Chalk Opens Doors for Business

European client win and senior staff appointments accompany new agency launch

London, 24th April 2008 – Chalk, an independent corporate communications company, today opens for business in a bid to provide fresh thinking, ambitious and creative consultancy to the international commercial market. Based in London, the specialist agency will be unique in its ability to offer a responsive and individually tailored approach to business communications, without the frills typically associated with corporate PR.

The launch of the new agency marks a turning point for corporate media engagement, as businesses recognise an increasing need to establish effective two-way communication with partners, suppliers, customers and of course, the man on the street.

Working alongside sister marketing and experiential agency Unity, Chalk will provide Unity Marketing Group with clear brand distinction between corporate and consumer campaign briefs. Retained activity with Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited and Pension Capital Strategies, will be further bolstered following a successful competitive three-way European pitch for 3i Infotech, a global provider of IT solutions.

In a further development that underlines Chalk’s belief in the importance of good branding and design, the agency commissioned award-winning designer Stefi Orazi, to create the new brand, complete with its very own bespoke font. Hello Chalk, the handwritten, naturally styled typeface, reflects many of the fundamental characteristics of the business and will be used for a mix of media and client communications.

Adam Barber, previously of FD, will take the role of Managing Director, heading up a team of five and reporting directly to Unity Marketing Group board. In this role Adam will be responsible for providing strategic client counsel and overseeing future business development across key UK and European markets.

“All too often, complex corporate campaigns deliver plenty of head scratching and very little in the way of common sense,” comments Adam Barber, Managing Director, Chalk. “However, by really getting under the skin of our customers business and by taking the time to establish a robust, open and long-standing relationship with our clients, we aim to change that.”

Commenting on his appointment, Barber added, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Unity Marketing Group’s senior management team as we begin to build a corporate communications practice that draws on our combined heritage and offers clients a fresh insight into modern communication and engagement.”

Nicola Harley, Head of Marketing, 3i Infotech - Western Europe, added, “As our business continues to outperform in all key industry sectors, it was vital that we found an agency that could take the time to understand 3i Infotech and share in its beliefs. The team at Chalk have done just that. As we continue to work with the agency in the future, we look forward to capitalising on their capability, heritage and expertise in order to develop and protect the reputation of our brand.”

As part of the newly formed management team, Gerry Hopkinson and Nik Done, co-founders of Unity Marketing Group, will assist Adam with the strategic development of the business.  This will provide Chalk with additional expertise and support, ensuring that the company capitalises on existing competences within the group.