Ben Pinnington launched maritime-focused PR firm Polaris Media in Merseyside in 2011 and now he is set to publish his first booked aimed at business leaders in the maritime sector

Maritime public relations expert Ben Pinnington has signed a deal that will see his first book published this summer.

Ben is managing director of Merseyside and Manchester-based PR firm, Polaris Media. It was founded in 2011operates mainly in the maritime, engineering, manufacturing, energy and construction industries. Maritime has become its biggest sector with clients across the UK while exports markets include China, India, Oman and Poland.

Now Ben has written his first book – Making Waves: Public Relations strategies to transform your maritime business – which he says is aimed at business leaders and marketing professionals in the international maritime industry.

He has signed a publishing deal with Rethink Press, which works with entrepreneurs, business owners, coaches and consultants to get their best books planned, written and published.

Ben’s book is due out in early summer and will be available in print, on Amazon Kindle and audio book. He said 20% of the profits will be donated to its nominated charities Liverpool Seafarers Centre and the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial.

“The aim is to share knowledge of more than 20 years working in the media as a journalist, press officer and then running my own PR firm,” he said. “Maritime is not our only sector but it is our biggest.

“We have been fortunate to gather a wide range of experiences working for maritime businesses of all types and sizes including ports, shipyards, classification societies, flag states, charities, lobby groups and events.

“We’ve also worked extensively overseas in China, India, Poland and Oman so can offer insight into international PR. Maritime is a fascinating global industry that the world depends on for 90% of visible trade.

“However, there is a PR challenge with the industry needing to promote itself better and combat sea-blindness – public ignorance of the world’s dependence on the sea for food, commerce and security, and the vital role seafarers play in all our lives.”

He said writing the book had been a genuine “learning experience”, adding: “I’ve reflected on how PR works in reality and I’ve blended that with reading, consulting leading PR professionals and by undertaking the latest training at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. 

“PR is more than communications gloss, more than an ‘add on’ to marketing it is a discipline in its own right that should inform the strategic direction of a company.”

Lucy McCarraher, founder of Rethink Press, said: “We publish the books of entrepreneurs, experts and business owners who often work in a niche market, so our titles are aimed at a broad range of readers.

“The maritime industry is a new market for us and we believe that Making Waves will really open the eyes of many businesses to the opportunities of positioning and presenting themselves in a dynamic and positive way.”

To reserve a copy email: news@polarismedia.co.uk