MBM posts strongest growth in NZ media sector

Following a successful start to 2022, the 2021 RECMA report has found that MBM New Zealand has recorded the strongest growth and momentum rate within the media industry over the past 3 years (105%).

The results place MBM in the top 3 media agencies in the country due to organic increase across existing clients, as well as onboarding significant pieces of new business.

MBM’s ‘independent spirit’ has been coupled to the formidable capabilities afforded by their global alignment with Publicis Groupe’s connected platform network. Their recent gains only partly reflect the latent power of this alliance, and MBM CEO Lee-Ann Morris (pictured above) expects this to continue bringing impact to clients as the network’s traction is fully deployed: “The key driver to MBM’s success is our commitment to client service, whilst we are powered by data and technology, it’s our people that drive us forward. If our north star is exceptional client service for every client irrespective of size or spend, we ensure that we stay relevant. We work hard to reinforce relationships with our clients through meaningful work. This means listening to their needs, moving early to drive productive ideas and innovating capabilities at pace. This focus has earned MBM the trust of some of New Zealand’s most loved brands.”

The RECMA report also found MBM leading in non-traditional activity at 53% as MBM continues its investment in specialist capabilities with internal promotions and new hires across their analytics, search and digital divisions. Through the lens of industry-leading expertise, MBM’s digital team has worked to identify and deliver programs that offer the greatest promise for clients. The most recent roles, Chief Digital Officer and Head of Digital, are long term measures of the agency’s commitment to this fusion of talent & technology.

Says Morris: “Agencies often operate in rapidly evolving and occasionally disrupted environments. The Media Agency of the future needs to demonstrate an appetite for positive change to fuel innovation and better mitigate the challenges it brings for clients.”

How MBM adapts and stays ahead draws on a host of moving parts. Seeking and nurturing the best talent in the market, investing in future proofing talent, and actively investigating new, relevant, tools and products.

The report comes after a decorated year of awards for MBM, evidence that the agency has achieved a more fundamental rift in the fabric of the established order. Recent wins include Agency of the Year for the third year in a row at the NZ IAB Awards, Beacons Media Agency of the Year 2021, Best Use of Data and Effective Channel Integration at the 2021 WARC Awards and gold for Brand Awareness at Google AUNZ Premier Partner Awards 2021.

Concludes Morris: “Most of our clients want an agency that operates as an extension of their team. We break down challenges, offer a clear POV, chart a course, celebrate success, and navigate the tough times, together.

“What has become clear over this time is that the reason we all turn up every day is because we love the work. This allows us to easily align and inspire our teams, launch the right initiatives, and build the capabilities, processes, and mindsets necessary to sustain a clear advantage for our clients. We love the energy, creativity, challenges, wins, and the people. Each element generates an imperative to perform that fuels MBM’s momentum. As long as we keep turning up like this for our clients and ourselves, this will translate itself into growth.”