Advisor Member
Specialist Franchise Marketing and Development Agency
McKenna Townsend is a multi-award-winning, full-service marketing communications agency with a strong public relations heritage. For more than 20 years, we’ve partnered with leading franchises around the world, helping to shape their growth both in the UK and internationally.
Our integrated approach combines strategic and creative PR, media buying, marketing, digital, and social media activity. We focus on building brand awareness, enhancing reputations, and delivering measurable results that drive sales and long-term success.
We see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams; sharing their goals, embedding ourselves in their business, and relentlessly pursuing the results that matter. Our campaigns are carefully costed, results-focused, and tailored to meet both commercial objectives and brand personality.
Founded by Matt McKenna and Sarah Townsend in 2003, we work with global, national, and regional clients across sectors including franchise development, care, marine, food & beverage, and retail. We are proud members of the British Franchise Association and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), where our co-founders are Fellows and our senior team are Chartered Practitioners.
Our work has been recognised with numerous CIPR awards, including Best Use of Media Relations, Best Event, and Best Integrated Communications Programme for our work with Subway.
Franchise Marketing Expertise
We are specialists in franchise development, with a proven track record built over two decades. Our work with Subway is a prime example – helping the brand grow from 30 stores to over 2,500 across the UK & Ireland through a comprehensive, integrated marketing communications programme.
Our experience extends to non-traditional franchise development, securing and supporting partnerships in a range of locations such as colleges and universities, transport hubs, petrol forecourts, and business and industry sites.
We’ve delivered high-impact marketing, PR, and lead generation campaigns for leading franchise brands, including:
We work with franchisors on both retained and project bases, adapting to their needs and budgets.
Our franchise marketing services include:
