IAS establishes A-list of black-owned agencies in marketing communications

Johanna McDowell

Johanna McDowell, founder and MD of the IAS, believes that based on what the current market conditions look like, there needs to be a ‘breaking of the barriers’ in order to ensure full inclusivity and remove black-owned agencies from the margins of lucrative markets in the industry.

The database contains the following details: type of agency – whether it is above line, digital, PR, media, events management, brand activations, POS or printing supplier.

McDowell, comments, “We also look at the location of the agency, its shareholding structure, current BEE and expected BEE in the new codes, details of the top team, size of the agency, client list and latest credentials. This database is being continuously updated and is available to those marketers who wish to subscribe to this information on a regular basis.”

Agencies will be sourced and added to this list at no cost to the agencies.

“Additionally, in terms of any introductions to the agencies and suppliers, the IAS will facilitate these on a case by case basis for each client who may be interested to meet the agencies. All contact will be channelled via the IAS in the initial stages.

“Inclusion in the sector needs a new way of doing things and by using this list as a stepping stone for progress, the opportunities available for black-owned agencies operating in South Africa are limitless, as it exposes them to high end domestic and international clients looking to gain a foot hold in the local market,” McDowell concludes.

For more information, go to www.agencyselection.co.za or email Tebatso Masete at az.oc.noitcelesycnega@stcejorp.