In addition to its existing strategic, creative and production capabilities, Leith will now offer research services spanning from initial concepts and commissioning to analysing and interpreting data.

Clients will be able to either use research as part of the wider advertising creative process or commission standalone research.

Leith has appointed Paul Drawbridge (pictured), co-founder of Cape Town social research agency Ordinary Differences and Kenya-based research business Be Forward, to lead the practice.

Drawbridge takes up the newly created role of research director and joins the agency this month. He will be based in the Edinburgh office.

The move follows client wins including the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and National Trust for Scotland. Leith opened a second office, in Manchester, in October 2022.

Leith is part of Lumanity (formerly Cello Health). 

Victoria Milne, head of strategy, Leith, said: "Having a pure-play research practice embedded within the agency enables us to stay at the forefront of intelligence gathering; increasing efficiencies for clients and enabling them to benefit from our deep expertise in multiple sectors."