Revealing the vibrancy of live marketing in the UK, and in spite of warnings over the general economic effects of the credit crunch hitting financial markets, London-based experiential marketing agency Evoke is celebrating 100% year-on-year growth over the last year.

Launching in June 2006, Evoke’s revenue hit £1.6 million in its first year of operation and this looks set to double by June 2008. What’s more, the agency has more than doubled its client base in the last 12 months, from six in June 2007 to today’s roster of 15 across the alcoholic drinks, fashion, health and beauty, luxury goods and automotive sectors. Staff resource has grown to meet these demands, and Evoke now has 12 full-time employees.

Clearly the agency is performing well and gaining a strong reputation in the marketplace, but also puts its success down to an increasing number of major companies finding experiential activity a critical marketing tool. As a result, managing director Jonathan Reid believes Evoke will continue to maintain its rapid growth over the next five years – a bold prediction in the current climate of impending economic gloom.

However, Reid’s optimism is borne out by the fact that Evoke has won six new high-profile clients over last six months. These include: a six-way pitch for Marstons, which sees the launch of the Marstons Maidens; Redbull's wine spritzer Sabai; in-store events for French Connections' new season’s collections; and Sub Zero Woolf, the manufacturer of fridges and ovens that grace the homes of celebrities.

“From the start, we have followed our vision to create highly-engaging brand experiences that ensure a commercial return,” said Reid. “We have approached each brief with a mix of creativity and free thinking to provide our clients with a range of ideas that make their brands relevant to their consumers. We have demonstrated to all our clients why experiential should form a key part of the marketing mix to cut through the noise and resonate on a one-to-one basis."