We are Avidity

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Growth starts here

At Avidity, we help brands sell more. Our agencies provide services to achieve flawless execution or immersive interactions through field marketing, tactical activation, EPOS analytics and insights, and engaging consumer experiences. That kind of success comes from our bright and talented team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to delivering exceptional results.

Our values

Transparency. We don’t hide behind meaningless words and terminology, nor do we keep news, information, and updates hidden. We’re open and honest with our colleagues, our clients, and our customers.

Continuous improvement. We’re never content with second best. We strive to continually improve—gaining more knowledge, developing our business, and outdoing our previous performance again and again. This is applied to our colleagues, too—supporting them to be the best in the role they’re in and to develop their career.

Expertise. To be the best, we need to know our stuff. That’s something we pride ourselves on. We hire well, provide exceptional training and tools, and are committed to consistently learning.

Making things happen. We get things done—both with our clients and internally. We don’t sit back and let things happen; we act to create opportunity and success.

Respect. The way we behave and how we communicate is always based on respect—whether that’s in dealing with our colleagues, clients, or customers.

Client-centric. If we focus on doing what’s right by the client, we’ll achieve everything we want as a business.

Our culture

We want you to feel right at home here. Be yourself, grow your career, and enjoy doing it. We offer a variety of benefits and initiatives to support your wellbeing and development, including flexible working, mental health resources, and career advancement opportunities.

We prioritise community, support, inclusion, opportunity, flexibility, and wellbeing. Our goal is to provide a positive and empowering environment where you can reach your full potential.

Our commitment to our team

What our people think

“I like that I am able to play a part from start to finish. Within the team, we work collaboratively to learn from each other. This has really pushed forward my knowledge and skill set since joining Avidity. We’re definitely encouraged to share best practice and I think this works really well across the whole team.”

Anna Alexander

Brands you could work with

Group Partnership & Marketing Director

Background

Avidity is the parent company of a portfolio of sales and marketing agencies. Our purpose is to help our clients sell more and we deliver this across the UK & Ireland through our five operating companies:  

  • McCurrach and Standout are our Field Marketing businesses, working with FMCG and Consumer electronics clients to provide outsourced sales teams delivering in-outlet execution. 
  • Zing is our Tactical sales business, providing data driven merchandising, event activation and flexible sales solutions to a wide variety of SMEs and blue chip clients. 
  • Thumbprint is our data analytics and technology business, providing epos data analytics platforms in key channels including Grocery and Convenience.  
  • Wave is our Engaging Consumers business specialising in D2C work including brand ambassador programmes, sampling, events and immersions.  

Across Avidity, we’re active in a wide variety of sectors with over 50 clients in the UK and Ireland. We provide integrated solutions for our clients, acting as a ‘one stop shop’ for sales and marketing solutions. We ensure our clients have the optimum go-to-market model to sell more, completing several million calls per year. We’re experts in data, creating actionable insight from over 300 million data points every day. And our teams are engaged and passionate with 90% saying they feel part of a team and an above benchmark colleague engagement score. 

We have over 1,500 people employed in roles across our Group, of which c1100 are permanent employees, and c500+ are members of our agile communities undertaking temporary assignments and seasonal work.

The Group Partnership & Marketing Director role is a pivotal Leadership role working across the Avidity Group, acting as the external face of Avidity alongside the CEO and the agency MDs.

Partnership Development

Attracting and winning new clients is critical to the ongoing success of our business. We have an impressive win rate in a highly competitive and fragmented market, and must ensure we continue to identify and onboard clients to all 5 Operating Companies in the Group. Key elements to the role include: 

  • Developing and owning the new business pipeline for new clients across Field Marketing, Tactical Sales, Data Analytics and Engaging Consumers 
  • Leading the pitch processes for new clients, harnessing data and insights to ensure we pitch the  most appropriate solution for each client 
  • Leading the drive into adjacent sectors to expand the Avidity footprint beyond FMCG and Consumer Electronics 
  • Nurturing and building strong external networks to support the ongoing growth of our business. New business is won through tender processes, but also through opening up direct opportunities and pilots. Field Marketing new business is all won centrally; and in the case of Zing, Thumbprint and Wave there are additional resources within the Op Co to support business development. Existing client re-tenders are owned by the existing agency, but may require central input and expertise. 

