Customer relationship marketing agency Armadillo CRM is preparing for a period of “expansion and inspiration” following its relocation to Bristol from Bath.
The firm, which works with brands such as McDonald’s, hotels.com and Disney, has made the move after 25 years in Bath.
It now expects to continue to grow its 30-strong team having announced ambitions plans to double in size following a management buy-out (MBO) earlier this year
Executive chairman Chris Thurling, part of the MBO team and a former owner of Bristol-based 3Sixty – one of the region’s first web design and digital marketing agencies – said: “Our Bath office was bursting at the seams and to fulfil our growth plans, a move to Bristol was a natural step.
“Inspiration will be on our doorstep, with creative networks such as Bristol Media and facilities like Pervasive Media Studio, the VR lab and Engine Shed.
“As well as giving us space to expand and encouraging further collaboration, relocation will also give us access to a new pool of world-class, creative talent in a vibrant, connected city.”
Armadillo’s decision echoes that of Bath brand brand, creative and digital agency Mr B and Friends, which relocated Bristol last year after failing to find a suitable office in its home city to meet its expansion plans. It had been based in Bath for nine years.
Since its move to Bristol it has continued to grow and taken on new clients. Not-for-profit technology adviser Eduserv also relocated to Bristol last year.
Property agents in Bath have long warned of a slow-but-steady exodus of firms from the city – especially those in the crucial tech and creative sectors – due to a severe shortage of space suitable for this kind of high-growth firm.
Armadillo, which has grown its turnover by £1m in the past five years, saw early on the potential to develop a business that provides motivating and inspiring customer journeys, working with pioneering brands such as Blockbusters.
It is now based in The Quorum building on Bond Street, which it described as a spacious, newly refurbished office that should offer huge potential for the company’s growth plans.
With expansive views over the city, the new office is also designed to maximise collaboration, as the agency continues to grow across the board. The senior team collaborated with Dr Harriet Shortt, associate professor in organisation studies at Bristol Business School, UWE, during the office move to design the optimum office environment.
Last October Armadillo won the best email campaign for its work on McDonald’s Win Win campaign at the renowned Wirehive 100 Awards, which recognise outstanding creative and technical talent.
The campaign achieved click-to-open rates of 56% – the highest ever for the brand – while its targeting and incentivisation strategy drove a 14% uplift in participation. The campaign was hailed by the award judges as a “brilliant campaign, with great use of data, personalisation and anticipation building”.
Pictured: The Armadillo CRM team with Chris Thurling, far right back row
