The owners of 24 international marketing agencies met in Milan this week to discuss how the global market for brands is evolving, and their future strategies to meet these trends.
The international group of 24 agency owners comprise the Business Branding Network (BBN), one of the world’s largest independent marketing networks. BBN has some 1200 employees and collectively bills in excess of €750m of fees.
Highlights from the meeting included a review of how web and email is changing the way we market products and services, the latest in customer communications techniques and proposals for how to value a business brand.
Gudmund Semb the new BBN Chairman, commented: “Coming to Milan and having our Italian agency Adv Activa host our event is very special. They are a model BBN agency and represent the very best in their field.”
Semb added: “In 2007 BBN made major steps forward in business growth. We had a strong financial year despite the changing economic climate and the outlook for our members is very strong in 2008.”
Semb replaces Tim Hazelhurst, who was a founder member of BBN in 1987. He paid tribute to Hazelhurst thanking him for his significant contribution to the industry and the BBN network over the past 21 years. Semb commented: “Tim put the foundations in place that makes us such a strong group now”.
Paolo Pedroni of Adv Activa added: “We are delighted to host this meeting. BBN is an important part of our growth strategy as our clients reach out across the world.”
Andrew Higgins, BBN Executive Director commented: “BBN has a clear strategy for growth. We will stay at the forefront by embracing market change and continuing to demonstrate high value to our clients. We believe our capabilities and flexibility will position us correctly during 2008 regardless of global economic conditions.
“By driving for more quality, more business and more global coverage we will be an ideal marketing partner for globalising companies.”