Christchurch agencies Simpatico Advertising and Strategy Design & Advertising have merged – under the Strategy Group banner. There were no redundancies, and staff from both companies are settling in to the refurbished Strategy House – a heritage site that’s now the oldest building (originally a pub) still standing in downtown Christchurch.
The aim of the new shop is “to create a truly client-focused design and advertising team with talent, experience, energy and passion”.
“Simpatico and Strategy are a natural fit,” says Strategy Group managing partner Geoff Cranko. “Together, we have the perfect balance of business understanding, brand development, advertising, graphic and digital design.
“We have formed the largest independent media planning and buying agency in the South Island, which housed under the same roof, ensures the messages we craft have the maximum reach and impact.”
Simpatico founding partner Garry Urlwin said: “Both Strategy and Simpatico share a singleminded focus on effective results for our clients. We both place a strong emphasis on the thinking that supports the strategic, creative and channel platforms. This holistic approach is our key point of difference.”
All of the Christchurch-based teams are working out of Strategy House (corner Moorhouse Avenue
& Madras Street). “The studio is humming with an added sense of vibrancy and energy,” Urlwin says.
“It’s going to be an exciting year and we’re looking forward to creating some fantastic work that works.”
Simpatico Advertising was established in 1996 through a management buy-out of FCB’s Christchurch office.
The new agency’s clients include: Hellers, Santa Rosa Chicken, Kiwi Bacon, Romanos Food Group, the Miles Motor Group of car franchisees Toyota, Lexus, VW, Skoda, Nissan and Kia; Tait Communications; and Fonterra brand My Milk, Stirling Sports, Landpower, Victoria University, Environment Canterbury, Cockram Nissan, Rata Foundation, Professionals Real Estate and Oderings Nurseries.
Share this Post
