Engaging with Ascent and Ascent+ is simple and right for the times.

Explore Ascent+ projects, current partnerships, and our approach to management and contractual frameworks.

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ASCENT+ PARTNERSHIPS

We extend what is said and what is done through trusted partners who really know their stuff.

We know the limits of our expertise; we can't and don't do just anything for everyone. Occasionally, however, our clients need additional support with implementation, and this means calling on the skills and knowledge of the members of Ascent+. Proven and trusted, these high calibre technical experts add hugely to our ability to resolve our clients' dilemmas.

6

Global regions where Ascent+ partners are based

10+

Years of proven collaboration with our trusted partners

Based all over the world, from UK to Northern and Central Europe to USA, Canada and Australia, these colleagues and organisations really do know their stuff. And critically, Ascent+ partners bring additional know-how and implementation expertise in a variety of fields.

What is said: Creative & Implementation

Through Ascent+, you gain access to experts in creative and design, production, digital and web development, and campaign creation and execution. We connect you with specialists who transform your strategy into compelling communications that resonate with stakeholders.

What is done: Research & Analysis

Our partnership network provides research capabilities, financial analysis, and market insights. When you need data-driven evidence and deep analytical support to prove impact, Ascent+ delivers proven expertise and measurable results.

We also provide ready access to AI expertise in three areas: "Personal assistant" capabilities, content generation, and data management and analysis helping you leverage cutting-edge technology alongside proven methodologies.

Critically, when we do work with Ascent+ partners on your project, an Ascent director remains actively involved and fully responsible for all aspects of the contract, including delivery quality.

You get specialised expertise with complete Ascent accountability.

Supporting a Cybersecurity Firm’s Portfolio Expansion

The Challenge

A fast-growing cybersecurity firm sought to expand its portfolio with a major new product line, a move which required a comprehensive brand repositioning. The client required a refreshed narrative, a new website and the development of a targeted sales and marketing campaign, all aimed at addressing the new market.

The Ascent+ Solution

Ascent provided front-end what is said consultancy, advising on brand positioning and portfolio strategy. Ascent+ partners contributed creative input, web development, and campaign strategy, execution and analysis.

Brand Portfolio Strategy for a ‘Rogue’ Brand

The Challenge

Ascent+ assembled a multi-disciplinary, multi-region team to address a brand portfolio strategy challenge. The client needed to re-examine a ‘rogue’ brand within its portfolio, focusing on aspects such as visual identity, narrative, parent brand endorsement and website redevelopment.

The Ascent+ Solution

Working alongside four Ascent+ partners, the team firstly demonstrated that the Ascent+ model was highly competitive. The project benefited from reduced costs and offered increased levels of senior representation during the most critical stages of the process, further validating the strengths of the Ascent+ approach. A new positioning and creative platform was delivered, as well as website and trade show support.

CASE STUDIES

A NEW WAY

Engaging with Ascent and Ascent+ is simple and right for the times.

Find out more about typical Ascent+ projects, current partners, engaging with Ascent+, the benefits, our approach to project management and the contractual framework.

Typical Ascent+ Projects

As Ascent provides strategic B-2-B management and brand consultancy, so Ascent+ sees this work, whether large or small, domestic or international through to implementation. Projects start with agreement on objectives, quickly followed by the creation of a dedicated team of proven specialists with creative, design, copywriting, web development, campaign creation and martech expertise, as required. A clear plan is formulated, approved, and then put into action, a plan that stresses the importance of:

Clear objectives and deliverables

Visible ownership and support by the leadership

Active participation from the client's marketing team

Transparency, openness, collaboration and fun!

Ascent’s Partners

Selecting Ascent+ partners is straightforward. Do we know and trust the partner? Have we collaborated with them successfully in the past?
Do they have what it takes to deliver their part of the project?

So far nine international partners meet these criteria, covering all areas of brand and marketing communication implementation, as well as artificial intelligence.

For each project, once the scope is agreed and any potential conflicts of interest identified, the team is tailored to the specifics of the brief and the needs of the client. And if those needs include working with the clients’ own established partners, we’re open to that too. In these cases, early discussions are vital to establish shared working practices.

Potential risks and complexities are identified and addressed.