Marketing & Communications

Leading our marketing and communications function which:

  • Supports our new business efforts
  • Builds our corporate presence and that of our five agencies
  • Supports our recruitment efforts

Our marketing presence includes our external websites, LinkedIn pages and our CRM tool. Internal comms includes all colleague communications from our Sharepoint site, monthly and quarterly briefings and annual conference.

Strategic Leadership

  • Responsible for opening up and developing new client partnerships and ensuring a smooth transition to the relevant Op Co for delivery
  • Builds relationships based on trust and collaboration, communicates openly and authentically, with a growth mindset, and solutions-based approach
  • Operates as a senior member of the leadership team both within the potential client and Avidity
  • Brings thought leadership to our proposition development, able to translate market insights and Avidity strategy into new go-to-market solutions especially in Field Marketing and Tactical Sales

Commercial & operational excellence

  • Set the direction through translating the business strategy into business development and marketing strategy
  • Takes accountability for new business development within the organisation
  • Builds relationships internally that supports the development of new business pitches and fosters strong pitch teams, increasing our opportunity for successful outcomes
  • Develops strategic plans that deliver on the agreed new business vision and objectives

People leadership & culture

  • Leads as an ambassador for Avidity externally and internally
  • Sets the direction in line with the strategy and objectives, gains buy-in and manages the performance output individually and collectively
  • Takes responsibility for own development, seeking out feedback and adapting skills and behaviours
  • Establishes the team culture and its values, manages change positively and proactively
  • Role models the high standards required in the business, coaching and leading by example
  • Supports ongoing talent development and succession planning, internally and externally

Harnessing data & insights

  • Uses data and insights to develop business development approaches and set strategic direction
  • Is analytical in approach, ensuring we are maximising business development opportunities and focussing on areas of growth that we have a strong likelihood of success
  • Using data and insights to evaluate the success of our pipelines and our marketing activity, inbound and outbound lead generation and conversion

Leading innovation & change

  • Bring the broader Avidity expertise and experience to the development of bespoke insight, learning led initiatives and new innovations, ensuring that we harness the breadth of the full organisation to maximise our win ratio in new business
  • A thought leader in the industry, is able to remain up to date with trends and adapt our approaches to ensure we are providing innovation for clients
  • Significant experience in field sales, in a leadership role within the Field Marketing or FMCG sector
  • Proven track record of successful business development and growth
  • Can demonstrate strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen
  • Strong understanding of the retail landscape and the unique challenges and opportunities
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions
  • Proficient in data analysis and insight delivery

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Andy Brady

HEAD OF HR

Andy Brady is a seasoned HR recruitment specialist, with over two decades of expertise in the field. With a foundation in Human Resource Management from the University of Derby, Andy swiftly transitioned into specialised HR recruitment. His diverse portfolio spans FMCG, Manufacturing & Engineering, Financial Services, the Third Sector, and Supply Chain, working at all levels from entry to executive positions.

Zoe Lumsden

Business Support & Employee Engagement Executive

Zoe joined Denholm in 2022 as Recruitment Administrator, after working in administration roles for nearly a decade. Most recently within the recruitment industry, she joins us with experience of supporting consultants, clients and candidates at all levels. Zoe has a passion for helping people and applies her positive attitude and approachable manner to support our team and deliver the best possible service to our clients and candidates at all times.

Callum Beveridge

SENIOR CONSULTANT - TECHNOLOGY, CHANGE & TRANSFORMATION

Callum has been working in recruitment since 2018 where he has solely focussed on the Technology, Change and Transformation market across the UK and ROI. He works closely with his clients and candidates to build long-lasting relationships across several industries, including Technology, Financial Services, Professional Services, Healthcare, Education, Public Sector and more. He specialises in engineering roles across Software, Infrastructure, Systems, DevOps and Cloud, along with Software Testing.

