Building Relationships That Last

The coming of North Sea Oil had created unprecedented opportunities, and Mearns & Gill was positioned perfectly. Director Derek Robb had attended every Offshore Technology Conference in Houston since 1973, building expertise and relationships that set the agency apart. The oil & gas sector became a major client base alongside traditional strengths in motor trade and retail.

Television advertising continued to grow. The agency conceived and scripted campaigns for clients like Mitchells Self Drive and ASPC, commissioning production companies to shoot on film and hiring voiceover talent, including Richard Briers, the actor from The Good Life. Alan still remembers sitting in cutting rooms with strips of film on the floor, making creative decisions that couldn't easily be undone.

Client relationships were built on more than just good work. When a postal strike threatened a major newspaper campaign for Elena Mae, Alan and colleague Guy Scott worked all day, then drove through the night to Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh to hand-deliver artwork so the ads could run on time.

Mitchells Self Drive represented over 50% of turnover at one point. The relationship was exceptional, but the imperative was clear: diversify and build resilience.