Special Feature - Splatter

A natter with Splatter

Jonathan Dunnett tells Toy World how field marketing agency Splatter Group can help toy companies ensure their brands stand out to consumers by using a raft of services, cutting-edge analytical tools and the experience of its passionate team to create a striking retail presence.

Can you explain for our readers what, in a nutshell, Splatter Group does?

Splatter Group is a dynamic field marketing agency dedicated to bringing brands' products to life. Leveraging our expansive network of skilled field staff, we offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at engaging customers directly. Our expertise includes everything from training store staff to enhance product sales effectiveness and strategically merchandising and installing eye-catching displays and POS materials for maximum visibility, to conducting live product demonstrations to captivate potential customers in any location. Moreover, we provide knowledgeable personnel to support brands at prominent trade shows such as Toy Fair or Eurogamer, ensuring a seamless brand experience.

What makes Splatter stand out from other Field Marketing and Experiential agencies?

Established in 2010, Splatter has emerged as a highly regarded agency within the field marketing arena. While many field marketing agencies provide similar core services, Splatter distinguishes itself by offering an array of exceptional tools that sets it apart in the industry. Our unique suite of offerings includes live reporting, QR integration and footfall monitoring, providing clients with invaluable insights and capabilities that surpass those of other agencies. These additional features can be the differentiating factor between a highly successful campaign and one that falls slightly short. With our cutting-edge systems, we empower clients by alerting them promptly to both positive and negative developments in the field, enabling swift reactions and course corrections during critical stages.

Can you share any ‘case studies’ from previous or current clients and the differences you made to their business?

In the video games industry, Day 1 is huge. This is the day where most sales are made and where interest is at its highest, so it is imperative for all the marketing spend to be on display and assisting the sale.

Splatter works across all Activision titles from Call of Duty to Crash Bandicoot, visiting specialist stores like Game through to major grocers, ensuring activity is in place and giving Activision real-time data from the field to allow it to make key decisions on those all-important launch days.

What about behind the scenes: how big is your team and where are you based?

As its heart, Splatter is a dedicated and industrious team of people led by directors Jonathan Dunnett and William Slater. Supporting them are Emma Gibson and Andrea Brazier, who oversee Operations and Account Management respectively. Furthermore, our efficient regional managers work alongside our invaluable field teams, ensuring flawless execution of activities. Our headquarters are in Theale, near Reading.

In a significant testament to our capabilities, Splatter was acquired in 2021 by Plaion Ltd., one of the world's largest entertainment companies. This partnership further solidifies our position and underscores the quality of our work.

What can new clients expect from working with the Splatter team?

When collaborating with Splatter, brands can expect a personalised and amiable approach combined with utmost professionalism. We prioritise understanding their unique requirements and crafting tailored solutions. Our focus is on helping clients achieve their targets and we provide a comprehensive suite of tools that can significantly enhance their campaigns.

For instance, our cutting-edge footfall tool enables us to precisely determine the optimal timing for conducting demonstration days, down to the hour. This not only saves valuable time and resources for the client but also maximises their potential return on investment. Moreover, our QR tools empower brands by offering real-time tracking of products and point-of-sale materials, ensuring complete visibility and transparency at any given moment.

At Splatter, we’re committed to delivering exceptional results and providing brands with the necessary tools to elevate their marketing efforts.

Is there anything else you think Toy World readers ought to know about Splatter?

Splatter represents a unique hybrid field marketing agency that seamlessly blends the tried-and-true approach of utilising the extensive networks of individuals to execute campaigns with cutting-edge technological tools that amplify our results for clients. By combining the best of both worlds, we bring together traditional values with innovative solutions, ensuring a comprehensive and effective marketing strategy that surpasses expectations. Our tech tools not only supplement but also enhance our capabilities, providing valuable insights and actionable data to our clients, ultimately driving success and delivering exceptional outcomes.

How should interested parties get in touch?

To explore collaborative opportunities with Splatter, we invite brands to reach out to Jonathan via email at j.dunnett@splattergroup.co.uk.