Interviews, insight & analysis on digital media & marketing

NDA Agency News: FINN Partners, Cutwater, Journey Further and many more

FINN Partners, a global, independent marketing and communications agency, has been appointed by Fineon Exchange, a global marketplace for trade finance assets. Through its data-powered platform, Fineon Exchange – which considers itself more a ‘TechFin’ than a ‘FinTech’ – enables enhanced trade finance transaction processes by identifying and connecting compatible exporters and funders. Founded in 2018, Fineon has so far made good progress in attracting funders to the platform. FINN has been appointed to build on this momentum, with an awareness campaign that targets Fineon’s key audiences – trade finance funders, exporters, brokers and insurers – with an initial focus on connecting with the broker audience. FINN’s global campaign will improve the visibility of Fineon’s growing range of capabilities through a combination of news generation and thought leadership. Dominic Broom, who became CEO of Fineon Exchange in 2020, engaged FINN following a long-standing, trusted PR partnership between FINN’s Financial Services practice and BNY Mellon, where Dominic previously held senior regional and global positions within the bank’s transaction banking business.

Petcare brand Hartz has appointed Cutwater as its creative and media agency of record. Under this partnership, the agency will spearhead communications efforts, including: creative, media buying and planning, as well as brand and social strategy. The work will encompass Hartz’s full breadth of nationally trusted Dog Pads and Diapers, Flea and Tick Protection, along with Dog and Cat Treats and Toys. The inaugural campaign, which will focus on Delectables, the first gourmet wet cat treat, is slated to launch during the late summer of 2022.

British retailer, Marks & Spencer, has appointed performance marketing agency Journey Further to support their SEO ambitions as part of their MS2 division, after a highly competitive pitch process. Journey Further will be responsible for managing Marks & Spencer’s organic growth strategy and will be using its performance-led approach to drive high-quality digital PR coverage, for its menswear, womenswear, lingerie and kids clothing lines. This will focus on creating and measuring relevant content using the agency’s own proprietary tool to improve relevancy and search rankings. The agency will also be providing broader creative support on ad hoc campaigns.

Global haircare brand John Frieda has unveiled its new ‘It’s for me’ integrated campaign working with leading branding agency Coley Porter Bell, part of Ogilvy Group and WPP. Coley Porter Bell have created a global campaign and design system that aims to evoke an emotional connection with consumers by encouraging individuals to embrace their personal look for themselves, and no one else. Developed by a cross-agency team, the campaign features a new unapologetic and bold tone of voice for the John Frieda brand. Photography was also a key element and the women featured don’t look like fashion models, but instead, they’re like women we know – different shapes and sizes and ages and races. They’re believable and beautiful, not because they meet some fashion standard, but because they’re confident in their look and owning who they are.

Caledonian Sleeper is launching its new brand positioning ‘Wake Up To A Unique Way’ with a campaign that will be run on TV supported by an extensive social media campaign across Facebook and Instagram platforms.  A programmatic campaign will also run in tandem with the social campaign, geo-targeting train stations and airports. The campaign follows on from the success of Caledonian Sleeper’s 2019 ‘Dream Big’ campaign and aims to drive traffic to the brand’s website while communicating the quality of the sleeper train experience, compared to driving or taking a flight to Scotland. The new positioning and campaign is the first launched by full-service creative agency, TWELVE since being appointed to the account at the end of 2021.  Media has been managed by The Village and Production by Pink Banana. The campaign will run from early March 2022.

North West-based digital marketing agency, Soap Media, has been recognised by Google as one of their best agencies, having been asked to continue as an ‘Elite’ partner for the second year running. Soap Media was initially invited to join the ‘Elite’ tier in 2021 following their impressive account performance. This helped propel the digital pioneers to achieve 212% year-on-year growth whilst exceeding the benchmark of the UK’s top 10 agencies.

Jargon PR, a small international PR agency has announced its appointment by MicroClash, the company behind CoinClash Games. Jargon PR will work with MicroClash to drive awareness of the new gaming platform and help generate interest to reach financial milestones in 2022. MicroClash is set to launch its new product early this year, a concept called CoinClash Games, which is a platform that allows for game developers to organise games, where people can play against each other to win real money. Games available include; Quizz Whizz, Solitaire Dare and Bubble Clash 4 Cash. MicroClash is currently looking to gain capital, and is working with Jargon PR to streamline its investment rounds. The campaign will focus on targeting cryptocurrency, investment, and business media, and will see Jargon PR produce high-quality content, including news, thought leadership and blogs each month. This will ultimately boost awareness of the business founders, share cryptocurrency expertise and drive engagement for the company in the long term. 

Creative studio Hello Monday has joined Dept, one of the fastest-growing digital agencies in the world. Hello Monday specialises in creating immersive digital experiences and innovative digital products for global brands including Google, Lego, Intel, Youtube, National Geographic, and Meta. With a team of over fifty experts in offices in New York, Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Amsterdam, Hello Monday will broaden its global reach by joining Dept.

Following its success last year, student marketing agency, Raptor, is re-launching the Raptor Academy Accreditation Scheme which provides student ambassadors with the unique insights and skills needed for a career in marketing and a chance to work on some of the biggest consumer brands in the world. Designed to give a first step into the world of marketing for students who may be struggling to gain experience or graduate roles, the Academy will provide students with the opportunity to gain mentorship and develop their understanding of marketing fundamentals such as new business, social media and account management.

The PHA Group is pleased to announce that it is the dedicated UK PR agency for ESG consultancy Simply Sustainable. The Entrepreneur and Business division within PHA will be working closely with Simply Sustainable’s CEO, Nicola Stopps as the company expands from its London HQ into Dublin and Amsterdam. PHA’s primary focus will be on press office and strategic communications as the business continues to meet increased client demand due to a hyperfocus on corporate sustainability and an influx of ESG standards and regulations.