As we close the chapter on financial year two at Rebel Lion, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve been on. It’s no secret – it’s been epic. It’s been made up of impressive partnerships, reaching key financial milestones, witnessing remarkable team growth, diving into innovative ventures, and celebrating strategic wins.
Despite the hurdles, our team has shown up every day, ready to tackle whatever comes our way. Their relentless dedication and hard work have been the cornerstone of our success.
The Power of Partnership
Collaboration lies at the heart of our ethos, and in year two we’ve had the privilege of working alongside 64 incredible brands, helping to amplify their messages and achieve their goals. These partnerships not only reflect our commitment to excellence but also serve as a testament to the trust bestowed upon us by our esteemed clients.
Our ability to connect and engage with audiences has been unparalleled, with over 75,000 tickets sold for our entertainment and sporting clients. From P!NKS iconic Summer Carnival, we orchestrated a far-reaching out-of-home campaign across 6 major UK cities, generating 45 million impacts through 47 out-of-home platforms, creating an unforgettable experience for her fans and setting a new benchmark in entertainment advertising.
“I’m immensely proud of the collaborations Rebel Lion has forged with 64 remarkable brands during our second year of trading. Each partnership has uniquely showcased our full-service advertising capabilities, driving innovative campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. It’s a privilege to contribute to such transformative projects.
A huge highlight for me was winning the Wales Marketing, Advertising & PR Start-Up of the Year award and receiving recognition for all the hard work.”
Another highlight for some of our Creative Team was working on the T1ger Fuel brand-building project.
Vikki David, Hybrid Creative: “It was the first project I got my teeth stuck into when I joined RL in January. From the branding, and the look and feel of the product compared to the others on the market, It opened my eyes fully to how different and creatively free Rebel Lion really is.“
Dan Jones, Senior Content Producer: “It gave me creative freedom, it involved filming, photography and design. Multiple different locations, great client to work with. It was also the first client I was involved with from start to finish.”
A standout moment from the year for our Art Director, Nick Hutchinson, was the Cardiff City FC promotional videos for their key home fixtures at the start of the 2023/24 season.
“The process from initial discussions to final output were open, honest, and productive. The brief was to drive more sales to the 3 key fixtures against rivals Swansea City FC, Bristol City FC and Millwall FC.
The video visuals worked amazingly well with the overarching message and CTA. Which resulted in 10% growth of ticket sales in the 2023/24 season compared to the previous 2022/23 season.”
Financial Milestones & Strategic Wins
Achieving a seven-figure milestone in year two is a significant landmark for us. It highlights our financial strength and stability but also underscores the effectiveness of our strategies and the trust our clients place in us.
As our Chief Strategy Officer, Jamie Hibbard, explains:
“Our strategic roadmap has been significantly impactful on the success of hitting seven figures by the end of FY2. It’s kept us honest in achieving each milestone and ultimately the goal for year-end. We have planned every step of our route on the road to being the biggest advertising agency in Wales, and then the largest outside of London. This helps us to focus on those goals, and aides in our strategic decision making.”
Additionally, securing a six-figure investment from the Development Bank of Wales and winning the advertising contract for one of the UK’s leading motor brands are pivotal moments in our journey. These strategic victories not only affirm our abilities but also set the stage for further growth and expansion in the future.
Matt Jones, CEO: “Our rapid ascent to seven-figure revenues within two years is a clear indication of our team’s talent and drive. As one of the UK’s emerging agencies, we’re energised by significant wins with Norton Motorcycles and The Sogno Group.
The Development Bank of Wales’ investment is a vote of confidence that will fuel our plans to expand our Cardiff agency. It will also spur the development of our new venture, Islandr.TV, opening the TV advertising gateway for challenger brands.”
Team Growth
It’s been thrilling to witness the growth and evolution of our team. We’ve expanded to a vibrant group of 15 exceptional individuals, each bringing a unique blend of skills, perspectives, and experiences. Their collective contributions have not only enriched our culture but have been pivotal in driving innovation at every turn.
This year, we’re excited to announce that our growth will not only be in numbers but also in geography. We are setting our sights beyond our current horizons and expanding into new locations. This expansion represents a significant step for us, offering new opportunities not just for business growth, but for our team to tap into a diverse range of talents and ideas from different parts of the region.
Furthermore, we’re thrilled to create 10 new roles in our Cardiff office this year. By the end of financial year 3, we’re aiming to increase our headcount by a further 20. These new positions will support our ongoing projects and new ventures alike, as we continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve. If you’re seeking to advance your career or to make a significant impact in the creative industry, now is the perfect time to become part of our story. You can view our current live vacancies here.
Aaron Corria, Director of People & Culture “The growth of the Rebel Lion team has been exceptional. We pride ourselves on sourcing and nurturing local talent in the creative industries and I’m very excited for the future.”
Looking Ahead to FY3
Daniel Banard, Digital Marketing Manager: ” I am looking forward to being part of an expanding digital team and agency as a whole. There are many exciting clients and projects coming up that I am excited to get stuck into. Our industry is constantly shifting and changing, and it’s also exciting to see how this will impact our campaigns and approach to client work going forward.”
Rachael Crooke, Digital Account Executive, “Seeing the team grow and develop forward, the team are all so talented so to see them progress makes me super proud. In terms of digital, it will be great to see how ads develop and new trends come into play. I am looking forward to driving more results with campaigns and helping clients get the best out of their business. Seeing clients happy with the work be put in is really rewarding.”
As we gear up for year three, our ambitions are sky-high, matched only by our confidence. We’re ready to push boundaries and set new benchmarks for success. Expect big things – we’re just getting started.
