East, its been the heart and soul of much of our business. I’ve personally benefited massively from the region and have been lucky enough to set up my business here. I look back at what’s been achieved since 2009 and one of my proudest achievements has been in creating North East jobs.”

As a result of new clients wins, ramarketing has embarked on a recruitment drive to strengthen its digital and operational resources. Raman revealed the importance of getting the hiring process right: “One of the most difficult challenges small agencies face is hiring the right people.

“The team we have here at the moment is second to none for me and we only want to add to that balance. Yes we want someone in with the right skill set but they have to be able to buy into the ethos we have here. We’ve proved there is longevity and sustainability in our model, so culture couldn’t be more important.”

As part of future growth plans, the agency is looking to expand its global reach having recently undertaken market visits to the East Coast of the US and Scandinavia in a bid to attract more international clients.

“The goal for us isn’t to be the biggest agency in the region but we certainly want to be the best. Of course we’re miles away from perfection but we believe in what we’re doing and we’re determined to grow in particular areas.”

Ending the conversation in typically passionate and determined fashion, Raman said: “We want to have more international clients but what I want more than anything is for us to stay true to our ethos and approach with who we are currently working with. I’m sure we will.”

To learn more about new projects undertaken by ramarketing visit http://www.ramarketingpr.com/.