The Haystack Group is a leading authority on the UK's marketing services industry with in-depth knowledge of agencies throughout the UK. We assist clients in the search and selection of agencies as well as help them develop the systems and processes for effective management and evaluation.

The Haystack Group has grown considerably since its inception in 2001, managing a number of high profile pitches in the UK, across a variety of disciplines. Our audit business has expanded and we work on both project and retained basis with key clients. The Haystack Group have proven experience in the marketing industry, and an in-depth understanding of a wide range of disciplines including advertising, brand consultancy, direct and relationship marketing, sales promotion, design, public relations and digital communications. We help clients find and work more effectively with agencies. We take time to understand the needs, culture and motivations of marketing departments so that we can tailor appropriate training, relationship building and search and selection programs to meet their needs. Our website gathers agency information which is then exported to our partner companies this year AdForum, Marketing Society, IPA, ISBA, Brand Republic and Media Guardian this is now the single biggest source of agency information in the UK and across Europe.

Finding solutions easily.

We only employ senior marketers and agency directors to work at The Haystack Group. We can offer specialist sector and discipline advice to our clients

Alan Thompson - Managing Partner
Alan is one of the few communications professionals who has had extensive experience in agency leadership with first hand knowledge of all the disciplines. His career includes President of Northern Europe for Wunderman, CEO D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, Hong Kong and China, CEO of IMP London, and Director Enterprise IG, London. Alan has worked with clients such as P&G, Unilever, Mars, Ford, Ericsson, Compaq, and Mercedes at an international level and in the UK domestic market has extensive experience with Texaco, Little Chef, The Daily Telegraph and WHSmith. Alan set up The Haystack Group at the beginning of 2001. His management experience helps him to lead the client/agency audit part of the business and work with senior management to redefine their business goals and agency relationships.

Suki Thompson - Managing Partner
Suki is an experienced Agency Director running business development for London agencies including TBWA, FCA and Rapp Collins. She has a run accounts such as M&SFS, Debenhams, Lever Brothers and Friends Provident.Suki spent 18 months in Hong Kong where she set up the China office for headhunting company Kendall Tarrant. Suki set up The Haystack Group with Alan at the beginning of 2001, to help clients find and work more effectively with agencies. Suki also owns a Gin company that sells Bunker Gin to golfing enthusiasts. Suki Graduated holds a degree in Drama from Leeds University and a MA in Marketing from Kingston Business School. She is a member of the Events Committee of the Marketing Society a regular speaker for the DMA, DMF and Marketing Society and a columnist for the Financial Times and several of the Marketing press. <

• Internal/external marketing audits (performance and/or process)
• Strategic development
• Production of marketing communication briefs
• Pitch management
• Agency appointment and induction
• Auditing client discipline and marketing process
• Establishing best practice in the marketing function
• Creating agency roster structures
• Helping clients and agencies work more effectively together

Clients of The Haystack Group include, British Gas, Universal, Unilever, Friends Provident, Australian Tourist Commission, Boots, Scottish Widows, Scottish Amicable, AA/Centrica, Prudential, Powergen, W H Smith, Muller, BT, Tesco, QinetiQ, CRISIS, Britannia Music, The Evening Standard, Loot, GUS, Greene King, The London Stock Exchange, Sainsbury's Bank, Direct Line.

The Marketing Society
MCCA
Transform People International
AdForum
IPA, ISBA, Brand Republic, Media Guardian