Morrice expands Citigate Smarts into Ireland as Martin stays in Scotland
The Citigate Smarts integrated network is expanding its presence throughout Ireland by merging its Belfast operation with a city-based design firm and forming a joint venture company in Dublin.
In other developments, Pete Martin, the agency’s creative director, is set to stay in Edinburgh after talks linking him to the creative directors position in Citigate Albert Frank in New York broke down.
The Belfast office, which has, to date, primarily handled public relations, is to merge early next month with design consultancy 19/20 Associates to give the operation a creative capacity.
The deal will see 19/20’s five staff relocate to Smarts Northern Ireland’s offices, taking the head count up to 28, but the 19/20 brand will continue to operate in tandem with the Smart brand.
19/20 was founded in 1995 by Frank McGrady and Andrew Campbell and provides corporate ID, brand ID, packaging and exhibition design to a range of clients that includes Guinness UDV, Action Cancer, Exhibit and Save The Children.
The deal was brokered by Citigate’s regional chief executive Rob Morrice, who has also formed a joint venture in Dublin with a design firm called XO Design, which will see Citigate Smarts get a foothold in the Republic of Ireland market.
XO Design was formed four years ago by Garrett McKeagney, who used to work at WWAV Rapp Collins Scotland, and Citigate Smarts will now set up in the consultancy’s offices, which will have a staff of five.
Morrice said: “Since opening up in Manchester successfully, we have committed to Ireland as we feel that there are big opportunities for us there. 19/20 is a very good fit with us, as they have a similar culture to us, and XO Design is a great little company.
Meanwhile, Martin refused to confirm or deny speculation on his proposed move to New York