Two north-east creative agencies have joined forces to focus on global expansion during the oil and gas downturn.
Iain Gill, co-founder of Aberdeen-based UAC Studios, has joined the Art Department as its digital director.
Mr Gill will lead the Aberdeen marketing firm’s digital offering. He will work alongside director Fraser Mackie, who will now oversee the firm’s digital marketing operation.
UAC director Stephen Hamilton will leave the firm to pursue new interests from March onwards, the company said.
Gerry Kelly, founder of the Art Department which specialises in brand development and design, exhibitions and video, said the company has been affected by the downturn locally but has won new business worth in the region of £500,000 in recent months through its operations in China and Norway, including a new Germany-based shipping client.
He said: “This is a positive story for Aberdeen, especially in this present climate and it has been made possible through our success in growing our reputation for brand strategy work in international markets.
“Clearly it’s very challenging times for many Aberdeen-based companies because of the low oil price but it forces you to think more strategically about how you continue to grow your business. I would say that the bringing together of the Art Department and UAC Studios is one such example of that.”
The move comes as the industry faces consolidation as companies across the region feel the pinch of lower oil and gas prices.
In December, The Big Picture, a well known Aberdeen agency that had worked with drinks giants including Edrington Group and Remy Martin, was put into voluntary liquidation.
Mr Kelly, who initially set up his firm in 1993 and has worked with clients including Craig Group, Subsea 7 as well as more recently, Macduff Shellfish, said it was “sad to see” the creative industries in the region affected by the downturn.
“We have been lucky to have built client base not wholly in the oil and gas sector. It is sad to see some companies in the creative industry struggling in Aberdeen. The industry needs a lively and competitive element to it.”