AN internet-based system developed by Newcastle agency Hunter Johnstone is helping Subway franchises tailor offers and services to their local area.
Hunter Johnstone started working with the sandwich retailer six years ago in the UK and Europe, creating an online marketing tool which allows franchises to get recommendations on the best bespoke promotions for their particular business.
It received £120,000 investment in April last year from NEL Fund Managers, as well as One North East and Business Link backing, aimed at setting up a new digital division and further improving the system.
This move boosted the number of stores it worked with from 600 to 1,700, and it hopes to clear 2,000 before the end of the year.
As well as breaking into France and Eastern Europe, it is in talks to offer the system to two other companies and has developed a version for the business-to-business market.
Co-founder Jay Johnstone said: “Our system’s commercial worth to individual franchisees is shown through the data and feedback they get on the campaigns they’ve commissioned, which shows them what’s been most effective for them in terms of generating sales and means they can be even more targeted in subsequent marketing efforts.
“In the past 18 months, we’ve almost tripled the number of Subway outlets that are utilising the system, with many more lined up to join them in the near future, and also now host the business’s global image gallery, which is a terrific testament to the trust they place in us.
“The discussions we’re currently having with other worldwide brands shows how the potential of this system is being recognised by the market, and we firmly believe that the success we’ve enjoyed so far is just the beginning.”
Hunter Johnstone was set up by Neil Hunter and Jay Johnstone in 2000, and has a client list that includes Coca Cola, Newcastle Falcons and Carlisle Tourism Partnership.
Lindsey Grieves, portfolio executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “Hunter Johnstone’s vision in creating this system and enhancing their digital offering is clearly paying off, and it’s exciting for the region’s creative industry to have globally-successful brands choosing to work with partners from the region.”
