The Partnership
Report by Jim Prior
Chief executive officer
O
ur hybrid structure of five distinct but closely collaborative companies yielded encouraging results in its second full year since formation. A number of significant new client opportunities were created through The Partnership companies working in combination, while the specialist, client-focused approaches of each individual company were well-suited to the general operating environment, resulting in good growth overall. This group continues to set an industry-leading creative standard and enjoyed award wins in multiple competitions around the world.
Addison Group
The company continued to diversify its mix of business in 2016 achieving a well-balanced portfolio of digital, corporate branding and corporate content work. CEO Tom Robinson led Addison Group to establish several new relationships with high-profile clients, including Diageo, National Grid and QinetiQ.
Lambie-Nairn
Clients are increasingly recognising Lambie-Nairn’s Dynamic Brands approach as the most contemporary and fit-for-purpose method with which to manage their brands across multiple markets and multiple media. In 2016, the company retained its global role with Telefonica after a competitive review and won several important new clients, including JLL.
PeclersParis
Under the leadership of CEO Eric Duchamp, PeclersParis had a strong year. Fashion and beauty trend consulting services expanded significantly, globally and particularly in China. The company’s trend books sold well and remain a crucial source of inspiration to clients worldwide, and its digital business continues to grow.
The Partners
The combination of senior-level brand consulting skills with multi-award winning design capabilities helped The Partners to another year of excellent growth, with its London and New York offices performing particularly well. New clients in 2016 included Nespresso and Revlon. Another successful year at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity, most notably with work for Argos, was a creative highlight.
VBAT
It was a momentous year for VBAT as its acquisition of dBOD was completed and the two firms merged to create a market leader in branding and design in the Netherlands. The newly-merged company, now under the leadership of CEO Remco van der Sluis, further strengthens the company’s relationship with Heineken and offers market-leading capabilities to clients in its home market and internationally.