Merseyside PR firm Polaris Media, which specialises in the maritime and engineering sectors, has launched a new operation close to Chicago. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside PR firm Polaris Media is expanding across the Atlantic by setting up a new venture close to Chicago in the US.

Polaris founder and managing director Ben Pinnington has established Polaris Media America LLC. It will be headquartered in the Chicagoland town of Lake Forest, Illinois on Lake Michigan.

Founded in 2011, Polaris is focused on the maritime, manufacturing and engineering sectors. As well as working in the UK the firm has also operated in mainland Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

“We’re expanding here in the US to offer our exporter clients something new – a transatlantic trade bridge,” said Ben. “Exporters are looking for the best advisers not locally or even nationally but wherever they are in the world.

“We recognise that to compete in this new digital era Polaris has to innovate and offer more value. Launching here in the US with a new company with new networks is one way we can do that.

“The world is changing, and America and transatlantic trade offer more security, certainty and opportunity. It is pro-business with a massive maritime and engineering exporter base. PR and marketing is also changing and becoming more digital and global in reach.”

Polaris, which has its UK headquarters in Birkenhead, was named Global Performance Company of the Year at the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards in 2022. More than 60% of its turnover is now driven by exports.

Ben added: “I would like to thank both Lake County Partners and World Business Chicago for making us very welcome here in the ‘City of Broad Shoulders.

“Chicago is perfectly located at the heart of the US. It is the economic powerhouse of the Midwest and Great Lakes region with ease of access to the St Lawrence Seaway and the storied US inland waterway network.

“From here we can promote our networks in both the US and European markets supported by our team in the US and UK.

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“I would also like to thank all our friends and clients in the U.K. and in particular Liverpool. Polaris has grown out of the Merseyside maritime cluster and we are grateful for all the support we receive.”

Kyle Schulz, EVP of economic development agency World Business Chicago, said: “We applaud Polaris Media for their decision to establish their US company in the Chicagoland region.

“This reinforces the Chicagoland region’s stature as a strategic hub for business, leveraging its robust transportation and logistics infrastructure, as well as its rich legacy and flourishing emerging industries.”