Category Archives: Creative News

Creative News, Networking, News

Virtual events platform Totem launches to restore commercial and networking opportunities to pre-Covid standards

Event organisers no longer need to settle for unengaging and noninteractive virtual conferences and exhibitions, thanks to a new platform developed during lockdown.

Totem has been launched by the experts behind video editing platform Binumi Pro and events industry creative partner Amigo to allow users to host events of any size – from a roundtable of ten to a multi-track event for 10,000 people. And it promises the same slick production, sponsor opportunities and spontaneous networking found at real-life events.

Totem is geared up for interactivity, with features such as live polling, Q&As, exclusive downloads and live video content across multiple tracks. Interactive exhibition stands allow for one-to-one meetings supported by curated content.

The platform retains all of the opportunities for networking that exist in real life. Attendees can engage with each other via video calls, virtual meeting rooms and social networking, all within the confines of the event.

Totem also ensures that organisers have a flexible and scalable range of sponsorship opportunities of anything from meeting rooms and roundtables to exhibition stands and virtual delegate bags.

A number of major blue chip clients have already signed up to use the new platform.

Christopher Bo Shields, Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder, Binumi Pro, said: “We host events every day, and when lockdown started, we realised the events industry was going to need to fundamentally rethink its product. We began developing Totem, which we can confidently say sets a new standard for virtual events.

“With Totem, you’ve not just got an existing solution retrofitted. This has the specific needs of event organisers in the new normal in mind. It’s got the same, or better, slick production standards and sponsor opportunities you’d get at in-person events – and we’re particularly proud to be able to resurrect the much-missed creative hustle and bustle and spontaneity of real-life networking.

“2020 was all about putting a sticking plaster on the problem – 2021 is all about looking for an events strategy that people can use long term, and Totem responds to that need. It’s goodbye to clunky Zoom seminars and makeshift teleconference roundtables, and hello to an entirely new experience.”

Totem events can be held entirely online, or in a hybrid format alongside a real-life event. It is a self-service solution, and is modular, meaning that elements can be switched on and off with ease.

Totem can be reshelled with customers’ own branding, enabling them to develop their own range of virtual events solutions.

Security is at Totem’s core, with the platform being ISO27001 certified and fully GDPR compliant.

Totem sits alongside video editing platform Binumi Pro in the tech stack, together providing a single solution for video production and the dissemination of video content at live and virtual events.

 

Creative News, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

LAB Group establishes two specialist agency brands, Riverr and VERJ

LAB Group has announced the launch of two new specialist agency brands, Riverr and VERJ, as it elevates its existing LAB agency brand to group-level in order to offer a single point of entry for clients.

As LAB Group continues to grow, and diversify its client offering, it has identified the need to develop and nurture specialist agencies, allowing room for teams to craft their expertise and innovate under the banner of ‘best-in-class agencies helping you reshape the digital world’.

VERJ is the behavioural science hub of the group, with Riverr providing innovation in cutting edge digital services. Both agencies sit alongside Studio BLUP, a creative studio rooted in the New Culture, and Reflect Digital, an SEO and PPC specialist agency.

Riverr is an innovative digital agency specialising in solution design, product development and platform implementation, representing the best digital talent offered by LAB Group. As well as offering innovative frameworks, cutting-edge services and product design and development, the agency will continue its long-standing partnership with traditional CMS’s such as Sitecore and Episerver. It will be led by Andy Mason, who was formerly General Manager, LAB and is moving into the dual role of Chief Operating Officer, LAB Group and Managing Director, Riverr.

VERJ is a practitioner-led, optimisation agency, bringing together the best from digital, sciences and academia to reshape how we look at the digital world. VERJ is the behavioural sciences hub of LAB and will focus on core services around research and insights, creative and optimisation to help clients understand their audiences better, solve new challenges and drive results.

Both specialist agencies are focused on the enterprise space, working with funded ventures, enterprise clients and ecommerce. In partnership, they are currently working on innovation grants and projects to transform industries.

The announcement follows LAB Group’s recent acquisition of creative agency Studio BLUP and its acquisition of digital agency Reflect Digital last year.

Jonny Tooze, CEO, LAB Group, said: “We’re really excited about the next stage of growth in LAB Group. Moving the LAB brand to group-level enables us to clarify our service offering and the quality we can deliver for our clients. It also paves the way for other agencies to join the group, further expanding our portfolio. Riverr and VERJ will sit alongside Reflect Digital and Studio BLUP as unique and energetic agencies focused on fostering a people-first culture and delivering great work.”

