Devon marketing agency celebrates 25 years of business

Devon based marketing agency, Chalk + Ward, are celebrating their 25th anniversary and launching their rebrand.

The full-service agency, whose offices are in Exeter, was founded in 1998.

Founding member and managing director, Robert Chalk, enthuses: “Our 25th anniversary feels like a milestone for Chalk & Ward. I am tremendously proud that we built our reputation so quickly all those years ago, and that we have managed to maintain it.”

Over the years, Chalk & Ward’s clients have included global companies like packaging firm, DS Smith plc, and household names like the Met Office, P&O Cruises, Age UK, and The Range. Current clients include agricultural giant Mole Valley Farmers, South West Water, Dartington Crystal, and Michael Caines’ flagship hotel, Lympstone Manor.

Robert continues: “We have had 25 years of doing brilliant work for clients and we have had 25 years of fun. I have enjoyed it, managing people and the business, as well as successfully advising so many substantial clients.”  

Robert, and Giles Ward worked at an agency called ABM, which was sold to Saatchi & Saatchi’s regional agency network in 1997 (HHC in Bristol). Giles joined as joint creative director and Robert as joint managing director.

Robert recalls: “It didn’t work out, so we broke away to set up Chalk & Ward. We launched The Range, and P&O Cruises were a huge client for us – they helped catapult us from start-up to being the premiere agency in the South West.”

Chalk & Ward started out as an advertising agency and has adapted over the years to become a full-service marketing agency. They offer traditional marketing, digital marketing, website builds, design, and PR.

This month the agency is launching their rebrand with a new logo and new website design. Creative director Alister Tickle, who has worked at the company for more than 20 years, says: “The new look website reflects who we are as a company, today. It’s contemporary and fresh, and it shows our attention to detail and that’s the cornerstone of everything we do.” 

The company also celebrated with a staff party at Hotel Indigo, and Harry’s Restaurant in Exeter where the Chalk & Ward journey began in offices above the restaurant. Robert concludes: “It’s been great marking 25 years of business and a lot of that comes down to the people. We have a really lovely team – there isn’t anyone there who isn’t fantastic.”