Agency update: Open Communications; One Nine-Nine; and more

Open Communications, a PR and multimedia content agency, is moving to offices at Tileyard North, a purpose-built development for creatives in Wakefield.

Following two years at Carrwood Park in Leeds, this relocation to serviced offices with 2-Work, Tileyard North will mark a new chapter in the agency’s journey as it returns to the district and celebrates 16 years in business.

Director of Open Communications, Emma Lupton, said: “We were in the audience when the plans for Tileyard North were first shared.

“Since then, we have followed the development closely and have been waiting to see how it could work for us.

“Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint, and we can’t wait to start the next chapter of our journey in this wonderful space.”

Fellow agency director, Lindsey Davies, said: “There is a real vibe about Tileyard North and when we visited, it just felt right.

“A lot has changed over the last 16 years and as we evolve as an agency, we want to do so in an environment that supports, encourages and inspires us.

“We look forward to meeting with other businesses that are based at the development and to making this our home.”

Regional manager for 2-Work, Natalie Pucher, added: “We are really pleased to welcome Open Communications to 2-Works, Tileyard North. This is a great space for agencies, and we know that they are going to be a great addition to the businesses and co-workers we already have here.

“There is certainly an excitement across the district, and as more companies join us, we can see how the culture is bringing people together to collaborate, which is just what we want.”

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Leeds marketing agency One Nine-Nine, whose clients include DJ and author Annie Mac and Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed, has expanded its team with the arrival of a new graphic designer.

First Class Leeds Art University graduate Alex Kubis joins with a wealth of experience across the music and nightlife industry.

Her portfolio includes standout work at nightlife events, vinyl album artwork, festival branding, clothing lines, and more.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, she has worked on a range of high-profile projects, including inner-city billboards.

Barnaby Patchett, managing director at One Nine Nine, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alex to our team. Her diverse skill set and creative approach perfectly align with our mission to push the boundaries of design and marketing in the music industry.

“We’re excited to see the fresh perspective and innovative ideas she will bring to our projects.”

Kubis will work across One Nine-Nine’s music marketing and sustainability departments, creating a range of design, animation and video assets for clients including Annie Mac, DJ EZ, KTC, Axiom and Better Dog.

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Glen Dimplex Home Appliances has appointed Leeds and London-based integrated agency Umpf and B2B specialist, The Right Agency, to manage PR strategy for its cooking appliance brands Belling and Stoves.

The brands return to Umpf and The Right Agency following a pitch – the agencies worked with the kitchen appliance company for more than a decade from 2010.

Umpf will manage consumer press office and creative campaigns, social media, and influencer outreach, while The Right Agency will engage with retailers and stakeholders through targeted B2B press office and LinkedIn activity.

The agencies have previously managed campaigns achieving global coverage for the brands.

Steve Dickson, head of marketing & innovation at Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, said: “Belling and Stoves are reputable, heritage cooking appliance names, and both Umpf and The Right Agency know the brands’ histories and key messages.

“Most importantly, they understood our brief and the direction we want to take for the future.

“Both agencies have delivered exceptional work throughout the years, and we’re excited to be working with the teams once again.”

Eloise Garrett, director at The Right Agency, said: “We’re pleased to be back onboard with these iconic brands and look forward to helping the team to strengthen their relationship with retailers and distributors, in what remains a highly competitive but ever-changing sector.”

Adrian Johnson, founder and managing director at Umpf, added: “It’s great to be back. We’ve been involved with the Belling and Stoves brands for well over a decade, notching up some significant campaign successes and widespread media coverage with our partners at The Right Agency.

“We’re excited about this next chapter working with two much-loved home appliance brands.”