Love Island marketing company to expand into London

A Manchester marketing company that launched four years ago is expanding into London.

MediaCityUK-based Zeal Creative has confirmed plans to open an office in the capital as targets a £7m turnover in its fifth year.

Zeal has delivered promotional and marketing campaigns for a number of national brands, including Kellogg’s, Nestlé and Pringles.

The firm recently helped launch a partnership for Kellogg’s with hit ITV reality show Love Island, offering fans the chance to win poolside tickets to the programme’s final.

Zeal was founded by business partners Stewart Hilton and Robert White with the help of a low-interest £10k loan from the Government-backed Start-Up Loans Company (SULCo).

Stewart Hilton (left) and Robert White

Revenues doubled in the first two years and the firm now operates from a 3,500 sq ft office, employing 42 full-time staff on an annual turnover of £4.9m.

The launch of the London office will help Zeal service increasing work from the Nestlé HQ in Gatwick.

Zeal Creative co-founder Stewart said: “Since launching our business in 2014 from a small boiler room, we’ve not looked back.

“After only four years, Robert and I have managed to attract some of the world’s biggest brands and we’re confident that our new office in London will open more doors.”

He continued: “Although Robert and I had worked in marketing for many years, we never would have achieved this level of success without the low-interest loan from the Start-up Loans Company.

“Its mentoring service was also invaluable. It allowed us to grow our network and supported us every step of the way with fantastic advice.”

Joanna Hill, managing director of the Start Up Loans Company, commented: “It’s been fantastic to watch how Zeal Creative has grown in such a short space of time.

“It’s a great example of how a start-up loan can really support and encourage people who have a dream of starting their own business. The company’s client base is impressive, and the fact that Stewart and Robert will now have an office in London as well as in Manchester, is testament to their hard-work and dedication.”