National Ambitions, Local Roots

Tania Mearns joined the business in 1990. For the next 30 years, she would be a senior account manager and crucial part of the company's success. Alan is clear: "I couldn't have done it without her."

The design offering grew significantly this decade, with clients including BT, Baxters, Glenfarclas, Scottish Enterprise Grampian, and Norco. But one project stands out: the BT Development Fair.

After winning the BT North account, Mearns & Gill was invited to pitch for a national programme educating tens of thousands of BT staff about the future of technology, video on demand, watching films whenever you wanted. The agency created branding, educational workbooks, and large articulated exhibition units that toured BT offices nationwide. It was an astonishing piece of work for a small Aberdeen agency.

Alan became Managing Director in 1991. His father stepped back fully, handing over a business he'd helped build for over 25 years.

By decade's end, the long relationship with Mitchells Self Drive came to a close when the business was sold to Enterprise. It had once generated over £1 million in annual spend, but Alan's work diversifying the client base meant the business was stronger and more resilient than ever.