THE demise of advertising firm Wallace Barnaby does not signal a decline in the local marketing profession, according to one industry practitioner.

Peter Grange (pictured), managing director of locally-based advertising and marketing group Offshore International, insisted the industry was still strong and that now more than ever was the time for businesses to get their message across to the public.

‘Good ideas and effective marketing are even more essential in an economic slowdown. There is evidence that those businesses which market through such times emerge stronger in a subsequent upturn.

‘It will be a challenging time for many businesses in the islands, but we should not forget that there are also many opportunities in this environment.’

He agreed with Orchard PR managing director Steve Falla, who on Saturday said he did not believe the Wallace Barnaby situation was linked to economic hard times.

‘We have not seen any marked downturn in business and are actively looking for additional client-services, creative and finance staff,’ said Mr Grange.