TWO Milford Haven companies have joined some of Wales' most iconic brands on a list finalists for this year's prestigious Canmol: Wales Marketing Awards.

Both Torch Theatre and the Port of Milford Haven have landed places in the final, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), for their impressive marketing campaigns.

West Wales’ only producing theatre company, the Torch Theatre was nominated for a digital-only campaign around its celebrated play on the life of rugby legend Ray Gravel.

The campaign was designed to appeal to a new audience of those who may not generally visit the theatre.

Following a successful launch at Parc Y Scarlets, the play received unprecedented national media coverage and tickets sold out for performances at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The legacy of the campaign continues to grow, with the production touring worldwide to as far afield as Australia and Hong Kong.

Peter Doran, chief executive of Torch Theatre, said: “We’re thrilled to have been nominated for a Canmol Award for our Grav campaign.

"We knew the production would be special because of the affection with which Ray Gravell is held in Wales, but we could never have predicted the impact the play and the marketing campaign would have on the business.

“Rugby fans are not a natural theatre-going crowd so it was clear from the outset that the strategy would be integral in gaining the trust of what was largely a brand new audience.

"The results speak for themselves, and we’re proud to have developed new audiences for live theatre at venues across Wales.”

The advertising campaign for this year's Milford Fish Festival, organised by the Port of Milford Haven, is also among the 22 finalists.

For more information visit www.canmol.com or call 01628 427340.