Bannister (pictured, left) has been brought in as part of the agency’s increased investment into insight. He worked at Brass earlier in his career as a senior researcher before moving to RDSi.

In his new position, Bannister will be establishing the role and benefits of insight within the broader agency offering. Its clients include First Direct, Kellogg’s, Hammonds, CITB and Lucozade.

Bannister said: “We want to be able to do something different to what’s currently in the marketplace – a more progressive approach to insight. We’ve been listening to the clients and believe we can combine research expertise with the Brass creative and digital resource to build an agile and distinct insight proposition.”

Managing partner, Paul McGann (pictured, right) added: “All businesses face greater uncertainty during the Brexit transition and our clients need innovative research and insight more than ever.  Whether it is launching new FMCG products, devising an advertising campaign or creating a better user experience, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge to help optimise the opportunity and drive ROI.”

Brass previously had a dedicated insight division which – renamed as Trinity McQueen – following an MBO in 2014.