Creative News, News, Thought Leadership

Six ways CEOs can use video to bolster their brand reputation

Alex Hughes, CEO and Co-founder, Binumi Pro, considers why video content is perfect for boosting brand reputation

Video content is fast becoming a format that business leaders can’t ignore. It is estimated that by 2022, video will make up more than 80% of online consumer traffic, and in the post-coronavirus business landscape, it is the perfect way to show a company’s human face – both to employees and external audiences.

It is a mistake to think that creating video content means complex equipment and long shoot days – the coronavirus crisis has shown that impressive quality clips can be user-generated and quickly shared across your website, social media and internal channels.

By combining your smartphone with a professional filming toolkit and a little editing expertise, you’ll find that it is remarkably easy to get results that have an impact.

Here are six ways that CEOs can use video to communicate their organisation’s values and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.

1. Create an explainer video

It is unlikely that everyone in your audience will have the time (or motivation) to read a long annual report or whitepaper.

Instead, break down a long-form document into a succinct and engaging video that summarises its key points. This will demonstrate that, as a brand leader, you are invested in how your stakeholders interact with significant industry ideas and plans, as well as helping viewers to feel connected with the activities of your company.

You could also use this method to highlight key takeaways from a recent study or piece of research. This will provide a potentially intimidating document with a more personal perspective and make it far more accessible. Just look at the popularity of TED talks, where experts explain a key idea in 18 minutes or less.

2. A day in the life

It is easy for employees to feel disconnected from the work that CEOs are doing – particularly at large corporations that have many departments. This problem has been aggravated by the coronavirus crisis, with many staff now working remotely or across a number of different locations.

Break down silos by giving an insight into how you approach your work and the issues that you are tackling on a daily basis. It will help viewers feel involved with every level of the decision-making at your organisation – and give them an understanding of what your role involves.

3. Film a demonstration

Take viewers on a behind the scenes tour of an office or key location. This could be particularly effective if you operate across several sites which all have their own unique identities. You could also use this format to highlight the measures you are putting in place to keep your workforce safe during the pandemic. This is a great way of making sure your video output amounts to more than an endless succession of ‘talking heads’.

4. Publish a thank you message

The last few months have been incredibly challenging – and it is likely your employees have faced a range of personal and professional anxieties. Show that you appreciate their continued work and support with a thank you message that recognises the specific obstacles they have had to overcome.

A video often has a more authentic and personal feel compared to a written statement – which is perhaps why it was the medium chosen by many CEOs and politicians when commenting on the changes brought about by the pandemic.

5. Q & A intecrview

A simple Q&A video can be a very effective way of connecting with a wider audience.

Ask your workforce to contribute their questions in advance of filming via your internal channels or social media. By answering their queries, you will show that you are addressing their concerns and that you are open to their suggestions.

6. Think creatively
Take the opportunity to entertain as well as inform your audience by showing the human side of your brand. Challenge yourself to answer a certain number of questions within three minutes, or share five facts your employees don’t know about you. For inspiration, look at the Wall Street Journal’s ‘How I work’ video series ¬¬– where questions range from ‘coffee or tea?’ to ‘what’s the best professional advice you’ve ever been given?’

Brand videos don’t have to be boring – and the more innovative your approach, the higher your levels of engagement are likely to be.

Alex Hughes is the CEO and Co-founder of video editing platform Binumi Pro.

Creative News, Diversity in Tech, News

The Industry Club launches apprentice scheme aimed at underrepresented groups to combat lack of diversity in creative sector

Leading provider of talent and training for creative industries, The Industry Club (TIC) has announced today the launch of its Marketing Debuts apprentice scheme targeted at 18 – 25 year olds within minority and low social mobility groups who might not consider marketing as a career and those looking to build one. adam&eveDDB are one of the first agencies to sign up to offer an apprenticeship starting from January 2021.

The scheme equips candidates with the skills needed to operate to post-pandemic ways of working. With over 12 years in talent solutions, TIC has developed Marketing Debuts with government-approved apprentice ‘standard’ into a highly relevant commercial programme created for disruptive times.

The Level 4 Marketing Debuts scheme will run in partnership with government-regulated apprentice provider The Opportunity Group.
Starting from January 2021, the 13-month programme consists of two unique and highly relevant commercial apprenticeships ‘Creative Project Management’ and ‘Social Media and Community Management’. Apprentice candidates can apply to Marketing Debuts through TIC website [link] by 19th October 2020.

Creative Project Management specialises in training managing creative projects in agencies or marketing departments. Learners could be placed in Project Management, Account Management, New Business or Production teams. The programme covers topics such as project scoping and risk mitigation, producing effective project documentation and evaluation, resource management and procurement and negotiation.
Social Media and Community Management specialises in successfully managing a brand’s social media channels and its communities. Candidates will acquire skills relevant for Social Media, Data and Community Management, PR and Crisis Management teams. The programme covers topics such as social media strategy, growing online communities, conflict management, social listening, neuro linguistic programming, data analysis and cybersecurity.