Michelle Weir

Senior Finance Executive

Michelle is enthusiastic, practical, and adaptable – with 15 years experience across Finance. She is known for being trustworthy, hardworking, and enjoying a challenge. Michelle excels, both independently and as part of a team, bringing a methodical approach to her work. Combining a friendly and professional demeanor, allows her to effectively engage with colleagues and clients at all levels. Client and candidate care is paramount to Michelle and to Denholm.

Alana Sim

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - CONSUMER

Alana has been working in recruitment since 2012, predominately within the FMCG & Consumer markets. Having recruited in both the UK & Asia Pacific markets, Alana has a sound knowledge of local & international recruitment. Partnering with brands to attract & hire the best sales talent in the market, Alana focuses on mid to senior level Sales appointments within the Consumer space. With a strong commercial & sales background, Alana identifies and engages the best commercially focused talent for our clients.

Scott Caithness

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP PARTNER

Scott started his career working for one of the leading Advertising & Comms agencies in Edinburgh where he spent 7 years before moving in to recruitment in 2011. As such, he is well-networked in the Marketing & Comms space across Scotland. With a friendly and consultative approach, Scott is genuinely passionate about providing a positive journey to both candidates and clients alike and believes communication plays a big part in this.  A “thinking-outside-the-box recruiter”, he is known for helping candidates portray the best version of themselves and helping clients find talent for those hard to fill roles.

Andy MacEwan

HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY, CHANGE & TRANSFORMATION

Andy has been recruiting in Technology, Change & Transformation since 2001. Delivering tailored resource solutions as trusted advisor to clients ranging from start-ups through to global blue-chip organisations across contract, permanent, fixed term, and managed service/statement of work solutions. He has experience providing candidates for Helpdesk through to CIO and takes great pride in providing excellent customer service and ensuring each candidate journey is a positive one. An expert in his market he can provide guidance across current market trends.

Our Community

As well as working in close collaboration with our clients, and the online marketplaces, we are active members of groups that have been established to combat illicit trade. These include the Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group, the European Intellectual Property Office, The Scottish Business Resilience Centre, the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, and the China Britain Business Council. Members of our senior management sit on the boards of ACID (Anti-Copying in Design), the Scottish Ministerial Trade Board, and the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s Observatory Panel for SMEs, amongst others.

Each team member nominates good causes or charities that are supported on both an individual and corporate basis. Wherever possible, we support the employee’s involvement whether through time or fundraising events.

Our Environment

We deliver purpose-driven work from an extremely welcoming environment near the City Centre. We actively encourage the responsible use of resources, from using public transport to reuse, recycling, and, of course, a minimal impact office environment. We have benefited from the advice of the Energy Saving Trust and Resource Efficient Scotland. Our waste contractor also provides us with a monthly report on volumes and types of material and the carbon emissions avoided through recycling.

Over 80% of our employees can walk or cycle to The Lair and, pre-pandemic, 10% were using public transport as their normal daily commuting mode. Without doubt, online meetings will replace considerable miles, going forward, saving resources, time and energy. Where possible, when possible, the train remains our preferred option. 

Our People

Our people are our most important asset, and their mental well-being and happiness are core to our success. We love our diverse workforce, actively embrace flexible working (even pre-pandemic!) and encourage a healthy work-life balance. We have been recognised as one of the most diverse SME workplaces in the UK and are holders of the Scottish Business Pledge which exists to promote a fairer Scotland. We have also just been included in the 2021 Culture Leaders Top 25 – an accolade of which we are very proud!

We are a fully inclusive and nurturing employer and, despite being in tech, the majority of our team are women, leading to accolades in the Computing Magazine Women in IT Awards and the Amazon Growing Business Awards. We currently represent 15 nationalities and speak 20 languages. Age is no barrier, and we recruit for attitude, providing and encouraging appropriate learning and training for each and every role.

We are also proud members of IP Inclusive, a network of professionals working to make the intellectual property industry more diverse.

