‘DON’T BE A STRANGER’

Opinion Piece by Ben Quigley, CEO of Different

Ben Quigley

Newcastle has always been synonymous with creative problem solvers. From George Stephenson in the first industrial revolution to Jonathan Ive in the current era, Newcastle’s creative thinkers have consistently fuelled economic growth. However, today Newcastle is the furthest IPA English city from London. It has been adversely affected by the recession and overly reliant upon public sector jobs in recent times. And unsurprisingly in the advertising sector, there are fewer agencies around now than there were 5 years ago.

Newcastle’s current IPA agencies are embracing change. The city’s IPA agencies are flying the flag for excellence, always looking forward and asking, ‘what’s next?’.

Today’s agencies locate their HQ motherships in Newcastle but don’t just serve local clients anymore. Now they partner brands including L’Oreal, Bet365 and 32Red supported by technology, transport infrastructure and satellite offices located in this country and further afield. Having your HQ in Newcastle is no longer a perceived barrier to growth.

IPA elects figureheads for major cities

The IPA has announced the appointment of four new city heads to strengthen the Around-the-UK team, and help deliver the most value to member agencies across the country. They are Peter Craven, Managing Partner, Madhouse, Ben Quigley, Chief Executive Officer, Different, Andy Reid, Managing Director, McCann Bristol and Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, WAA.

The new appointments, spanning Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Newcastle, will serve a two-year term and aim to help members in their area access IPA services and participate in locally-based activity. They will also act as spokesmen for their area, raising awareness of relevant issues. All four city heads will be active in meeting fellow member agencies in their regions whose feedback will form a programme of activity for 2013.