It has been a strong start to 2023 for Scotland’s largest communications agency, BIG Partnership, as it reveals a raft of new client wins and expands its team to meet demand.
BIG’s Aberdeen office has secured over £350,000 of new contracts spanning energy clients such as ONYX Insight, Ping UK, the Salamander floating wind project and energy research consultancy Wood Mackenzie as well as corporate and consumer wins with Optometry Scotland and new projects for city centre BID Aberdeen Inspired.
Thanks to its range of services including public relations, digital marketing, design and public affairs, integrated campaigns have also been delivered for long-standing clients including Aberdeen Science Centre, North Star, and Xodus.
Former journalist and experienced public relations professional Phil Allan, joins the Aberdeen energy team as Account Director with responsibility for leading on specialist energy sector emergency response, crisis communications and reputation management.
Senior account manager, Lyndsay Aitken, has joined the Aberdeen team which delivers strategic campaigns for corporate and consumer clients. Lyndsay has more than 15 years’ experience in public relations, working in various agency and in-house roles.
BIG has also committed to developing young talent via a successful internship process which has led to four full-time account executive roles within the Aberdeen office, which now has a headcount of 20.
Zoe Ogilvie, director at BIG, said: “Our expanded team in Aberdeen combines experienced PR professionals, marketing and digital experience with ambitious and talented young people who will help build on our long track-record of delivering outstanding results for clients.”
“The energy transition is gathering pace and, with decades of experience in oil and gas along with a growing track-record in renewables, we are well placed to advise new entrants to the market while continuing to support established energy firms. All of them expect results through targeted campaigns which are based on insight and knowledge about their market, their customers and their competitors – and that is exactly what we provide.”
With 100 staff across four UK offices, BIG has also seen exponential growth in its Manchester office, securing significant campaign work for big brand names including On The Beach, Booking.com and Asda George.
With more than 300 clients across a wide-range of sectors, BIG most recently secured a four-year contract to provide critical communications support to Transport Scotland. Other wins include Strathclyde Passenger Transport, full-service law firm Thorntons, leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, charity ENABLE Scotland, property developer Platform.
Chief Executive Officer for BIG Partnership, Allan Barr, commented: “Part of our strength is that we work across a variety of sectors, from energy and renewables to professional services and consumer goods.
“In an economy that has not yet recovered back to pre-pandemic levels, clients are increasingly prioritising agencies who can demonstrate a strong return on investment from their marketing spend.”
The agency is now looking to expand further, building on a period of growth for its creative studio and marketing services, as well as its public affairs team. Rochelle Giblin was appointed as its first Head of Marketing Services at the end of last year and Paul Roberson was named as Head of Public Affairs late 2021. Both teams are actively recruiting on the back of a string of new client wins.