News
The AA shortlisted at British Arrows
We're thrilled to share that our campaign "It's Ok, I'm with The AA" for The AA has clinched three shortlists at the British Arrows Awards 2024.
The Gate launches “A Better Fortune” campaign
On Your Side, the nationwide support and reporting service dedicated to the East and Southeast Asians who’ve experienced racism or hate, launched on Saturday 10th a compelling campaign in collaboration with The Gate London. The initiative, titled ‘A Better Fortune,’ aims to commemorate the Lunar New Year and highlight the alarming acts of hate against the East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK.
East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities have shaped UK culture, including Asian food being the UK’s number one takeaway of choice. However, despite this place in the UK’s heart, ESEA communities continue to experience high levels of hate crime across the country. On Your Side was created in the wake of a steep increase in hate crime recorded against ESEA communities during the covid pandemic, which continues today. In response, The Gate and On Your Side seek to leverage the UK's love for ESEA food to encourage support for the community and drive allyship.
Lunar New Year, celebrated from the 10th of February, is a significant occasion marked by hope for a better year ahead. Addressing acts of hate against the ESEA community during this time holds particular significance. Using the medium of fortune cookies, synonymous with ESEA culture and food – the campaign will subvert their messages to fortell of positive actions against hate. Messages that will reframe the recipient as future allies, and act as a poignant reminder that those who love the food should also show the same support and love for the people.
We chose the fortune cookie as it’s a symbol of ESEA presence in the Western world. Though it is not universally associated with all ESEA communities, its existence is evidence of a long and complicated history of migration, discrimination, and racism. It serves as a complex diasporic symbol that shines light on why we need to support the ESEA community in the UK. It is a reminder that services, such as On Your Side, the nation’s first support and reporting service for ESEA communities in the UK, play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Acknowledging the fortune cookies’ historical ties to racialized history, through highlighting its roots, we attempt to show the complex relationship between the fortune cookie and its connections to racialised narratives. Utilising the fortune cookie to encourage people to stand against racism and hate transforms it from a once controversial symbol into one of strength and empowerment. We hope that our “A Better Fortune” campaign will spark further discussion on racism in the UK, and encourage those who need support to reach out.
The campaign unfolds across various mediums, including out-of-home, social, and digital platforms. On Tuesday, 13th February, The Gate and OYS will be distributing Fortune Cookies throughout China Town, intending to capture people's attention and initiate discussions about the cause. On social media, influencers, both allies and members of the ESEA community, will unbox Fortune Cookies, sharing personal experiences and thoughts to promote a better understanding and allyship. The Gate produced the campaign in collaboration with Brave Spark. The organisation Asian Leadership Collective supported the development of the campaign.
Hannah Bituin and Becky Reynolds, Creatives of The Gate, said: “With one of us being from a South-East Asian background, who has grown up with hate and has found it to become the norm, we wanted to do something about it. With a fortune cookie being synonymous with the community, we will help people, including allies, stand up for what's right.
Rob Bovington, Creative Director of The Gate, said: "To challenge perceptions and rally allies, we chose to grab people’s attention at the opportune moment. A fortune cookie is not only culturally relevant, it’s the perfect medium to engage a captive audience - encouraging lovers of Asian food, during a meal to show love and support for the ESEA community in the face of hate."
Victina Tse, Project Manager of On Your Side, said: “Lunar New Year is a significant time for celebration, reflection and coming together. It's fitting that during this period, we draw attention to the acts of hate against the ESEA community. 'A Better Fortune Cookie' seeks to harness the UK’s love for ESEA food to encourage understanding, support, and unity while also making sure ESEA communities know we are there to support them if ever they do experience hate”
Read more about the campaign here
‘Inclusive Leadership in Turbulent Times’ at The Gate of Inspiration
In our latest Gate of Inspiration, we were honoured to host Verica Djurdjevic, Chief Revenue Officer at Channel 4, for her enlightening session "Inclusive Leadership in Turbulent Times."
Verica's insights underscored the vital importance of contemporary leaders exercising compassion and mindfulness in their actions.
CSO, Kit Altin in the Gerety jury
We are thrilled to announce our very own Chief Strategy Officer, Kit Altin has been selected to join this year’s distinguished Executive Jury for the Gerety Awards 2024.
ACD, Jo Ratcliffe in Top 25 Creatives List
Delighted to announce our Associate Creative Director, Jo Ratcliffe, has secured the 12th spot in David Review's prestigious Top 25 Creatives List.
