Specialist golf marketing agency Performance54 has been recognised among the fastest-growing companies in the UK, placing fourth in the latest Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100.
The Surrey-based firm, which is the highest-ranked marketing agency on the 2019 list, has experienced sustained growth since launching in 2015. At the close of the 2018-19 financial year, P54 had recorded total sales of £6.2m, representing a 181% three-year cumulative annual growth rate.
Working with a cross-section golf brands, including equipment companies, golf destinations, golf clubs, tournaments and media personalities, Performance54 operates across the major strands of brand development, including event management, digital services, PR and communications, commercial management and media buying.
Jed Moore, managing director of Performance54, said: “Over the past four-and-a-half years, Performance54 has gained positive traction and we continue to invest in our team, adding expertise and variety to our capability. We have benefited greatly from the trust of our partners and believe we are uniquely placed to provide value to them, and the golf industry at large.
“It’s undoubtedly an exciting time for Performance54 and, with recent acquisitions and business developments, we are confident we can maintain our current pace and play our part in enhancing golf’s appeal for fans, funders and brands.”
Fast Track 100 status comes hot on the heels of another standout year for Performance54, in which it has achieved several new business wins. With advancements in the Middle East and developing relations with high profile events, government-linked companies and sovereign wealth funds, new offices have been set up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, accompanied by a string of new appointments. Asia also remains a promising growth market, in which the company continues to work with destinations, properties and rights holders.
Andy Johnston, General Manager of Sentosa Golf Club, recently named World’s Best Golf Club at the 2019 World Golf Awards, said: “We have worked with Performance54 for the past two years and have just recently extended our relationship for the foreseeable future. This is proof of the belief we have in them as a trusted partner and recognition of the success we have achieved together, not only in promoting our unique offer to international golfers but helping to establish our brand on the global stage. We look forward to many more profitable years working together.”
Further proof of Performance54’s forward-thinking approach is its pioneering influencer marketing strategy. In 2016, the agency began an innovative partnership with Rick Shiels and has since helped establish him as the world’s most popular golf influencer, with a reach of over 14 million every month.
Shields said: “The golf industry is at a turning point that promises to define the future of the game and I’m delighted to be a part of that with Performance54. Together, we want to shape the future of how golf content is consumed and interacted with. We’ve had a great partnership over the last four years, and I’ve been delighted to see the company grow alongside my own channels; I cannot wait to see what we will achieve together in the years ahead.”
Another landmark moment in recent times was the creation of RedDoor54, an experiential marketing and event activation firm, led by Tony Irving. The complementary addition takes Performance54 further downstream in its service scope and has already seen major strides taken in acquiring business with some of golf’s best-known brands and events.