A reflection on 21 years of brand and marketing

29 August 2024 3 min read
Written by

Robin Bryant

A reflection on 21 years of brand and marketing

I invite you to cast your mind back. It was 2003. 

Johnny Wilkinson had just kicked a last-minute drop goal to clinch the Rugby World Cup for England. Myspace launches becoming one of the first major social media platforms. ‘Where is the Love?’ by the Black Eyed Peas was the best-selling single of the year. 

And Mobas had just begun its journey, from the humble beginnings of a compact garage ‘office’ – although we’re in good company with Amazon and Google starting the same way! 

What began in 2003 as a small, ambitious venture has blossomed into a leading brand marketing agency, known across the country for our creativity, insight, and unwavering commitment to our clients and – crucially – their audiences. 

This year, we turned 21. 

A rite of passage. A significant date, marking the traditional transition into adulthood. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on our incredible journey over the past 21 years. 

Reaching this milestone is not only testament to our collective hard work and dedication, but also a reflection of the trust and support we have received from all of you.  

So, thank you. Thanks to the Mobee alumni, former colleagues, freelancers, partners, friends and – of course – former clients and customers over the years. 

It’s all about working in partnership, together, to achieve the right outcomes. Understanding the background research and audiences first and foremost, and then using this insight to deliver the right creative or content through the right channel. 

Life is a rollercoaster 

I think the philosopher Ronan Keating said that – sadly in 2000, not in 2003, for the purposes of this piece! 

Our journey so far has been filled with numerous challenges, like many businesses who have been going for so long, but with each challenge comes opportunities for growth and transformation. Maybe, being honest, sometimes that comes after a period of concern... 

The 2008 financial crash, COVID-19, and the recession we’re coming out of now – it's been tough at times. Incredibly tough. But, once again the resilience of our colleagues and clients has seen us through. 

The loyalty and determination from all sides is what makes me so proud to be part of such an irrepressible team. 

Mobas colleagues’ passion, creativity, and expertise have driven us forward, and their ability to adapt and grow has been instrumental in our success. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and excited about what the future holds.

Adapt and evolve 

From our humble beginnings, we are proud to have consistently pushed the boundaries for our clients in both brand and marketing. 

We've embraced change, adapted to new technologies, and worked hard to stay ahead of industry trends. Today, the marketing landscape is almost unrecognisable compared to 2003. 

The rise of social media has transformed how brands interact with their audiences. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have become essential tools for engagement and brand building. 

Smartphones and the ubiquity of mobile apps have revolutionised how we reach consumers and contacts, making it possible to connect with them anytime, anywhere.  

The data-driven approach to marketing has also seen tremendous evolution. We now have access to sophisticated analytics and insights that enable us to craft highly-personalised and effective marketing strategies. 

E-commerce has boomed, fundamentally changing consumer buying habits and expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, pushing more brands to enhance their online presence and capabilities. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are beginning to play significant roles in understanding consumer behaviour and optimising campaigns in real-time.

And we've seen the power of content marketing grow, with storytelling becoming a vital part of brand strategy. 

What next? 

At Mobas, standing still is not an option. Our world of marketing is dynamic; brands and organisations need to stand out, and trends move fast. But so do we.  

We are constantly learning, experimenting, and innovating to ensure that we deliver the best possible results for you. 

Our vision is clear: to be the most innovative and audience-centric brand marketing agency in the industry. More on this later in the year, stay tuned. 

If you’re reading this as a former Mobee, one of our clients over the years, or a friend and supporter, thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support and collaboration have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come. 

Here's to the next 21 years. Although, I hope I’d be retired by then! Perhaps a congratulatory post of making a quarter of a century? 

Sincerely, thank you. 
Rob 

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