A KENT firm that promotes places has started to go Finnish.

Canterbury-based Anchor Reputation Management has won a contract to develop a strategy and marketing plan for Oulu Innovation.

This agency promotes the Finnish city of Oulu as a great place for business and job creation.

Oulu is 400 km north of Helsinki and one of Northern Europe’s leading hi-tech research and development hubs, especially in wireless technology. The city has some 800 companies in advanced science and technology, employing 18,000 people and generating more than £3 billion.

Martin Roche, ARM’s founding director, said: "Oulu has achieved remarkable success in its target markets and now wants to bring greater discipline and focus to its brand strategy and communications, so that it is a stronger force on the global stage. It’s a very prestigious appointment for us."

"We were impressed by ARM’s strategic understanding, track record and enthusiasm for the task," said Pauliina Pikkujämsä of Oulu Innovation.