Independent media agency The Kite Factory has launched a new growth consultancy designed to help brands overcome marketing complexity and unlock sustainable growth.
Dubbed Ascend, the offshoot draws on over two decades of client-side and agency media expertise, proprietary tools, and strategic know-how, with the aim of delivering clear, actionable consultancy built around three core pillars: insight, change, and innovation.
It has already worked on projects with brands including Barnardo’s, Maggie’s, and most recently NatWest Cushon.
The agency insists the move is in response to growing client demand for strategic direction that goes beyond traditional media planning and buying.
As consumer behaviour shifts and competition intensifies, brands need to break down silos, make smarter use of data, and innovate with confidence. Ascend is built to meet that need – offering hands-on, collaborative support that bridges the gap between ambition and execution.
The consultancy is led by managing partner Helen Radia (pictured left) and head of insight Charley Day (pictured right), both of whom held senior marketing roles at WaterAid and Crisis before joining The Kite Factory.
It is claimed that their experience gives them a unique perspective on the internal pressures, cross-functional challenges, and real-world complexities that marketing teams face. This insider understanding enables Ascend to bridge the often-fragmented worlds of agencies, consultancies, and in-house teams – aligning stakeholders, embedding strategy, and driving meaningful, lasting change.
Ascend will also takes a holistic approach to modern marketing, ensuring every element is working in sync. From aligning media spend with audience insight, to ensuring creative and design reflect brand values and business goals, Ascend is aimed at helping brands craft a coherent, compelling story that cuts through the noise and drives real value.
Helen Radia said: “We work closely with marketing teams every day and understand the pressures they’re under – juggling complex ecosystems, tightening budgets, and evolving expectations. Ascend offers a fresh, flexible consultancy model that brings clarity, momentum, and measurable impact.”
The Kite Factory chief executive James Smith said: “We know that strategy only matters if it can be acted on. Ascend is built to work in the real world – supporting teams with thinking that’s smart, pragmatic, and focused on outcomes. It’s consultancy that gets things moving.”
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