What’s the connection between a Burnley digital agency and ejector seat parachutes?

It may seem a tenuous link, but there is indeed a connection between a Burnley digital agency on Slater Terrace and a global powerhouse within the defence industry.

Red-Fern Media, an “elite” digital agency in the manufacturing sector, has partnered with IrvinGQ®, the creators of the first free-fall parachute who supply all parachutes for Martin Baker ejection seats, plus, aerial delivery systems, navel decoy systems and search and rescue, managing director Sean Redfearn told Burnley.co.uk.

Red-Fern Media have partnered with IrvinGQ® to deliver a new website, digital and social marketing, exhibition stands and augmented reality (AR) initiatives – but how did the Burnley business win such an incredible contract?

“Through outbound marketing activity on LinkedIn! We take a very strategic approach to working with manufacturers who we know can achieve positive outcomes with. Through this targeted approach, I messaged the global head of marketing explaining what we did and how we could help, and it turned out it was the right message at the right time. It’s all about being consistent, relevant and timely. IrvinGQ® is based in Bridgend in Wales, and we brought them up to Burnley and were really impressed with our approach and creative vision” Sean continued.

It wasn’t just the location, restaurants, connectivity and accommodation the IrvinGQ® team were taken by. Sean and his team have developed a full global digital strategy that included audience research, creative design, web development, augmented reality and digital marketing.

“They thought we were too good to be true when we demonstrated everything could be achieved by a single agency, and the capabilities we have,” Sean explained.

Burnley is something of a hidden gem when it comes to the innovative businesses we have here. Of course, we know we do and shout about it, but there is so much more work that needs to happen to ensure our digital, cyber and other related skills are known across the globe.

The global clients keep on coming

Not content with that major contract, the Red-Fern Media team have landed another with IDEX Fire and Safety, a US company.

The initial project is for two years and includes multiple website redesigns. The hard work has paid off, with revenue now exceeding £1 million in 2023/24; “not bad for a business in Burnley that sits next to the canal in a converted mill!” Sean laughs (Venice of the North).

Sean has been the driver behind the success of Red-Fern since day one, when he started out 17 years ago posting leaflets through doors in Accrington to drum up business. Now, with the hard work of his team, he expects to employ a new member of staff every three months to keep up with demand. The team are even flying the flag for Burnley in Dubai and Norway, contracts which came from client referrals.

It’s fantastic to see businesses like Red-Fern Media putting Burnley on the global map and the borough is getting closer each day to achieving the recognition it deserves as a digital hub that can rival nearby cities – but we must all come together to tell everyone of our clout.