Best Agency Under £20million: Sparkler

With its most profitable year ever, and very strong financials from 2015/16, the past year has been one of transformation for Sparkler. The agency has transformed its positioning, its offer, its working environment and ways of working, as well as its public profile.

The shift in positioning has been to focus on ‘digital insight and strategy’ and focus on the human side of the digital world. This has included: new offers such as its strategy and service innovation; new methods to better use technology; new approaches and partnerships such as working with specialists in passive tracking, social listening and brain scanning.

These changes contributed to its highest ever staff retention at 88%.

Jamie Allsopp, its managing director, says: “We’re extremely glad that all our efforts have paid off. We have consistently tried to push ourselves hard to ensure that clients and staff alike have a brilliant experience working with us, while also ensuring our offer is fit for the changing client and consumer world.

“This award is testament to that. It is a huge pat on the back for our fantastic, dedicated and passionate team, and our amazing clients without whom this would not have been possible.

“Going forward, it is important to stay on our toes, and continue to refine and evolve what it means to offer best in class strategy and insight in the digital age – while maintaining creativity and excellence in everything we do.”

The judges said: “Sparkler is a small agency doing big things: significant growth, excellent staff retention and a transformation in brand positioning all make it a very deserving winner.”