A hyper-local media and marketing company has launched a method for brands wanting to pre-test or trial new products or packaging in a test market of the UK.

London-based Pintarget has launched Pintest and is trialling it in Kent.

It has teamed up with a host of key partners - among them the KM Media Group, publisher of this website.

Working with market leading companies, Pintest includes everything from data planning, distribution, in-store and media activation all the way through to launch.

Explains a spokesman for the firm: "We are the only agency in the UK using our unique mix of data sources enabling us to find the right audiences and locate the best geographical areas to reach them.

"Our test area of Kent, selected because of its mix of rural/urban and affluent/less affluent areas, represents 5% of the UK population and enables a brand to replicate a national campaign on a fraction of a national budget.

"We have partnered with KM Media Group, Sky Adsmart, Bitposter and RMI to allow us to produce a targeted and cost-efficient media solution using the best media mix for reaching the right audience within the Kent area. This could include TV, press, radio, digital, out-of-home, leafletting and in-store; the inventory of all opportunities in the Kent area will also be considered for inclusion."

Costs will range from about £25,000 for s single town test to upwards of £250,000 for a countywide replication of a national launch.

Neil Webster, commercial director at the KM Media Group. added:”We’re pleased to be working with the team at Pintarget. Kent offers a great way for national brands to test market in the defined Kent and Medway marketplace.”

Pintarget found Charlie Makin explained: "We’ve had a phenomenal response from brands and advertisers. Our Pintest product has filled a gap in the market and clients are genuinely excited about the opportunity to test their marketing strategies in a controlled environment. In an increasingly complex retail and marketing world, we eliminate the risk, providing a proof of concept that can give brands confidence in their approach.

"We closely project manage the whole process and operate a totally transparent business model.”