Aberdeen communications consultancy Aspect is aiming for significant expansion in 2023 having acquired a digital consultancy and a new office.
The company took possession of its new premises this week and welcomed to its fold the four-strong team of Web Integrations, which it has acquired for an undisclosed six-figure sum.
Aspect now has 23 employees based at its new HQ in Aberdeen’s West End and founder and chief executive Andrew McCallum expects this to grow to up to 36 by the end of 2023 through both organic growth and “strategic acquisitions”.
Digital agency Web Integrations was established in 2002.
Acquisition will help bridge ‘gaps’
Its managing director Ewan Duthie has been appointed digital director at Aspect and joins the company’s leadership team alongside Mr McCallum, his wife and fellow company director Yvonne McCallum, and alongside communication directors Jenny Adams and Leona Minellas.
The company also welcomed senior designer Aynsley Smith, lead developer Ryan Duncan and developer Stephen Anindo.
Mr McCallum, who worked with the likes of the Oil and Gas Authority (now the North Sea Transition Authority) before setting up Aspect in 2015, said the two companies have worked together for “four or five years” and it made sense to make the acquisition.
“It helps complete one of the gaps in the armoury,” he said.
“I really liked the work they turned out, I really liked the individuals. I thought there was more to be done here.
“It means that we can actually under one roof have all that digital integrated stuff which clients are demanding.”
Demanding government affairs
The firm is currently recruiting three more senior directors including a public affairs and stakeholder engagement specialist, a part of the business which has seen a “really big demand from clients over the past 18 months”.
Speaking about some of the upheaval in government in recent months, and delays to key projects in the north-east, he said these have caused “instability” but that his firm was working with companies across the energy sector, pharmaceuticals and professional services, to help “unpick challenging issues”.
“What we need is more predictability, we need some horizon that looks positive for business.
“But in the work that we do, the advice we give – we can bring that into sharp focus.”
Mr Duthie said he was “naturally very excited about what the future holds”.
What we need is more predictability, we need some horizon that looks positive for business.”
He added: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Web Integrations through the hard work and dedication of our small but very capable team and the support of our clients. There’s lots to do but the opportunities are endless.”
Mr McCallum added: “Moving to our new HQ is a big moment for us. While continuing to prioritise a flexible, hybrid way of working, the move brings the Aspect team together in one location for the first time.
“It creates a space to work with our clients, inspire creativity and ideas, let our culture flourish, and importantly, it provides room for further growth.
“We expect our strong growth in 2022 to continue in 2023, in our existing sectors and geographies, in new markets, and through further strategic acquisitions.”
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