Ian McAllister

Background

About Ian McAllister

Ian is a creative thinker with over 20 years of considerable entrepreneurial expertise. Educated at the Glasgow University School of Art, from where he graduated with an Honours degree in Communication and Design, Ian learnt his craft initially in the Advertising Agency sector with considerable success. In 1983 he moved to London to head start-up agency, Scott Stern London, working with brands such as 7-UP, Johnnie Walker, Pimms, Scottish and Newcastle, United Biscuits, Shell and Vauxhall. Scott Stern's creative and innovative strategic reputation quickly grew and WPP bought the company in 1987. Ian remained with WPP until 1990 when he left to form his own company MCA Communications Group. Recognising the opportunity the Internet could bring to the marketing industry MCA launched an Internet agency, Soft Options, in 1994 whose clients included BBC, Environment Agency, Cutty Sark and the Met Office. At the height of the "tech boom" in Ian sold the MCA Group to Exentric Plc and promptly bought it back when the bubble burst in He set about re-building the company through a series of strategic acquisitions until in 2007 recognising the change in the economic climate the business was sold to its management. Ian's considerable personal M&A knowledge and experience of start-ups aligned with his creative strategic thinking makes him unique in his sector. Running his own businesses is an opportunity for Ian to utilise his considerable experience.especially that which is in the area of adversity for the benefit of his clients and colleagues. Self motivation and setting clear positive goals is the key and his philosophy is : A pessimist is someone who mourns the future. Specialties: On-line/Digital/Offline Business and marketing solutions. Consumer Electronics/Retail/FMCG/Property/Financial Sector/Banking/Education and Brand Protection.