A former senior staff member with the Tasmanian Liberals has acquired EMRS, a research organisation known for its regular political party polling.
Brad Stansfield and Becher Townshend, who also own shares in the registered lobbyist and public relations firm Font PR, will take over EMRS from CT Group in October.
In a statement published by CT, Stansfield said he and Townshend were “very proud” to be the new owners of the “great Tasmanian business”.
“The strength of EMRS is its unbiased and accurate polling and market research services which give it a formidable reputation,” he said.
“We are acutely aware of this responsibility and are committed to ensure that the integrity of EMRS is upheld.”
According to Stansfield, the company will continue “independently”, with existing Fieldwork Manager Ken Drake becoming Acting General Manager.
Company registry data indicates that Font Public Relations is owned by Stansfield (150 shares), Townshend (75 shares) and Danielle McKay (75 shares).
Font Publishing is equally owned, with 30 shares each held by Stansfield, Townshend and Dallas Aldridge of Aldridge Media.
The publishing business prints several small community newspapers, including the Sorell Times, King Island Courier and Tasmanian Country.
They most recently ceased printing the physical edition of the Derwent Valley Gazette due to rising costs.
