Exclusive | We have changed with evolving scenario: APB's Sandeep Nahar

One of the oldest and the first advertising agency in Central India, Madhya Pradesh region, Anil Publicity Bureau (APB), Indore has come a long way. Started in 1974 by the late grandfather of Sandeep Nahar, the current CEO, the agency is one of Central India’s renowned agencies today, known for its commitment, creativity and reliability. It has truly emerged as a one stop media solutions provider for its clients in the region.

 

Remembering about the times when he joined APB as a young man, Sandeep, says, “in those days there was not much advertising opportunity and clients preferred black & white advertising, mostly print media.” The scenario has completely changed now. People are aware of advertising and are looking for more options – other than print media. There is also more scope in other domains of advertising.

 

APB is the first agency to get the INS Accredition in 1989. In earlier days it only released advertisements but today it is into outdoor advertising and all kinds of printing solutions, public relations and also electronic media advertising. APB Impact is its dedicated wing exclusively for outdoor advertising in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. While another offshoot, Anil Advertising & Marketing Associates is active in offset printing, radio advertising, POP, PR and media planning.

 

The face of the agency really changed after Nahar came on board. From a staff strength of 7-8 they have grown into a 35 member team with capabilities to offer all solutions in-house including creatives. Adds Nahar, “we are amongst a handful of full-fledged advertising agencies in Central India today.” 

 

The advertising landscape of Madhya Pradesh is changing  and one of the reasons why clients have stayed with APB is because of its creative strengths in the region, its service orientation and the ability to live up to the trust clients have in the agency. “Apart from the huge client list the company caters to 25-30 such clients, who have not changed since my grandfather days,” adds Sandeep Nahar.

 

The opportunities for advertising in MP is growing day-by-day and to cater to the clients with an aim to provide maximum solutions, it is planning to move into other forms like digital advertising in the next two years, “Currently there is no such demand as there is a lack of awareness in the public related to digital medium.” says Nahar. APB which celebrates its anniversary on the 25 of May is also planning to role out more services in the next year and move to a new bigger campus. 

 

ABP has won several awards for its campaigns/business from the national media, prominent amongst them being Dainik Bhaskar that it won for three consecutive years and also from Nai Duniya for it water conservation campaign. It was lauded for the strategic campaign for Vasan Healthcare which is into optical space and APB’s outdoor campaign was the talk of the town for quite a few days.

On why clients like APB, Sandeep Nahar replies,” we have changed our work culture in line with the evolving scenario and that is why clients prefer and like us.”