Edinburgh-based web design company Power On Media has marked its first birthday in style — with a successful presence at two major business expos and strong recognition from across the local business community. One fellow exhibitor even admitted to having “stand envy” after seeing the Power On stand, a moment that summed up a year of creativity, progress and reflection.

For founder Martin Kay, this milestone represents far more than business growth — it marks a personal triumph after two years of hardship.

Following the loss of his father and godmother, two job losses, a redundancy, and a late ADHD diagnosis, Martin found himself a single parent trying to rebuild. Starting a business wasn’t part of the plan. “It was more a leap of faith when everything else was uncertain,” he says. “I had no roadmap, just a belief that things had to change.”

That belief turned into Power On Media, a creative web design company built around Martin’s passion for helping small businesses grow online. Combining his sales background — from YTS trainee to Account Executive at a leading global cybersecurity firm — with a lifelong creative spark, Martin channelled his energy into building something meaningful from the ground up.

A key turning point came through Business Gateway, when adviser Lee Briggs introduced Martin to a grant scheme that could help fund early growth. The paperwork initially felt overwhelming due to ADHD-related challenges, but Lee stepped in and offered to complete the forms together. Two weeks later, the funding was approved — enabling Martin to invest in a Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce membership and a professional exhibition stand. Those decisions proved invaluable, opening new doors and raising the company’s profile.

Fast forward 12 months and both Martin and Power On Media have undergone a remarkable transformation. The business is now flourishing, attracting larger clients while continuing to serve start-ups and small enterprises — the very audience Martin cares deeply about. Word-of-mouth referrals have become a major source of growth, driven by his hands-on approach and personal commitment to every project.

Relocating to a new office has also helped fuel creativity and focus, something Martin credits to his ADHD “superpower.” “Hyperfocus can be intense,” he says, “but in design, it’s a gift. My ADHD gives me an authenticity and energy that clients respond to. I see it as my edge, not my obstacle.”

Reflecting on the past year, Martin is both humble and proud. “I’ve powered through some very dark days. A year ago, I didn’t know if I’d manage to turn things around — but here we are. Power On Media has grown beyond what I imagined, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in me.”

Martin also pays special thanks to Business Gateway for their continued guidance. “Without their support, I might not have had the confidence to push forward,” he adds. “They helped me take that first real step, and I’ll always be thankful for it.”

As Power On Media moves into its second year, the message is clear — resilience, creativity and self-belief can turn even the hardest challenges into something powerful.

For more info on Power On Media visit

www.poweronmedia.com