Despite challenges presented by COVID-19, the positive response by independent agency network Pimento has seen the national organisation welcome eight new member agencies and consultants since lockdown began.
In recent weeks, Pimento has not only joined forces with the Marketing Agencies Action Group (MAAG) to deliver a series of online events, but joined the CEO of the Advertising Association in lobbying the UK Government for better support for the creative industries.
This positive approach to doing business has seen Pimento grow its client and member network in the last three weeks. Having pivoted its own business model to offer an unprecedented level of advice to its members, Pimento signed up BASE Media Cloud, Veritone, Made by Factory, Mighty Giant, Hippolyta, Purple Heron, The Parkwood Consultancy and A1WebStats.
Pimento founder and CEO, Stephen Knight said: “There is no getting away from the fact that the creative industries have taken a significant hit as brands look to cut costs. When the economy does start to recover, these will be the sectors which are called upon to rebuild demand.
“That said, we are seeing strong growth in digital, PR, communications and technical design and build, in spite of everything. Clients want honesty, flexibility, fair value and collaboration with other specialists – the Pimento model is more relevant than ever as the international groups struggle to rebuild themselves. To answer the complex briefs being provided by clients, agencies should look to create a virtual team – collaborating with others to produce the strongest results.”
Manchester-headquartered moving image company, Mighty Giant, works in partnership with agencies to bring their ideas to life through animation, 3D, film and virtual effects. While Google search and shopping specialist, Made by Factory, is seeking help with innovative ways in which to form new connections within the sector.
Veritone is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California – with offices in Denver, London, New York, San Diego and Seattle – and is a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and solutions. While Veritone’s UK technical partner, BASE Media Cloud, helps digital media enterprises to work smarter and more cost-effectively using cutting-edge cloud storage and media software tools.
Having been increasingly asked for help with advertising, marketing, visual media and PR activities by clients, Hippolyta Solutions – a corporate finance and solutions platform – wanted to be able to refer work where possible.
Ralph Mann, of visual content specialist, Purple Heron Communication explained: “My digital graphic recording has adapted to support Zoom and Microsoft Teams’ meetings and I needed a professional network to introduce me to new clients – and Pimento was my natural choice.”
Proud of its disruptor status, Pimento members work together to provide a new approach to marketing services, and one that is perfectly suited to today's economy. Understanding that a single agency can’t always deliver on every element of a brief, Pimento’s member-base covers over 100 marketing strategy and communications skills – offering clients a completely bespoke solution.
