PHARMACEUTICAL and biotech outsourcing expert ramarketing is eyeing up a US base after attracting backing from a high profile pharmaceutical business figure.

The six-figure investment from industry expert Fiona Cruickshank OBE who founded The Specials Laboratory follows a record year for the digital, marketing and PR business that has seen it grow by 70% and double staff numbers to over 20.

Having operated in the contract services sector for many years, ramarketing works with some of the most high-profile names in the sector including Recipharm, Eurofins and TraceLink to help raise their profile, generate leads and ultimately grow their business. Its global client-base also includes many specialist players such as Symbiosis, Juniper Pharma Services, Tjoapack and Quanticate.

Fiona said: “I am very pleased to be investing in a strong team whose track record, approach and knowledge of the outsourcing 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.”

Founded in 2009 by sector specialist Raman Sehgal, the UK-headquartered agency specialises in design, digital and PR services for companies operating across the outsourcing sector, including those involved in research and development, manufacturing, packaging and technology.

Raman said: “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 of England like many pharmaceutical companies, but our long-term aim has always been to establish ourselves as a specialist, international agency, which is where I believe we are now.

“Our disruptive, agile and results-driven approach has led to us to become one of the biggest creative agency players in the contract services space in Europe, so 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 and can service clients locally.

“The US market is certainly competitive but we feel we have the edge over many others due to our knowledge of the European market, which is ideal for companies looking to expand presence in Europe. Likewise, we are already running PR, digital and lead generation campaigns in the US for our European-based clients so having boots on the ground will bring huge added value.”

The company’s team is representing over 20 companies at the upcoming CPhI Worldwide in Frankfurt, supporting with stand design, media meetings and marketing campaigns.