Integrated agency Social has promoted Diana MacCarthy and Ben Lowndes to Managing Directors of its Manchester and Bristol-based business respectively.

The news comes as the agency is about to file another impressive and profitable year of growth, taking its overall turnover to £2.6 million.

A former weekly and national journalist, MacCarthy is an experienced strategist whose credentials span property and the built environment, social care and social impact. Lowndes established Social’s south west division in 2017, which has grown to secure a roster of 14 clients whilst increasing its turnover growth to £470,000. Both colleagues previously held director positions within their respective businesses.

Said MacCarthy: “As a proud Mancunian, I’m well chuffed to be at the helm of Social Manchester’s growth ambition and to be leading a team of talented tacticians delivering work underpinned by AMEC-recognised evaluation practices.”

Said Lowndes: “This year has been characterised by challenge, change and progress, and I’ve been proud of how we’ve responded to support each other and our clients. It’s a hell of a time to start a new role, and we have a tremendously talented team in place which leaves me very confident about our plans for next year.”

Agency Founder John Quinton Barber added: “Di and Ben’s promotion to managing director positions within their respective business units is brilliant news. We are creating a business that really invests in colleague progression and I’m thrilled for Di and Ben who have grasped the opportunity to grow our business across Greater Manchester and Bristol with both hands.”

Social prides itself on meaningful work that improves lives and makes a positive social impact. The agency’s work revolves around six key pillars including its built environment proposition Social Place alongside Social Care, its social value arm Social Good, Social Lab strategic consultancy, Professional Services specialism and its creative services portfolio.