Our Purpose

Our aim is to combat illicit online trade by identifying and removing counterfeits for sale. Counterfeits not only damage brands, their reputations, and revenues, but can cause significant harm to the end customer – whether as a fake toy or a fake medicine – and the consequences can be life threatening.

Counterfeiting is a significant economic and social issue.

The OECD reports that counterfeit and fake goods make up more than 3.3% of the world’s global trade. Those involved in the trade of counterfeits have been linked to people trafficking, prostitution, and drug dealing.

As such, reducing illicit trade is about much more than brand protection but also about human rights, safety, and social equity.

And this is what we do, every day.

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Communication Advisors

We’re a passionate and professional team who thrive in issue-rich environment and we’re looking for Senior Communication Advisors, Communications Advisors and Communications Executives to join their fast-growing team. 

You’ll have previous agency experience at Senior Account Manager or Account Manager level and be passionate about delivering excellent results for clients. You might be a specialist in PR and media relations who produces compelling editorial content across a range of topics and sectors or you might be a public affairs expert who understands the policy landscape and helps clients build influential relationships. Whatever your specialism, you’ll be an excellent writer, full of creative ideas, with proven client management experience and the ability to provide expert advice our clients.

Your key duties will include:

  • Supporting the key account lead with day-to-day client liaison, providing strategic counsel on day-to-day account matters when required
  • Active involvement in planning and delivering global PR, marketing and digital campaigns
  • Managing content programmes, including mapping out content themes, spotting industry trends and story angles, writing copy when required which may include opinion articles, web and social
  • Building strong media relationships, creating pitches based on your story ideas and delivering content in-to suit the client’s target media and securing opportunities
  • Planning and running client’s social media programmes, and management of their channels
  • Continuously identifying opportunities to grow brand awareness and profile our client’s businesses within their target sector through events, webinars, thought leadership
  • Producing comprehensive and timely reports on client activity 
  • Supporting in the development of client proposals to help grow or win parts of the business


In addition, to be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:

  • Proven background in account handling and direct client liaison – 4 years’ minimum
  • Experience in an agency setting focusing on B2B communication or PR
  • Strong communications skills, verbal and written
  • A background in delivering creative, digitally led B2B communications such as LinkedIn campaigns
  • An innate understanding of earned media, with the ability to create stories and generate coverage across traditional media, digital and social
  • Experience working on content management programmes, with an awareness of the changing way business audiences consume information and an appreciation of search, paid and wider customer marketing activity, and how it all fits together
  • A history of working with clients in a variety of sectors is welcomed but experience in the tech and energy industries is advantageous.
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Communication Lead

We’re a passionate and professional team who thrive in issue-rich environment and we’re looking to add a Communication Lead to our fast-growing team. You’ll be a trusted advisor to clients across several sectors in all aspects of communication, external affairs, marketing and issues management. Coming from an agency or consultancy environment, at Account Director level or above, you’ll report directly to the Managing Director and be responsible for a small and busy multi-disciplinary team. You’ll have first-class project management skills, be solutions-driven and excellent commercial acumen too. Alongside the senior team, you’ll work to drive the strategic growth of Aspect.

Your core duties will include:

  • Working with the MD to develop and deliver growth strategies 
  • Attracting and retaining profitable clients across a range of sectors 
  • Leading the creation and execution of strategic communication programmes
  • Inspiring, leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams
  • Developing strong relationships with clients, colleagues and associates
  • Producing high quality pitches and proposals to secure new business 
  • Curating, nurturing and managing a team of talented associates.

You’ll be a skilled communicator, interested and knowledgeable about the key issues shaping the external environment. In addition, to be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:

  • 7+ years of senior leadership experience within an agency or consultancy
  • Experience in Energy, Renewables, Financial Services or Life Sciences would be very desirable
  • Outstanding writing skills and the ability to engage and excite an audience
  • An impressive track record of client attraction, retention and growth 
  • The ability to thrive fast-paced environment managing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong influencing and leadership skills to motivate and inspire those around you
  • Excellent planning, evaluation and project management skills
  • To develop new processes, systems and ways of working to drive performance

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