Hodge, the independent financial services group announces the appointment of independent brand-led digital experience agency Rufus Leonard as Brand Experience agency partner. Cardiff based Hodge specialises in niche mortgage lending, commercial lending and retail savings.
Founded by the late Sir Julian Hodge, the business can trace its origins as far back as 1965. First to market with Equity Release, first to market with Retirement Interest Only Mortgages, the business has decades of innovation in response to changing customer needs across its entire portfolio. With the appointment of Steve Pateman as CEO in 2019 the business has begun an ambitious growth strategy to deliver significant uplift in business volumes.
Rufus Leonard have been appointed to shape the brand direction and narrative for Hodge. The strategy will support the company’s ambition to grow its footprint in new and existing markets by providing a compelling proposition for customer growth.
Laura Reid, Head of Marketing, Hodge comments: “We think of ourselves as a 54 year old start up. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, but the drive and energy of a newly formed business. With such ambitious plans we need a strong Brand Experience partner who can deliver a brand strategy, identity and experience that exceeds the expectations of our customers.” She continues “Following a thorough tender process, it was clear that Rufus Leonard have the right creative mind-set, strategic muscle and commitment to build a brand supporting Hodge’s ambition to transform the business. We can’t wait to get started on this project and bring the entire Hodge team on the journey we’re embarking on.”
Laurence Parkes, CEO Rufus Leonard explains “We’ve long admired and felt synergy with brands who have the progressive and responsible spirit of Hodge – it matches our own ambition to make a difference that matters to people. The opportunity to be involved in taking that spirit across the entire brand experience is something we’re very excited about.”
This move comes at a time of growth and creative success for Rufus Leonard. The agency has recently picked up three significant un-disclosed accounts and won Best Digital Agency at the 2019 Digital Experience Awards. In recent months they have been awarded the Digital Transformation Award Marketing Week Master for work with The Gym Group, an Effective Mobile Marketing Award for work with Sky and Domestic & General and have scooped five Transform Awards for work with BBC Bitesize, Lloyd’s Register, Aggreko and British Red Cross.