SOMERSET’S profile as a great business destination has been boosted in and around London following a recent advertising campaign on catch-up TV channels.

The ‘Seize the Opportunity’ advert, commissioned by inward investment organisation Into Somerset, highlighted some of the county’s business people and businesses, including Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, Glastonbury’s Michael Eavis and the global helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland.

Targeting audiences within the M25, it featured on ITV Player and 4 on Demand from the end of October until the beginning of December, with a second wave on ITV Player throughout January.

The advert was viewed more than 655,000 times across the two catch-up TV platforms, with the second phase in January generating a click-through rate to the Into Somerset website that is well above average and a 400% increase in website traffic.

In addition, the advert generated almost 1,900 extra views via YouTube. Into Somerset’s Twitter following also increased significantly, with over 770 new followers located within the M25 catchment area.

Into Somerset Project co-ordinator Lottie Francis said: “This is the first time that TV advertising has been used to promote Somerset’s business credentials and it’s certainly proved to be a big success.

“We’ve had unprecedented levels of interest online and total viewing figures of almost two thirds of a million.

“It has undoubtedly helped to raise awareness of the county as well as highlighting the high profile business people and companies that thrive here.”