18 April 2008
Blyk Appoints International PR and Brand Agencies
GCI and Contra join the extended team to support growth in the UK and abroad
Helsinki, Finland and London, England, 11 April, 2008 – Blyk, the new mobile network for 16-24 year olds funded by advertising, has appointed GCI to build its brand reputation in the UK and internationally. This follows the appointment of Contra as international brand agency after its design of the Blyk brand and support of Blyk’s successful launch in the UK.
GCI won a wide ranging brief which includes corporate reputation management, building brand advocacy in the UK and mobilising its international agency network to support Blyk’s expansion plans in Europe. Blyk is launching in the Netherlands in the second half of 2008 followed by other European markets.
Marko Ahtisaari, responsible for brand and design at Blyk said: “Blyk is a unique youth media that combines free communication for young people and cost-effective communications opportunities for brands. We wanted partners that bring the same degree of innovation, excitement and execution to PR and Brand, as we’ve applied to building the Blyk service. The Blyk team is looking forward to working with GCI and Contra in what is going to be a big year.”
GCI will work with Contra to communicate the Blyk story to key trade and youth audiences. The PR programme will support Blyk’s brand advertiser sales, member acquisition and European expansion with a mix of direct communications and digital and off-line media activities.
GCI will commence work with Blyk from April 2008 with the PR being run out of the GCI London office and then expand in to GCI’s European network as Blyk enters new markets. Contra will continue to evolve the Blyk brand expression in the Contra London studio.
Steve Parker, Director, Technology & Digital Media commented: “Blyk is an innovative new media channel that has the potential to transform the communications industry and we are excited to have a stake in its success. We will be communicating the scale of the opportunity to the ad industry and the enormous benefits to members by extending the Blyk experience online and building brand advocacy through a variety of communication channels.”
Simon Parrott, Creative Partner at Contra said: “Contra has had great fun working with Blyk over the past two years here in London, and we’re extremely pleased to continue working together with Blyk both here and internationally. What really excites me is that we’re doing something truly innovative. We’re co-creating a different kind of brand that is genuinely involving young people. And what’s more, this is just the beginning.”
-ENDS-
About GCI
GCI Group was founded in 1984 and is part of the WPP family of communications companies. Its work is focused on high value disciplines ranging from consumer and sports marketing, digital media and technology, healthcare and corporate reputation. For more information visit www.gcigroup.com and www.gciuk.com.
About Contra
Contra is the world’s only global agency that comes from Finland. Our approach to business lies in the Finnish concept of ’sisu’ which roughly translates to ’sustained determination and perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity.’ (Spend a winter’s day there and you’ll understand completely).
www.contra.net