Member Article

Leading pharma entrepreneur backs Newcastle agency ramarketing's U.S. expansion

Pharmaceutical PR and marketing agency ramarketing is heading stateside following a six figure investment from renowned North East entrepreneur Fiona Cruickshank OBE.

Founded in 2009 by Raman Sehgal, the Newcastle-based business specialises in design, digital and PR services for companies operating in the pharmaceutical sector, including those involved in research and development, manufacturing, packaging and technology.

After a record year for ramarketing, which grew by 70% and doubled its staff numbers to over 20, the business has established itself as a truly international agency working with clients from Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the USA.

The recent appointment of pharmaceutical industry expert Cruickshank, founder of The Specials Laboratory and Gabriel Investors, is designed to further accelerate the company’s international growth.

Founder Raman Sehgal explained: “This has been a record 12 months for the business, averaging out at over 50% year on year growth since 2014.

“Our roots are in the North East and our head office and core team will always be here, but our long term aim has always been to establish ourselves as a specialist, international agency, which is where I believe we are now.

“We are now seen as one of the leading players in the global pharmaceutical industry’s contract services space and we are now actively looking for an office on the East coast of the USA. With clients all over the world, it makes sense to look at creating new bases where we see potential for growth.

“Part of our strategy is to work with the best people in the sector, and we are absolutely delighted to welcome Fiona on board as an investor.

“As a respected entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in growing very successful pharma businesses, her skills and knowledge will be invaluable and she will play a hands on role in helping us to continue our steady upward trajectory.”

Fiona Cruickshank OBE, who in recent years has helped with the growth of several businesses, commented: “I am very pleased to be investing in a strong team whose track record, approach and knowledge of the life science space makes it so successful.

“Export sales now account for around 40% of the business, and there is real potential to increase that even further with a US presence, as well as looking at creating another base in the UK.”

The last year has seen ramarketing pick up a string of awards from creative bodies, including being named the CIPR’s North East consultancy of the year, and being included in Prolific North’s top 50 PR Agencies rankings.

The company is now recruiting for several positions across marketing, lead generation, PR and HR to join its growing team.

Fiona added: “I will be working closely with the senior management team at ramarketing and looking at ways that I can bring my experience to bear. Naturally, I am very excited about where we can take the business.”