Tonic Life Communications

How would you sum up 2009 for your agency?

Opening a new chapter in the evolution of our agency and a springboard for future growth.

What was the high point of 2009 for your agency?

Celebrating 5 years since launch and proudly becoming part of Huntsworth PLC, while maintaining or original ethos and positioning.

What was the low point of 2009 for your agency?

Seeing some of our client friends move on through big company re-organisations or lay-offs. No real lows within the agency itself – this business is always an interesting roller coaster and you just have to enjoy the ride....

Please give an overview of your staffing through 2009, including significant hires and internal promotions.

As part of joining Huntsworth, we merged with US-based Dorland Public Relations and as a result doubled our size globally and gained a great team of star players. Industry veteran Maryellen Royle is now the President of Tonic North America. Our UK Managing Director Neil Flash also elevated his responsibilities and profile as part of the Tonic expansion. Jane Seaton was hired as Director of Lifestyle to help drive this important area of business for Tonic. There were a multitude of promotions and we had very low staff turnover.

What was your best client/account win of 2009 and why?

Our business development really ramped up in the last 12 months with a number of high profile wins, most notably the Global Roche Tamiflu account. Other wins included accounts with Boehringer Ingelheim, J&J and GSK.

What were your three best campaigns of 2009?

While all of our campaigns are points of pride of us,

• Global Hygiene Council, an initiative supported by Reckitt Benckiser
• Ferring European launch of their prostate cancer treatment Firmagon
• GSK Biologicals Synflorix vaccine launch
• Roche – multiple therapeutic areas UK and globally

How did the recession affect your performance in 2009 and what trends did you notice throughout the year – e.g. clients taking longer to sign off budgets etc?

After previously being named the world’s fastest growing PR agency (Holmes Report) and making the Sunday Times Fast Track 100, we used the past year to re-focus and re-energise our team and build the foundations for a longer term strategy for sustained growth. We saw that a few client companies found it difficult to confirm decisions and adopted a more conservative approach to spending which was triggered by the economic environment.

Of which achievement in 2009 are you most proud?

Joining Huntsworth and retaining our vision for Tonic.

Describe your agency in five words

Fusion of Lifesciences and Lifestyles.

How have you embraced social media in 2009?

Tonic has always been actively engaged in the digital space but we have seen a significant uplift in clients embracing social media and online news outreach over the past year.

What are your plans for 2010?

The next year will undoubtedly see us growing our teams and current client relationships. Tonic will also be expanding our global footprint with additional offices and locations.

If your agency were an animal, what animal would it be and why?

Greyhound – fast and nimble (and skinny like its founders...)