Forty years in business gives you perspective. Trends come and go, platforms evolve, and technology reshapes how brands communicate, but some principles stay remarkably consistent. Chris Cole started our agency with office space in St Enoch Square in Glasgow and a handful of people ready to produce brilliant work.
Since Chris passed away in 2010, this makes us a second generation family business, and history will tell you that such companies quickly implode, but we’re happy to buck that particular trend.
Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned over four decades of helping organisations tell their stories, grow their audiences, and build meaningful brands.
1. Strong relationships outlast short-term wins
The best work rarely comes from transactional partnerships. It comes from trust, collaboration, and understanding a client’s goals over time. Long-standing relationships have always produced the strongest creative outcomes for our clients. We always think long term, what is best for the client and that strategy is worth its weight in gold.
2. Great design is about clarity, not decoration
Design trends change constantly, but clear communication never goes out of style. The most effective creative work helps people understand, connect, and act.
3. Strategy matters as much as creativity
Creative without direction is noise. The strongest campaigns begin with understanding the audience, defining objectives, and building a clear strategy before the first concept is developed. Our Studio has been led by Garry McCann for many years, inspiring young talent and bringing wonderful ideas to life.
4. Adaptability is essential
Over 40 years, we’ve moved from paste-up artwork and newspapers to digital campaigns, social media, SEO, video, and designing beautiful brands & websites. The agencies that survive are the ones willing to evolve. Go back to March 1986, the first piece of business our agency handled was a recruitment advert for the University of Glasgow in The Herald. Now we sell theatre tickets for world class shows, educate people on the power of accessible design, develop websites and create outdoor campaigns across Scotland. It is safe to say, we’ve moved with the times!
5. Local knowledge has real value
Understanding communities, audiences, and regional identity helps campaigns feel authentic. Whether working with housing associations, charities, arts organisations, or commercial brands, context matters.
6. Consistency builds brands
Successful organisations don’t reinvent themselves every few months. They communicate consistently, build recognition over time, and stay focused on what they stand for. We very much pride ourselves in being consistent in delivering a high level of service, something our Client Director, Michael Cole, is very passionate about.
7. The work is always about people
Behind every brief are real people; clients, customers, audiences, communities. Technology changes, but understanding human behaviour remains the foundation of marketing and design. As our Creative Director, Garry McCann always says to the team; “We’re only as good as our last job.”
Looking Ahead
Reaching 40 years is an achievement, but it’s also a reminder to keep moving forward. The industry will continue to change, new platforms will emerge, and audiences will evolve, but creativity, strategy, and strong relationships will always matter.
And after 40 years, we’re still learning.
If you feel we can work together on your next campaign or design project, please feel free to get in touch!