A group of Broughty Ferry design and digital firms has added to its portfolio with the acquisition of an Angus public relations firm.
Avian Communications Network – which owns design studio Avian, website design business blue2 and digital consultancy Kolabo – has acquired Ginger PR and announced a rebrand.
The group of firms will now be known as the ALTAR group, a name inspired by its offices within Broughty Ferry Congregational Church in Brook Street.
Chief executive Scott McCallum said his group had secured several significant new business wins in the past six months.
He said: “During lockdown we managed to secure several significant new business wins from Walkers Shortbread, Bahamas Petroleum Company, The Scottish Gallery, Highland Food Group and Continuum Attractions, a UK-wide visitor attraction business.
“With this significant boost in our client base, along with the acquisition of Ginger PR, it is the perfect time to rebrand and reposition our offering to better reflect our authority as the largest full-service creative group in Scotland outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow.”
Ginger PR was founded by Elaine Fleming 11 years ago and has worked Peter Vardy, Fasque House and Kintyre Gin. Having previously worked with Avian on a number of projects, Ms Fleming will retain her position as lead director within Ginger PR.
She said: “Ginger PR has had a long-standing relationship with Avian, working on a number of successful client campaigns together.
“I am thrilled to be part of the future of ALTAR Group, bringing the Ginger PR team and brand with me to work as a strategic component of their experienced and exceptional workforce delivering dynamic exciting work.””
Mr McCallum said he wanted to create a clearer brand to reflect the range of services it can offer.
He added: “2020 hasn’t been the year anyone expected but despite a complete change in the way we work, the economy and client budgets, ALTAR Group has risen to the challenge.
“The business has flexed to become a truly all-encompassing agency spanning the full design and communications spectrum.
“The result is we are attracting new client accounts while delivering new initiatives for our existing ones.
“We are extremely energised about the impact of our services to the business community, the results we can achieve for our clients and the growth of the group.”
Nial Chapman, digital director of ALTAR added: “Since the pandemic hit we have been extremely busy helping our clients generate more business online.
“We are continuing to support our clients through these difficult times and have achieved some stunning results.
“We also have brought exciting new clients onboard, both national and international brands, and are speaking to new prospects every day about how we can help them do more online.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk
