The list is published annually on a non-profit basis by independent agencies organisation, thenetworkone, in association with Campaign magazine in London. Inclusion is by invitation only and decided by a joint editorial board of the publishers.
The publication contains a series of inspirational articles written by thirteen agencies, from every continent in the world, judged by the editorial board to be creative and thought leaders in the marketing communications industry. Kevan Aspoas, CEO of The Jupiter Drawing Room (Cape Town) and (Africa) wrote its agency's entry.
The agencies are:
Julian Boulding, president and founder of thenetworkone commented, "The independent agencies you'll find in this publication are still managed by their owners and/or in many case, their original founders. These agencies are driven by a passion, a commitment, a readiness to improve and to change and the energy to grow through their own efforts, rather than by acquiring their competitors.
"Furthermore, they seek out new ideas, new technology and new communications channels. They are driven by curiosity. Their culture is collaborative rather than controlling, reflecting the values of today's younger generation.
"These agencies are attracting more clients. As the local offices of the traditional network agencies slash their staff numbers, these agencies are growing. This is not because they can spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars buying up the latest digital sensation from New York or Silicon Valley, but because their clients are giving them more work."
Commenting on its inclusion, Jupiter founder and chairman Graham Warsop said, "This is a meaningful award, as we implement our Africa growth strategy. By partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs in each territory, our goal is to create a new breed of integrated agency across Africa, combining world class quality and efficiency, creativity and effectiveness, technology and craftsmanship. International interest in Africa is undeniable. It is fitting that companies such as ours, born and bred on this continent, are the ones taking the lead."
Three months ago, he announced the launch of the latest addition, The Jupiter Drawing Room & Partners (Zimbabwe), which is reportedly on track to become the largest and one of the most creative agency groups in Zimbabwe by the end of the year.
The winning work is featured on a specially created new website, www.leadingindependents.com.
