News

Press statement

ActionAid appoints Watson Phillips Norman
to work on donor recruitment strategy

ActionAid has appointed new DM agency Watson Phillips Norman to handle a new drive to recruit a greater volume of new supporters. The new strategy is expected to make use of door drops, direct mail, press inserts, DRTV and other media to recruit new supporters for the work of ActionAid in Africa, Asia and South America.

ActionAid has traditionally been one of the leaders in Child Sponsorship but has been looking to widen its appeal to cover a broader sector of the giving community, and to give greater emphasis to its campaigns against the cause of poverty in poor countries.

Head of Fundraising Joanne Smith said: “We have appointed WPN to help us not only drive our supporter base forward, but also to help us improve our visibility as an organisation. We were impressed by WPN's credentials and we look forward to working with them.”

WPN Managing Partner John Watson said: “We were impressed by ActionAid's obvious determination to expand their supporter base. The work they do with poor people makes a huge difference to their lives and we were delighted to be asked to help.”

This appointment covers new recruitment work only. The existing agency, Bluefrog, continues to be responsible for donor development work. Media for the new strategy is to be handled by Mike Colling and Company.

This win marks the first significant new client for Watson Phillips Norman, the new 'results and brand' DM agency formed by WWAV Rapp Collins founder and ex-Chairman John Watson with ex-WWAV Rapp Collins creative director Maria Phillips and ex-Zalpha Brand Planning Partner Tod Norman.

For more information on this story contact

Jane Moyo, ActionAid Press Office:
0207 561 7614

John Watson, Managing Partner,
Watson Phillips Norman:
0775 3805879 (mobile) or
020 7307 6160 (from January 3rd).