Media & PR

Press kit materials:
Photo of Michael Thompson - 300dpi, jpg
Photo of Rachel Thompson - 300dpi, jpg
Big Blue Squid Logo - 300dpi, jpg
Company Synopsis
Big Blue Squid Limited was established in 2011 by Mike and Rachel Thompson. Mike started out in affiliate marketing for Blackstar, Amazon's largest rival in the UK during the dot com boom before moving to Downline Media where he worked as a junior developer. Launching his first company, The Net Maker, Mike worked as a web developer for small businesses from his home in Ballynahinch. Looking for a move into retail he opened an online store selling underwater camera equipment. At this time Rachel joined the business. As a keen photographer and diver Mike enjoyed both selling and testing the new products and quickly grew to become the largest marine camera retailer in Ireland. In 2006 Mike was offered a position in Harrison Photography by the late John Harrison, one of the most prestigious PR photographers in Ireland. Taking up the position of Picture Editor and Network Manager he soon took on the role of PR photographer as well. Following John's passing in 2010 Mike again looked to digital marketing and recognised the rise of social media as a prime opportunity to build a new business despite the poor economic conditions. In 2011 along with his wife Rachel, he set up business from home near Banbridge providing training and digital marketing management for large enterprises and charities.
While qualifying in psychology at Queen's University Belfast, Rachel worked for the popular chocolate brand, Thorntons. Following her graduation she remained with Thorntons before returning to Queen's University to study nursing. Graduating in 2011 she is now a full time nurse but continues to work alongside Mike in the business.