While most agencies suffered in the year that was referred to by industry players as the "2010 Hangover", Brand inc moved from being a dedicated niche agency into a genuine titan in the sports design and advertising arena. The fact that Brand inc showed year on year growth of 300% between 2009-2011 was but the latest attribute to speak testament of how they identified and capitalised on their opportunities over the past 8 years, moulding themselves into the thriving through-the-line agency they are today.
Coming off the Bench: the New PlayersOpening new branches in Cape Town in 2010 and Durban in 2011 has seen established industry connections blossom into highly efficient working relationships for many of their blue-chip clients, and has allowed Brand inc to work on ever bigger & better campaigns. In doing so their team had to grow and many new faces were introduced to step up to the plate. Their creative and communications teams boasted the highest number of changes and the fresh influx ensured that their approach stayed crisp, current and in line with global trends.
The Big Match Temperament: Their WorkIn keeping with their national motto of "unity in diversity", Brand inc branched out into numerous different sporting codes in 2011. From the historically respected game of Golf to the loony fan-festival that is Sevens Rugby, from the noble pastime of Horse Racing to the passion-laden local-favourite Soccer, and from the focus required for Marathon Running to the adrenalin-fuelled pastime that is Motor Racing, Brand inc worked on them all. Offering services that range from innovative branding solutions for iconic stadiums to non-traditional PR drives for schoolboy tournaments, culminating in various through-the-line sports-campaigns Brand inc demonstrated their willingness to go above and beyond every time.
Man of the Match: Their Accolades/AchievementsHard-work never goes unnoticed and it comes as no surprise that Brand inc was recognised for their work in 2011 more so than ever before. After being selected as the case study and subject focus of FNB's quarterly BizNetwork-event, in conjunction with Entrepreneur Magazine, a 45-min documentary was filmed about the success behind the agency and showcased to thousands of SA's brightest business minds as an example of "Turning your Business into Big Business".
Brand inc was also shortlisted from thousands of entries in two categories of the Virgin Active Sports Industry Awards including the prestigious Sports Agency of the Year category. 2012 will be telling of their possible success herein.
Brand inc furthermore paid homage to international icons Steve Jobs and Nelson Mandela through inspirational design work that received worldwide acclaim, as well as played a part in the bid to Unilever's farewell to South Africa's outgoing Springbok captain John Smit after his retirement from the international game.
A word from the Captain/Coach: what 2012 holds, say Managing Director Chris Heaton"2011 was a whirlwind year! Many hours were put in by each and every one of us - every branch and every department hummed throughout the year. We gained some new players, some risks were taken and some grounds gained. As a result, I think we have moved up a league or two and we are ready to face further challenges in 2012 with as much enthusiasm and professionalism as before - except this year it's with greater expertise and knowledge of what works best! If 2011 was the year of graft and gain, then 2012 will be the year of reckoning."
