Creative collective makes series of high profile appointments
A Bristol design and creative collective has announced ten new additions to its team as part of an ongoing strategic growth plan,
Founded in 2007, Istoria Group is a collective of creative agencies based in Bristol with distinct but complementary skill sets.
The group consists of three agencies: Ignition: creator of exhibitions, events and experiences, Phoenix Wharf: interior design and branding, and Tiny Spark: offering purposeful digital experiences.
The new starters are:
- Phil Atherton, COO, Istoria Group
- Adam Allinson – Workflow Manager & Operations Analyst, Istoria Group
- Mark Blackshaw, Creative Director, Ignition
- Daniel Owen – Senior Account Manager, Ignition
- Victoria Tang, Account Manager, Ignition
- Evie Vizor, Junior Project Manager, Ignition
- Mark Turner, Warehouse Operative, Ignition
- Claire Marshall, Account Director, Tiny Spark
- Sam St Aubyn, Senior Developer, Tiny Spark
- Ollie Lewis, Client Partnerships Manager, Phoenix Wharf
Istoria Group welcomes Philip Atherton back into the fold as the newly appointed chief operating officer.
Philip will oversee operations across all agency businesses within Istoria Group. Additionally, he will spearhead the group’s incubator hub for SMEs, providing invaluable support to early-stage ventures.
He said: “I am delighted to be returning to the business in this role at a very exciting time of growth and innovation. I really enjoy being part of a dynamic, creative agency business and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge of starting and growing a business to people who are embarking on the journey.”
Mark Blackshaw joins Ignition, a premier exhibitions and events agency within Istoria Group, as creative director.
With over two decades of design experience, Mark brings a fresh perspective to immersive storytelling and human-centric experiences. His passion for pushing creative boundaries aligns perfectly with Ignition’s ethos of innovation and excellence. Mark’s leadership will be instrumental in delivering cutting-edge solutions for clients and shaping the future direction of Ignition.
He said: “Ignition represents the ideal platform for me to unleash my creative vision and collaborate with a team dedicated to pushing the envelope. I am eager to embark on this journey of exploration and create memorable experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.”
Claire joins Tiny Spark as client services lead, she will use her 20 years in client services in the digital realm to discuss strategy with clients and ensure all project outputs will support their business objectives and delight their customers. Her ambition for the role is to continuously learn as digital possibilities emerge and develop and contribute to the growth of Tiny Spark into a business with a super-satisfied client portfolio with a multi-million turnover.
Sam Rowe, chief executive of Istoria Group said: “As Istoria Group continues to expand its team and capabilities, we are thrilled to welcome people who bring diverse expertise and fresh perspectives to our collective. Their addition strengthens our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional experiences for our clients. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of creative excellence.”
