Ireland’s Government fail in bid to win over Latitude

May 28 2008 by Barry Turnbull, Liverpool Daily Post

FAST-GROWING online marketing group Latitude is to remain in Warrington despite being wooed by the Irish government.

The online marketing company considered an offer to move to Ireland when the carrot of a more favourable tax regime was dangled, but has decided to stay put.

Instead, Latitude will concentrate on moving into new territories like the US and Australia from its current location.

For a number of years, Ireland has attempted to attract hi-tech companies with its 12.5% rate of corporation tax – it is currently 28% in England.

Technical director Rob Shaw said: “We have been approached by places like Ireland, and have looked at it, but have no plans to do anything about it.

“These sorts of offers are worthy of consideration, but we still have a lot to do and are going to be busy enough here.”

Latitude has grown into a £40m turnover business in seven years, advising businesses like House of Fraser on how to top internet search engines.

In recent weeks, multi-national companies Shire and United Business Media have relocated head offices to Ireland for tax reasons.

Latitude is number one in the market and is a Deloitte fast 50 business. Mr Thwaites was entrepreneur of the year in 2006.

Mr Shaw said the intention was now to expand a part of business called Latitude White.

“We are specifically targeting the small business sector. Many smaller enterprises may know how to set up a website, but few have little idea how to market it.

“We have packages available that can help them do just that on a monthly basis if needed, because understandably some may be cautious about committing themselves. We are also looking at geographical expansion which is where the US and Australia come in.”

The company was set up in 2000 when former Liverpool pub manager Mr Thwaites spotted a gap in the internet market.

Last December, he led a £58m buyout of other stakeholders with backing from Vitruvian partners.

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