A recent article in Marketing concludes that ‘until we get leading politicians in the English-speaking world who explicitly reject selfish capitalism and implement the appropriate policies for at least a generation, it will be quite impossible to market ethically’.

The article goes on to state that the aspirations created by advertising foster unhappiness leading to depression through social comparison. The logical progression of this argument is that our less affluent (and less content) members of society should not be allowed to dream!

What rubbish! Aspiration is what makes us human and what drives us to better ourselves. Also, what about all the advertisers who seek to benefit their community by promoting education, rehabilitation, training and a healthier lifestyle? Surely it is absolutely ethical to provide these advertisers with a platform to spread their message to the hard-to-reach. If we, as the advertising community, are selective about the clients we assist, marketing has a valuable contribution to make to the benefit of all of us.

Amanda

When starting at Yes earlier this month I was interested to discover that the agency team are as persuasive out of work as they are in work! Our MD, David is currently involved in launching a credit union in the community where he lives, offering an alternative means of saving and accessing credit for people who often aren’t trusted or valued by mainstream banks. Our Creative Director, Nick also acts as a business mentor for the Princes Trust. I work with Axis as a mentor for people who come from difficult backgrounds, so hopefully this can help build a greater understanding of the community that many of our clients are looking to reach.

Amanda

We've marked the new year with a new appointment. Amanda McDonald joins us as Client Services Director to help us manage our growing client base. She has worked at several agencies including McCann Erickson Manchester, working on a vast array of Clients including BMI, Central Tyre, UPS, SCS, Sony, HBOS, Staffordshire Housing, EPIC, Newcastle-under-Lyme College, The Good Food Chain, Aspire and Michelin amongst others. Over the last year the agency has developed a specialism in community marketing which Amanda will spearhead due to her extensive experience in this area. Amanda is an Oxford graduate and avid Stoke City supporter. She is also a blue belt at kick boxing which occasionally comes in handy.