A major energy industry contract has put a spring in the step of a small Norfolk marketing agency.

Norwich Evening News: Furthermore Marketing at Scottow Enterprise Park. Picture: ANTONY KELLYFurthermore Marketing at Scottow Enterprise Park. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Furthermore Marketing, a self-styled small business agency, has clients ranging from airlines to interior design firms.

But its latest contract win shows the five-strong team is capable of punching above its weight – it has been named project lead with HSE Life, an international scheme between Britain and the Netherlands to standardise health and safety training in the offshore energy industry, supported by sector heavyweights like Perenco and Petrofac.

Founder and managing director Lexi Brackpool says the new contract – a 'huge win' for her firm – has 'opened the door' for more business opportunities in Europe.

But she says had no intention of hitting the big time when she founded Furthermore a decade ago.

'Initially it was just about me remaining employable after I had children,' she said.

'The first real opportunity for growth was when I met [Furthermore's creative director] James, who brought to the table completely opposite skills.

'I am about strategy and growth and he is about designing, so both of us together meant we could start to deliver as well as advise.'

She added: 'We grew very much on the idea that we help small businesses access marketing advice. 'Sexy' agencies have higher costs attached and people often feel uncomfortable with that.'

Furthermore's offering now includes digital and social media marketing – Ms Brackpool says the latter has been helped by a work placement scheme, which has seen it take on two undergraduates from Coventry University for a year's placement.

As the firm's workload grows, she says a team expansion could be on the cards.

Ms Brackpool ran the business from home before taking premises at Scottow Enterprise Park last year, and she says she is now focused on 'sustainable and sensible' growth.

'I never set out to be a manager and I don't want to give myself overheads I can't deliver,' she said.

'To me running a business is a commitment that you take quite seriously. I expect a lot from the guys and they work really hard, but the other side of the coin is that I will work hard for them.'