Chief Client Officer, Vicky Janaway shortlisted as Mentor of the Year
Delighted our Chief Client Officer, Vicky Janaway, has been shortlisted for Campaign UK’s Inspiring Women Awards 2024 in the Mentor of the Year category.
Strategy Partner, Francess Gibss in Kantar Panel
Our fantastic Strategy Partner, Frances Gibbs was part of Kantar’s 'New Effectiveness Resolutions For Year-Round Success' webinar alongside some of the brilliant minds behind 2023's most effective campaigns. They discussed the commitments brands should make to increase marketing effectiveness in 2024.
Growth Director, Marina Hidalgo in the BD100 List
Our Growth Director, Marina Hidalgo Blanco, has secured a spot on The BD100 List for the second year running. She is recognised as one of the UK's 100 most influential Business Developers, proudly representing The Gate London amongst a remarkable group of people dedicated to building inspiring relationships and crafting innovative solutions for clients.
'Mail Unleashed' returns
'Mail Unleashed' returns for a second series with some of the industry's leading CMOs and thought leaders.
Read more here
AkzoNobel appoints The Gate as creative B2B agency for EMEA
We're thrilled to announce we've won the AkzoNobel creative B2B business in EMEA, spanning broadcast, POS, social, print, digital and direct across the UK, Spain, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Germany, the Nordics and Italy - for brands including Dulux Trade, Sikkens, Herbol, Procolor and Trimetal.
The win follows a competitive pitch handled by Booster Consulting, which involved a number of global marketing groups, according to MSQ.
Stephen Maher, network lead at MSQ, said: “The multichannel nature of the work plays to the strengths of MSQ, requiring joined up thinking and an appreciation of how we can flex our creativity across different markets.
Read more via Campaign
Second Most Persuasive Christmas Ad for Very
According to Kantar's latest summary of all the Christmas ads, our campaign for The Very Group 'Let’s Make it Sparkle' secured the number 2 spot for the most persuasive Christmas ad.
Charlotte Wolfenden Helping Brands Walk Through Walls
A year has passed in the blink of an eye with our incredible Managing Director Charlotte Wolfenden, at the helm.
She's the driving force behind The Gate London 'Walking Through Walls'. To celebrate this milestone, Creative Salon Worldwide got the inside scoop on how she's led us to new heights.
Read the interview via Creative Salon
The AA Highly Commended at The Drum Awards
We are happy to announce our campaign for The AA, "It's Ok, I'm With The AA," was Highly Commended in the Creativity category for TV, Video, and Film at The Drum Awards.
Gerety Talks with Very & The Gate
Our MD, Charlotte Wolfenden, and CSO, Kit Altin, will be in conversation with our client, Jessica Myers, The Very Group's CMO.
They will delve into the pitch process, exploring the dynamics of our relationship and reveal the magic behind the new brand platform, 'Let's Make It Sparkle.'
And of course, they'll be discussing the latest Christmas campaign where Very's customers are positioned as vibrant, pink flamingos.
SMARTY finalist favourite Audio Ad
Our SMARTY Mobile 'Ready to Pair' radio ad is a finalist in the favourite Audio Ad of 2023 award, presented by Radiocentre in partnership with Campaign.
Anusol shortlisted at Global Best of the Best Effie Awards
Our award-winning campaign for Anusol 'Bum’s The Word' has secured its spot as Finalists in the Sustained Success category at the Global Best of the Best Effie Awards.
The Gate shortlisted as Agency of the Year
We're happy to announce that we've been shortlisted for "Agency of the Year (150 staff or less)" at this year's Oystercatchers Awards.
This recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team at The Gate London. A massive thank you to each and every member who contributes every minute and every day to our shared success.
The Gate shortlisted for Best Agency Culture
The Gate has been shortlisted for "Best Agency Culture (small)" at this year's Oystercatchers Awards.
We couldn't be prouder of our WalkThroughWalls culture and the incredible Gaters who make it all possible!
CSO Kit Altin in the Gerety Retail Panel
“People don’t always have to feel literally seen in ads to feel engaged because it’s more about the story that you tell” Kit Altin, CSO The Gate London.
Our CSO, Kit Altin was part of the Gerety panel for Retail Advertising Live at MSQ.
The panel was made up of Kit Altin, Chief Strategy Officer at The Gate London, Bonita Samuels, Senior Associate Director at EssenceMediacom, Cressida Holmes-Smith, CEO of Lucky Generals and Jamie Peate, Global Head of Retail & Effectiveness at McCann Worldgroup, and hosted by Alex Reeves, Deputy Editor of Little Black Book.
They discussed everything from what brands can learn from retailers, to the importance of storytelling, and engaging with cultural moments in an authentic way.
