MarTechInvestment

A new Northern-based platform giving brands access to real-time information about future agency partners has been backed by tech giants Twitter and Umbraco. 

Brands & Agencies, launched by publisher and events company Prolific North, is set to be the go-to directory for 20,000+ brands and their relationship with 2,000+ agencies across the UK. 

Created in partnership with Leeds-based Enjoy Digital, the Brands & Agencies platform will radically cut the amount of time and expense used by brands during the ‘Discovery Phase’, when potential agency partners are researched and considered before an official approach is made. 

For no cost, brands will be able to use the platform to quickly identify agencies that match their requirements in terms of size, specialisms, case studies and current projects. 

Agencies who have already signed up to the subscription service include network agencies including McCann Central and TBWA and over 30 smaller agencies such as Big Brand Ideas, CreativeRace and The&Partnership.   

The new launch has been backed by social media giant Twitter Business and open source content management system Umbraco. 

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Mick Keane, director of Twitter Business EMEA, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Brands & Agencies. By having access to real-time information, it will become easier for marketers across the country to identify opportunities for valuable partnerships, driving growth, efficiency and creativity.  

“We are excited to work closely with Brands & Agencies to help build awareness of this amazing concept.” 

Anders Trans Sørensen, global sales director at Umbraco, said: “We see Brands & Agencies as the ultimate platform for brands across all industries to team up with some of the best agencies in the UK to help them deliver business value to their customers from building their brand to improving customer experience and helping customers to become digital leaders. 

“Competition is a key driver to evolution and growth. By enabling all agencies and brands to compare and connect in a free and transparent way, without prohibitive cost gateways, the B&A platform will make it possible and accessible for all agencies to showcase their great brand work.”

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Nick Jaspan, founder of Prolific North, said: “Brands & Agencies is the first such platform of its kind and is a much-needed service in what is the most competitive advertising market in the world. 

“The Discovery Phase is critical to finding the right agency partner but it is costly for brands both in terms of time and expense. With the launch today, brands can now access all the information they need quickly and easily – and at no cost to them. We very much see Brands & Agencies as a game-changer for the sector.”