Agency merger to create ‘northern content powerhouse’
Leeds-based Cry Havoc and Sheffield-based Born + Raised have merged to create a new agency proposition.
The move is designed to establish them as one of the UK’s leading strategic content creation agencies.
The new agency, named Ride Shotgun, combines the strategic brand and creative heritage of Born + Raised with Cry Havoc’s creative and content production capabilities.
Based in Leeds, Sheffield, London and Portugal the combined business will have a turnover of £6m, with ambitious growth plans to reach £10m in 2022. Its client portfolio includes PepsiCo, HSBC, Homebase, PZ Cussons Beauty, and Premier Foods.
The Ride Shotgun team includes over 60 specialists across brand strategy, creative, digital, SEO, and content creation, as well as a substantial production team and almost 30,000 sq ft of production space.
The agency is actively hiring for several roles at its Leeds and Sheffield offices.
Andy Weir, chief client officer said: “When our two agencies first collaborated almost two years ago, it was clear to see we shared very similar values, and our people were at the very heart of our success.
“What the team at Cry Havoc has achieved in just three years is outstanding. Their drive, ambition and agility is something we’ll fully embrace as Ride Shotgun.
“We’ll continue to build on the passion, experience and enviable culture the team at Born + Raised has created over almost 12 years.”
Mark Mallinder CEO said: “This merger is all about offering our clients a joined-up approach to brand-building, a talented team of specialists who plan, create, produce and activate all in one place, and the ability to achieve more for our clients than ever before.”
Jon Dark chief operations officer, added: “Ride Shotgun is the single most exciting agency proposition I’ve ever been part of building, partnering with clients across a number of disciplines from strategy all the way through to large scale in-house production capability.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our teams, their talent and their hard work. We are creating an environment where people can excel in their roles.
“The expertise we now have across Leeds, Sheffield, London and Portugal is tailored to join up with every stage of the brand marketing journey, which offers our clients access to in-house integrated services.”
