04/03/2008

Over 70 million pounds worth of business was generated by Scotland’s seven top advertising agencies last year - up almost 15 per cent on the previous year, according to figures recently released.

The figures - compiled by Nielsen Media Research for Campaign magazine - showed the agencies bill their clients £71.52 million - up from £62.46 the previous year.

The most dramatic ‘billings’ growth came from Newhaven (clients include Bank of Scotland, Tennent’s, ScottishPower), with a 367 per cent year-on-year increase, to £11 million.

Glasgow’s Frame Agency (Bulmers Cider, Subway) also grew - by 29 per cent, to £13 million and maintained their second ranking in Scotland.

However Glasgow-based Coltas (Reid Furniture, Trinity Mirror) saw a 22 per cent decline to £7.58 million, while Barkers Scotland (Scottish Executive, Napier University) saw a similar decline, of almost 25 per cent, to £5.5 million.

Edinburgh-based The Union (Velux, Baxters, Scottish Executive, PeoplesChampion.com) retained its No.1 spot in Scotland crown for the second year running, billing clients to the tune of over £16 million, up nine per cent on 2006. The Leith Agency (Irn Bru, Coors, Scottish Executive) slipped one place to fourth, despite a 2.5 per cent ‘billings’ rise to £10.44 million.

Says Ian McAteer, group chair of The Union: “It’s perhaps unexpected to see growth in the Scottish market, but it is great news for the industry. The fact The Union showed growth in 2007 was also great news - it was down to the hard work of everyone here. It’s taken us ten years to reach the top spot - the difficulty will now be staying there - as the competition in Scotland is as tough as anywhere.”

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