A Wirral-based business has been given a jump start after a former Olympian and British cult hero agreed to join their ranks.

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, who became an international icon for his ski-jump endeavours at the Winter Olympics in 1988, has been appointed as a non-executive director of OON Media digital marketing agency.

Ed, whose real name is Michael Edwards, won the heart of the nation and became an overnight phenomenon for capturing the spirit of the Olympics. His self-belief, aspirations and unrivalled determination won him a legion of fans across the world.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of OON Media as a non-executive director. OON Media is an innovative and forward looking agency, and I’ve been suitably impressed with the team’s drive and passion for the creative sector.

“The pandemic has made us realise just how much we rely on all things digital to keep us connected and informed, so it’ll be extremely interesting to see how OON Media grows and develops with the industry.”

Eddie The Eagle Edwards was a sporting cult hero

Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards was a sporting cult hero

OON Media is an award-winning independent digital marketing agency based in Wirral. In the last year it has strived to ride the pandemic wave by introducing new initiatives and repositioning itself.

Like many independents in the creative industries sector, they were hit hard as the impact of Covid-19 decimated hospitality, live events and theatre, corporate industry, and retail – key areas of business for the agency.

Despite months of zero income, OON Media continued to trade throughout lockdown and took the decision early in the crisis not to furlough staff.

Directors took a reduced salary to help sustain the future of the company. The team also reinvented how filming was undertaken, ensuring that all restrictions and guidelines were followed with social distancing in place.

With all pre-booked work cancelled, the team took the opportunity to conduct an internal skills analysis to identify areas to develop and strengthen its offer.

As a result, OON Media has now expanded its services, added to its team, and moved to larger premises in Birkenhead which are better suited to meet its needs as a business.

Shortly before lockdown, they invested in state-of-the-art camera equipment for their in-house video production work. Production cameras are Netflix and BBC-approved and shoot footage in 4K. This was later followed by adding a 4K drone to capture high quality aerial photography and footage.

As restrictions slowly ease through the Government roadmap, the company has moved into a new phase and are delighted to announce Ed’s appointment to the board.

Mike Sowden of OON Media with Eddie The Eagle Edwards

Mike Sowden of OON Media with Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards

Mike Sowden, Chair of OON Media, said: “It’s quite a coup to welcome Ed to the OON Media family. Ed showed real grit, determination, and a stellar belief in everything he worked so hard to achieve. He had a goal, a dream, and he wouldn’t let anything get in his way or deter him. He just went for it.

“I’ve followed Ed’s career for three decades and have shared a similar outlook. He’s always been a real inspiration so it’s exciting to finally have the opportunity to work together. His experience and enthusiasm will prove instrumental as we move forward as a company.”

Ed has remained very much in demand since his ski-jump days. He went on to become a qualified ski instructor; written a book; recorded pop songs in Finland; co-presented a radio show; and graduated after studying for a degree in law.

A regular guest commentator on television, Ed is also a popular after dinner speaker – and his heartwarming story was even the focus of a smash-hit film in 2016.

Eddie The Eagle starred Taron Egerton as Ed, Hugh Jackman as his trainer Bronson Peary, and was directed by Dexter Fletcher who went on to also direct Egerton as Elton John in the film Rocketman.

Mike Sowden of OON Media

Mike Sowden of OON Media

Wirral swimmer Nathan Young is being championed by OON Media as one to watch in the Deaflympics in Brazil 2022.

The GB deaf swimmer receives no funding despite his talent. Ed will provide invaluable advice and mentoring throughout Nathan’s journey.

OON Media’s public and private sector clients have included theatre, television, charities, SMEs, corporate, and events companies.

The agency’s diverse range of services already included video production and distribution, viral marketing campaigns, corporate photography, showreels, and headshots.

New services now include promotional videos, social media campaigns, viral campaigns, stills photography, aerial photography and video, event management, and equipment hire.