27 November 2009
	PROFILE KING JAMES GROUP

Type of agency Advertising Telephone (021) 465-3511 Website www.kingjames.co.za Key person James Barty, CE Ownership King James Holdings (SA) 70%; others 30% Black equity 26% Accounts gained 5 Accounts lost 2 Clients 26 Staff 93 Biggest clients - Brandhouse, Allan Gray, Steers, Levi, Plascon/Freeworld King James is no longer the little creative studio it once was. In addition to the Jo'burg and Cape agencies, it includes Atmosphere Communications, Hammer Live Brands and the Mnemonic digital design arm. This expansion into integrated campaigns enabled it to overcome a tough business year, during which it shed nearly 10% of staff, to increase gross profit by 4%. This time last year executive creative director Alastair King was expressing concern about the creative output coming from the Jo'burg agency. That's been overcome, says Barty, and the office is starting to realise potential. It's been a satisfying awards year rather than a great one. Still, with R34,5m in new billings, and an expanded client list that includes One&Only Resorts, few doubt that there's plenty of good things to come.