A new Dubai-based consultancy, Context Studio, has launched, with the aim to support founder-led brands with strategic communications and positioning.
Founded by Paul Clifford and Emilie Hill, it positions itself as a specialist partner for founder-led, independent and emerging brands – the kinds of businesses that, as its founders put it, often fall outside the priorities or budgets of traditional agency models.
Clifford has extensive GCC media experience, having spent several years at ITP Media Group across titles including Caterer Middle East, Hotelier Middle East and Commercial Interior Design, as well as Time Out and Gault&Millau. Hill brings editorial and brand-building experience across fashion, interiors, PR and digital communications, having previously held the position of group editor at Time Out GCC.
"We never wanted to build an agency where clients become account numbers," said Clifford. "Many of the businesses we work with have been built through years of hard work, personal investment and a clear vision from their founders. We believe those businesses deserve communications partners who are genuinely invested in their success."
The consultancy's service offering includes brand positioning, PR and communications, content and editorial strategy, founder profiling, thought leadership and media training. Its client portfolio already includes Cafe Isan, Rowley's Restaurant and Brass Monkey, with further projects across interiors and lifestyle expected to be announced.
According to the Studio founders, "unlike traditional agency models built around large client portfolios", they would keep their portfolio small. “By keeping our client portfolio deliberately small, we're able to build stronger relationships, think more strategically and deliver work that reflects the individuality of each brand," concluded Hill.