Melbourne agency Ellis Jones repositions to reflect growth in social impact and innovation

As it marks its tenth anniversary, independent Melbourne agency, Ellis Jones, has repositioned its business to meet the increasing demand for social impact communications and social innovation.

Using social research, experience design and shared value framing to understand and define client and consumer needs, Ellis Jones develops business strategies, initiatives, services and campaigns that create measurable social impact and financial returns.

Founder and principal, Rhod Ellis-Jones, said it was the right time to define the agency’s positioning, as social impact and innovation are now considered priorities at the highest levels of both public and private organisations.

Says Ellis-Jones: “As we define it, social impact is the effect an organisation’s actions have on the wellbeing of its customers, employees and the communities in which it operates. There’s a growing movement among business and government to ensure strategic decisions, operations and communications have a positive impact on society while achieving sustainable growth.

“In complex market and societal contexts, organisations are increasingly seeking the integration of behavioural insights, business strategy, brand and communications. Our experience and models, developed over the past ten years, place us in a strong position to address this movement.”

Ellis-Jones added the company has evolved considerably since inception, and the repositioning more clearly present’s the agency’s suite of integrated services, diverse range of work and its social purpose.

Says Ellis-Jones: “We’ve repositioned to make what we do, and why we do it clear, so we can continue to extend our impact.”

Ellis Jones specialises education, energy and environment, arts and culture, health and ageing, and property , with clients including the Federal and Victorian Governments, Federation Square, Energy Australia, Cabrini and the City of Yarra.

The agency has recently completed a campaign for the Victorian Government, called ‘Take Charge’, highlighting the benefits of comparing energy providers.

Melinda Scaringi, director of the agency’s energy and environment practice, said it exemplifies the purpose-driven work for which the agency is known.

Says Scaringi: “By applying behavioural insights, the strategy, communications and creative have resulted in a successful campaign, not only in marketing terms but in the positive impact it has had on the lives of Victorians.

“We have a highly motivated team, united by our purpose and the change we help clients achieve. It’s challenging, highly rewarding and a journey we’re taking with some amazing champions of change in large organisations across Australia and overseas.”

(Pictured L-R: Melanie Yap, Melinda Scaringi and Rhod Ellis-Jones)