Q: Can you tell me a bit more about the Accord group and its background
A: “Accord is a direct response marketing agency which has been established for over 27 years. I am responsible for the Manchester office - it’s our biggest commercial operation outside London so is an important part of the group. Strategically it is massively important to be in the North and have a base in Manchester as many of our biggest clients are headquartered here.”
Q: How has the company embraced the move into the digital arena?
“Having invested heavily, we consider ourselves very much a digital first agency. We work alongside a team of digital strategists as well as a dedicated delivery team of over 50 people covering everything from SEO to PPC, content marketing to social media plus we also specialise in web design and build. We have put an awful lot of effort in terms of time, focus and resource into developing a first class digital hub.
“Digital is the fastest growing service area of our agency. Of course we are still very active working with clients in more traditional media such as press, radio, TV and outdoor - all of which have exciting new digital opportunities within their portfolio. Technology is moving very quickly.”
Q: Do you think digital will continue to grow in the coming years?
A: “In a word, yes. If you look at the increasing volume of work that we are doing on the digital side then this is definitely where we anticipate future growth coming from. That is why we have invested so heavily in it ensuring we continue to be at the forefront of digital marketing - harnessing the potential of new technology, identifying new products and delivering results for our clients.”
Q: With Manchester such an important market for you how important is it to be part of the city’s digital community?
A: “It is hugely important. Manchester, as far as I am concerned is definitely the second city outside London. The digital scene is fantastic and we are excited to be part it – particularly with regards to events, networking and training opportunities. Being in Manchester also gives us a great talent pool to tap into when we look to recruit. Manchester is a key part of our business and we have big plans for the future both in the city and the North as a whole.”
