News & Blog

Read the latest business news, blogs and thought leadership articles from our members, as well as updates on the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce's work in the city.

News & Blog

Scottish Brand and Communications Agency Achieves 103% Growth in Top-Line Revenue and Doubles in Size in 12-Month Period

Posted: 5th December 2023

Rationale, a strategic brand and communications agency, has announced an impressive 103% growth in top-line revenue over the past 12 months. The strong financial growth has also been further supported by the business doubling its team in size and further international growth.

The agency, headquartered in Edinburgh and with offices in London and New York, has seen phenomenal growth due to its authentic strategy creation around a brand’s ‘why’ and the cultivation of a stand-out culture.

Co-MD Rowan Morrison comments: “We attribute our rapid growth to the unique approach and culture we’ve built, leading to the formation of an incredible, motivated team. Next year, we will be focusing on further growth in B2B verticals where we have a depth of expertise, such as healthcare and health-tech, financial services, engineering and architecture, and innovation.”

As part of Rationale’s commitment to excellence, the agency welcomes Strategy Director, Caroline Olechowski, who joins as a key addition to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Caroline brings a wealth of experience and expertise, which officially begins in the first week of December 2023. She is joined on the SLT by a second recent hire, Aisling Cotter, whose experience includes management roles at Schuh and Edinburgh-based agency, the Union.

Olechowski and Cotter join Paul Saag, Rationale’s Creative Director, to continue to drive the agency forward. In addition to the SLT, Rationale has recently welcomed Clodagh Laing as Finance Manager and Fraser Malone as Editorial Strategist.

With an eye on continuing international expansion, Rationale is actively building on its US presence and plans to host a significant event in New York in Spring 2024. The agency also maintains its commitment to BCorp status, actively working on sustainability and culture initiatives to contribute positively to the business landscape.

The agency’s new office space on the Shore in Leith has become a landmark in Edinburgh’s creative hub, positioning Rationale to launch a series of events, in collaboration with other agencies in the area. The office will also support community endeavors, offering the boardroom for use by local charities and exploring various charitable initiatives as the agency bolsters its charitable credentials.

Co-MD Svein Clouston adds: “From the start, we have had a driving ambition to challenge traditional agency models and elevate the quality and motivation of our team. Rationale prides itself on achieving high levels of creativity and quality, changing perceptions of B2B brand communications by fostering a supportive and empowering work environment.

“We’re hugely passionate about insight-led, highly relevant, creative communications and brand storytelling that deliver against our clients’ objectives. Our leadership team is directly involved in the work we do as an agency and intends to continue to be so, to support not only our clients, but also our team in terms of mentoring and training.”

Rationale boasts deep, evidenced expertise in B2B, with a particular focus on SME and Corporate audiences, addressing the decision-makers crucial for client engagement. The agency’s extensive experience extends to financial services, healthcare and health-tech, education, SME services, internal comms, and employer branding, providing comprehensive solutions to a diverse range of clients.

To find out more, visit: wearerationale.com

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
Read more here