Across the UK the surname Hatton is synonymous with a lot of things, but entrepreneurial success probably isn’t one of them. Yet. Rippleffect’s MD Ben Hatton explains why all that is set to change.
It’s a little difficult getting Ben Hatton to talk about his dad.
The freewheeling, passionate, flood of conversation that habitually cascades out of him dries up a little. Pauses greet questions where machine-gun answers fired back before and things become a little, well, uncomfortable. Even if Hatton himself seems to imply they’re not.
 Hatton
If there is a problem it’s undoubtedly due to the 20 years plus of mixed reactions the younger Hatton’s had to endure whenever his dad’s name has come up.
All of us, to some degree, live in the shadow of our parents, but when your dad has been a figure of Derek Hatton’s repute it can be difficult to ever step out from underneath it. Even when you’re talking to a business website about your successful new media operation.
Century radio “We couldn’t have started the business without him,” says Hatton junior. “The first client I had, in 1999, was Century Radio, who he was working for at the time and in terms of the contacts and experience he brought to the table it was invaluable.”
Although wary with his words Hatton is unashamedly proud, as well as grateful, and acknowledges his father’s role as chairman as being key to Rippleffect's growth from only two staff, seven and a half years ago, to a head count of 38 today.
“A lot of people don’t see what he does because I’m the one at the front, running things, but over the years he’s been instrumental in many ways – just by being there and offering advice.”
Without meaning to labour things (no pun intended), or piss Ben off, it might strike some people as odd that the council firebrand who once declared Liverpool a “working class only zone” - someone on the far left of the far left - would be the chairman of a thriving new media agency; especially one with clients like Mercedes-Benz.
Does he see any contradiction in that?
Times change
“Times change and politics change,” is the clipped answer, “that was 20 years ago and it was a very different society. But his role in Rippleffect now doesn’t mean that his views on the working class have changed whatsoever, there’s no conflict there. He’s involved to help build a good business and that’s just what we’ve done.”
On that point there’s little cause for argument.
Rippleffect is projected to generate sales of circa £2.5million this year and works with clients of the stature of Peel Holdings, the Transport & General Worker’s Union, NWDA, Littlewoods, Arena Leisure PLC, Shere Kahn and a top class team of football clubs that includes Celtic, Sunderland, Fulham, West Ham and, Hatton’s first love, Everton FC.
It was the latter client that our 31 year old interviewee (and father of three and ex-professional football player) believes really kick started the agency’s growth.
“I think when we won the Everton job in late 2002 we realised we could actually reach out to huge audiences with our work. Before that we’d won a lot of website development projects with local lawyers or bars - and that was great - but there were only ever limited audiences.
The agency still works with Everton (www.evertonfc.com ), in general preferring to foster long term partnerships with clients rather than work on one off projects.
Neat footwork These companies don’t seem to mind the regional Liverpool base, with Hatton cleverly circumventing any potential geographical grievances by establishing sales offices in both Manchester and London.
“Liverpool may not be the biggest city in the country in terms of either commerce or new media,” he admits, “and some people may look down on that. But, you know, it’s a small country and, with our other locations to help serve the business, there’s no reason we can’t stay here, keep producing good work, keep our clients happy and keep flying the flag for Liverpool.”
It certainly seems to be an effective strategy so far, with the firm working flat out across all aspects of online (from website development, to CMS builds, to viral marketing) and nurturing an ever increasing profile in the North West and beyond.
A profile that, we have to venture, may have been helped by the name Hatton above the door?
“It has helped raise the profile of the business, yes. But at the end of the day the company, our PR agency, the clients and the case studies that have come out of our work have really been the important factors.
 Degsy
Well, judging by the slant of this piece, that’s not entirely true just yet, but it certainly should be.
What’s more, if Ben Hatton can continue to grow the business at its current rate it won’t be long before he steps completely out of the shadow of his old man and eclipses him.
www.rippleffect.com
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