Digital specialist Gecko New Media has made a number of key appointments as it enjoys sustained growth in its full service digital agency.
The firm has built an impressive client base since launch in 2003 and has recently added to its roster with law firm Simpson & Marwick, national window cleaning contractor Greig Avinou, social enterprise Space Unlimited and renowned Edinburgh girls’ school, St George’s.
As well as employing two new developers, Gecko has appointed Dave Malins as Technical Director. He has been with the company since March 2008, joining after six years as a senior developer with Storm ID.
Expert agency in Edinburgh
Malins said: “I’ve loved every minute working with Gecko, so I’m understandably delighted to be given this new challenge. After working at traditional development agencies and Microsoft gold partners it is refreshing working with a full service digital agency.
“Digital media changes almost constantly and we want to be working with our clients and helping them to adapt and benefit from those changes for years to come.”
“With this new position I can focus fully on making sure we are on top of new trends and developments and ensure we are well-rounded in all of them. If we are on top of it, then our clients are on top of it.”
Mhairi Bell, 30, co-founded Gecko New Media with business partner Mike Octigan, 37. She said that from the outset the business focused on achieving the best return on investment for its clients, by fully understanding their needs and providing full support.
The importance of a digital presence in business
The pair spotted early that websites would become far more than simple online brochures. Recognising the web would take centre stage as an integral business tool, they committed themselves in encouraging and helping clients to embed digital as part of their overall business strategy.
Bell, a former pupil of Edinburgh’s Craigmount High School whose 13 years in communications has seen her work with companies from FTSE 100 corporates to public bodies, added: “There are an awful lot of digital pretenders and charlatans out there – but that means our genuine credentials are now coming into their own.”
“As a result we are perfectly placed to help existing and new clients make the most of digital opportunities and that is why we are growing despite the recession.”
“We fully expect the speed of our growth to accelerate and that is why thoughtful and well-planned expansion of our team at this stage is so critical.”
“We are delighted to have Dave as our new Technical Director, as he has already made the job his own. We’re also chuffed to bits with the quality of the other new guys who have joined the team.”
Helping clients improve their profile
Other new recruits are web developers Tony McCann, who previously worked with Triple One Digital in Glasgow and Emanuel Gaspar, who joined from Agap2 in Portugal.
It brings the number of staff with the company to six and it is on course for an increase in turnover of at least 50% in the current year. Other highlights of the 12 months include a move into elegant and airy new offices in the New Town’s upmarket Melville Street and last month’s launch of a new website at http://www.geckonewmedia.com.
Gecko advises clients on many aspects of strategic planning, including building traffic, converting web visitors and deciding on the business opportunities surrounding emerging technology such as social and mobile media
Gecko offers a full service from strategic planning, design and build through to measurement and support and have helped high profile clients such as Yell Adworks, BBC Scotland and Edinburgh Council.
Gecko New Media is building it profile using PR in Scotland – and is working with public relations agency Holyrood PR, PR experts in Edinburgh. Contact Scott Douglas at Holyrood PR for further information
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