Engaging with Ascent+

Unlike the conventional client-agency model, which often relies on a mix of in-house specialists supplemented by freelancers of varying
expertise, Ascent+ is comprised entirely of seasoned practitioners.

Each partner brings substantial experience and embraces a modern,
collaborative style of working. Think of it as a group of trusted experts coming together to make a movie. How could one business have the
best screenwriter and the best make-up artists?

The Ascent+ model prioritises mutual trust, transparency, adaptability, and deep domain knowledge, in contrast to rigid structures, inflexible
processes, and technical constraints typically seen elsewhere.

Benefits and Outcomes of Engaging with Ascent+

Typically the benefits of engaging with Ascent+ include greater value, lower costs and shorter project timelines because of our minimal
overheads, senior experience, AI expertise and proven collaborative processes. Optimising workflow and accelerating positive outcomes is
everything.

The right things are done in the right way. Whilst client objectives are always treated with the utmost seriousness, Ascent+ partners always endeavour to create an engaging, productive and supportive atmosphere, knowing that this will add to the overall experience.

Ascent+ in Action

We recognise the limits of our expertise; we don’t claim to do everything for everyone. Instead, we extend our capabilities through a global network of high-calibre technical experts across Europe, North America, and Australia. These proven partners provide the specialised implementation and know-how required to resolve complex client dilemmas including cutting-edge AI integration for data management and content generation.

Every project begins with a dedicated team of specialists tailored to your specific objectives, covering everything from design and copywriting to martech and web development. Critically, an Ascent director remains fully accountable for all aspects of the contract and delivery quality. You receive the precision of niche expertise with the security of complete Ascent accountability.

Client Relationship and Project Management

Ascent+ clients remain Ascent clients. Ascent retains full ownership of the relationship and assumes responsibility for all contractual obligations, as well as quality assurance. Recognising that clients and Ascent+ partners may wish to collaborate directly following the
completion of the agreed project, we encourage such connections, as they serve the interests of all parties involved.

During project execution a project director acts as the main interface between the client and the Ascent+ partners, Denise Davies of dsquared, leads the way as both project director and client-facing account handler. Having worked on both client and agency sides, as well as with the PE community, Denise’s breadth of experience ensures that she is uniquely placed to oversee the complex requirements of high-quality project delivery.

Further details on her credentials can be found here: www.dsqmarketing.com/.

Risk and Contractual Framework

Clients engage directly with Ascent through standard procurement process and channels. Contractual relationships with Ascent+ partners are project-specific, with client payment terms applied consistently to ensure transparency. Deliverables undergo a two-stage quality review; Denise Davies, as Project Director, monitors partner performance before a final director-level evaluation.

Existing methodologies remain the property of the originator, while newly created IP transfers to the client upon settlement.

Although we prefer fixed-fee arrangements with guaranteed pricing, we remain open to performance-based remuneration, acknowledging the complexities of defining and measuring specific KPIs.

HOW IT WORKS

From advisory to delivery

Ascent projects focus on advice, guidance and recommendations; Ascent+ focuses on implementation and delivery.

Contracting with Ascent+

Client engagement and procurement

Clients engage with Ascent via standard procurement and bespoke project frameworks.

By applying consistent payment terms across all partners, we ensure complete financial alignment and total transparency throughout the engagement.

Contracting with Ascent+

Quality Control and Oversight

All deliverables undergo a rigorous two-stage review prior to any client presentation.

Project Director Denise Davies monitors partner performance, followed by a final director-level evaluation to guarantee the highest standards of delivery.

Contracting with Ascent+

Intellectual Property (IP) Management

Existing methodologies and toolkits remain the property of the originator, protecting core expertise.

All newly created IP, including creative work and design assets, is transferred to the client upon the settlement of the relevant invoice.

Contracting with Ascent+

Risk and Reward

We prioritise fixed-fee arrangements to provide our clients with total budget certainty.

While we prefer this model, we remain open to performance-based remuneration where measurable KPIs and specific outcomes can be effectively established.

Ready to start your Ascent?

Visit us in the Cairngorms National Park. Take time out amongst the mountains to think again about your business, and how Ascent and Ascent+ can be of help.

Ascent Advisory Services

3WGV+48 Kingussie, UK

+44 7818 567 656

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