Independent Agency Network launches

Nine independent advertising, design, interactive and branding agencies have come together to form the Independent Agency Network (IAN). The agencies include the Alchemy Partnership, Arcade, Blak Labs, BS Advertising, Convertium, FlabSlab, Kult, Up&Up and Wild Advertising & Marketing.IAN will launch a ‘Made In Singapore’ initiative for local businesses first half of next year. ‘Made In Singapore’ will provide local brands with the opportunity to get branding and communication advice to help them succeed in the global marketplace.This collective, the members say, has been established to give independent agencies a voice, while providing a single point of contact for clients looking for alternatives to the MNCs.  IAN is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation of agency talent, with potential tie-ups with local institutions to provide teaching support, training and internships.Alvin Wong of the Alchemy Partnership said because independent agencies are is growing rapidly, coming together to form IAN gives these agencies a greater presence, while ensuring clients know that there is one single entity they can reach out to for communications and branding help.“With the launch of IAN, we intend to provide an alternative to the bigger agency groups out there. One that’s collaborative, nimble and just as creative,” he said.“There have been many great products born and bred in Singapore. You just have to look back to Sim Wong Hoo and the Soundblaster at Creative Technologies. The Trek thumb-drive is another. And in the fashion category, Charles & Keith are flying the Singapore flag,” Charlie Blower, managing partner of Blak Labs said.“What we want to do is give new brands the benefit of our time and thinking to help them get ahead on the global stage.”[gallery link="file" ids="31726,31727,31728"]