This month marks a special milestone for Pulse as we celebrate our 13th anniversary. Since 2013, we’ve grown from a small team with a simple idea into a trusted partner for hospitals across the UK. As we look back on our journey so far, it’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much we’ve achieved together with our NHS partners and advertisers.
Where it all began
Pulse was founded in 2013 by Guy, Marion and Sonia. The first meeting took place in a pub in Bermondsey, not far from our current office, where the three shared a vision: to create a sustainable way to generate revenue for the NHS through thoughtful, relevant advertising that enhances the hospital environment and visitor experience.
Thirteen years on, that vision remains at the heart of everything we do. All three founders remain actively involved in the business today, continuing to guide its direction and growth. Marion leads our advertising and sales activity while developing relationships with the new and longstanding NHS Trusts and Boards. Sonia oversees operations, also working closely with our NHS partners to ensure every campaign runs smoothly and delivers value.
A growing network
Our journey with the NHS began with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, now known as Swansea Bay University Health Board. This first partnership laid the foundations for what Pulse would become and demonstrated how hospital environments can support meaningful communication while generating valuable revenue that supports healthcare services.
Since those early days, our network has grown significantly. Today, Pulse operates across 160 hospitals within 53 Trusts and Health Boards throughout the UK. Each hospital is unique, offering advertisers the opportunity to reach thousands of patients, visitors and staff every day in environments where trusted information and relevant messaging matter.
Take a look at our coverage map here.
Supporting the NHS
Across our team, one of the things we are most proud of is the tangible support we provide to our NHS partners. The revenue generated through the campaigns we place represents a significant and consistent contribution to our partner hospitals. For many Trusts and Boards, this income supports services, facilities and initiatives that directly benefit patients and staff.
Our team takes enormous pride in knowing that the work we do is making a difference to communities while creating connections between organisations and the public.
Our very first advertiser was Macmillan Cancer Support, and we are incredibly proud that this relationship continues today. Hospitals are a natural environment for organisations like Macmillan to communicate with people at the heart of their care journey, offering information, reassurance and support when it is most needed.
A team across the UK
While our head office is at London Bridge, Pulse is very much a nationwide team. Our colleagues are located across the UK, giving us valuable local knowledge of the communities and hospitals we work with.
Many members of our team have been with Pulse since the early years, helping shape the company as it has grown. The collaborative, supportive culture that started with our founders continues today, with a shared goal of supporting the NHS and delivering campaigns for our local and national advertisers.
Advertising that works
Over the years, we have developed a range of advertising formats, and we work closely with clients to determine the best formats to support campaign objectives. We offer a variety of formats from A1 posters and leaflets in targeted clinical locations to large-format posters and lift wraps in key central areas of the hospital.
Our digital screen network continues to expand, and this year, we’ve invested in new technology and screens to bring this format to even more locations. By offering a diverse choice of formats, we ensure advertisers can reach audiences in ways that are relevant, engaging and respectful of the hospital experience.
Looking ahead
Thirteen years after those first conversations in Bermondsey, Pulse continues to grow and we’re incredibly proud of the journey so far, and even more excited about what lies ahead.
To all our NHS partners, advertisers and team members who have been part of the Pulse story, thank you for helping us make the last 13 years so significant.
If you are an NHS Trust or Board and you’d like to know more, please get in touch with Marion by phone 020 7305 5859 or email marion.cronin@pulseoutdoor.co.uk
To explore advertising across our network, get in touch with our team.
