Fact-based marketing specialists Michael Rigby Associates were delighted to reach the finals of the Best Use of PR category in The Construction Industry Marketing Awards 2002 on their first attempt. MRA's client, Synseal Extrusions, achieved dramatic results with its new Shield Conservatory System, capturing a significant slice of the conservatory market and reaching fourth position in a crowded market within eight months of launch.

The Awards, presented in December, are for marketing and business development best practice. Kevin Murphy, Divisional Managing Director of Emap Construction Network said: “the number and quality of entries was truly inspiring.”

“The Award for Best Use of PR is for PR programmes that changed perceptions and made a measurable difference, and we certainly did that,” commented Managing Director Mike Rigby. “The PR we do is different. We call it 'fact-based marketing' and measuring results is a key part of what we do. Unusually we combine both PR to create advantage, and market research to measure the result. We specialise in creating new markets, repositioning brands and high-level campaigns to change perceptions or proactive defence when brands are under attack. We are also members of BMRA, the professional research body, and have BS7911 the recognised standard for market research.”

BMN readers will know Michael Rigby Associates for the regular cement Quarterly Trends reports sponsored by Castle Cement and the drainage Quarterly Trends reports, previously sponsored by Marley Plumbing & Drainage. Other MRA clients include Freefoam Plastics, producers of roofline and rainwater products, UK Fasteners, Sarnafil Roof Assured, Hepworth Plumbing Products and Tarmac.

For further information email Fiona Lund or call (01453) 521621.