After more than 10 years in journalism Martin Powell set up a business in 1989 aimed at helping businesses deal with the demands of a growing media.

Since that time the media has developed enormously with hundreds of new television channels, new magazines and the demands of web-based media. Martin Powell Communications gained a reputation as a major provider of public relations services with offices in Bristol and London. Empica was formed to reflect the demands of 21st century media and the team that now work alongside Martin.

Empica has the traditional values coupled with the latest technology and outlook on today's fast-growing media. Empica is Martin Powell Communications grown up - but we have not forgotten our roots.

In 2000 one of Britain's most sought after young artists, Natasha Kerr, created an eight-foot long collage encapsulating the philosophy behind Empica.

It symbolises belief in clear, straightforward communications, and our preference for bold but simple solutions, rather than expensive complex ideas. Clear, direct communication is the name of the game. It features these words - which still sum up the way Empica deals with clients:

Babies

When we were babies we all
Knew how to get our message across simply
Had fun and used our imagination
Played fair and had trust in others
Made logical progress step-by-step
Learned quickly from our experiences and mistakes
We never forget that we were once babies