Training is provided through The Industry Club’s training arm, The Industry School. Trainers are industry experts who use real marketing case studies and practical methods to produce demonstrable ‘on the job’ skills.

Jemima Monies, Deputy MD, adam&eveDDB said: “We are thrilled to be participating in the inaugural Marketing Debuts programme. We strongly believe that supporting and developing the next generation of talent, who may have not previously considered advertising as a career or come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, is vital to our future success, and we cannot wait to welcome some new faces into the agency soon.”

Melissa Smith Founder and Managing Director of The Industry Club said: “We’ve worked in the industry for many years, being our clients trusted talent partner, and we recognise we have a responsibility to ensure that every gender, age, race, religion and sexual orientation are all given opportunities to work in the creative sector. Businesses have radically changed how people work and post-pandemic skills and ways of working will be crucial to building business resilience. We’ve trained thousands of school leavers and this scheme brings together our expertise in recruitment and training bringing underrepresented groups to our industry and into key roles.”

Creative News, Technology

Asset Bank to integrate with Shutterstock

Brighton-based software company Bright, whose SaaS products include Asset Bank, Dash and Brand Hub, has announced the integration of its Asset Bank Digital Asset Management (DAM) system with Shutterstock’s content platform.

Marketers and creatives use Asset Bank to manage digital assets, which can include anything from photographs and imagery to logos, music and video. They use Shutterstock to search, license and download digital media content from third parties. Prior to the integration, all content from Shutterstock had to be entered manually into Asset Bank and tagged individually.

Licensed Shutterstock content is now automatically synchronised within Asset Bank. This not only eliminates the need for images to be uploaded manually, but also tags the content with metadata including the asset description, keywords and categories, making it fully searchable within Asset Bank.

The integration will save creative teams a significant amount of time when transferring stock images and other content to their own systems.

Paul Seymour, Head of Asset Bank, commented

“We’re always looking for ways to make Asset Bank more useful and effortless for our customers. Integrating with the Shutterstock platform is a natural step along that journey as customers now have immediate access to their licensed content, placing it directly into the hands of the people who use it day to day.”

Creative News, Marketing, PR and SEO, News, Retail

Gekko launches new digital learning management system for retail sales teams

Berkshire-based Gekko, the field and retail marketing agency, has launched a new digital Learning Management System for brands, enabling them to improve retail staff product knowledge and develop brand advocacy. The system called LMEY (Let Me Engage You) – provides a central hub for product specific knowledge to ensure retail staff are better equipped to influence a sale.

LMEY is an ‘Off the shelf’ solution for brands wanting to engage with third party sales teams, whether based on the shop floor, in contact centres or online sales teams. The product features a library of digital learning content, user guides, training videos and sales tips, along with other helpful information. The system is designed to develop knowledge, advocacy and sales. By viewing content and successfully completing tests and quizzes, users will be awarded points, stage completion awards and badges of recognition for achievement.

It has been developed following months of testing by Gekko who manage the design, setup & hosting. Meanwhile the awareness and communication will be managed by account and field teams to raise awareness and encourage participation.

The key features include:
– Branded portal developed for mobile, tablet, PC & Mac
– Information hub / Learning content
– Product information
– Quizzes & Competitions/ Prizes & Rewards/ League tables
– Registration via social media
– Linked to brand content plus a Live link to brand social feeds

According to Daniel Todaro, Managing Director, Gekko: “Customer experience is more vital than ever in today’s world. The way your brand and products are portrayed, searched online, spoken about, and sold by Retail Sales Advisors (RSAs), can influence a product sale. This system provides brands with a hugely effective managed solution that, from a client point of view is not only low maintenance and low input but also cost effective.”

He continues: “This approach and gamification of learning is a great way to extend beyond a brand’s own paid for field team, offering the potential to reach all sales staff wherever the brand is range. A ‘digital first’ approach such as this can be effective in extending reach to retail doors where face to face field team coverage is perhaps unviable or not cost effective. This is particularly relevant in the environment of an ongoing pandemic.”

Creative News, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Best Foot Forward for People and Purpose Duo

Today, Lee Thawley & Vicky Pritchard, formerly part of the senior team at Sorted and AO.com, announce the launch of MuddyWellies, a new brand & culture agency.

Their aim – to create customers committed to buying from their clients, and people motivated to work for them.

Having spent the last month focusing on building out their model and approach, MuddyWellies is a powerful new agency on the North West scene with a very clear goal – to create destination brands for customers and employees alike. By putting brand & people at the forefront of everything, the North West based team believes they can ultimately bind, guide and attract people, business and partners.

With an already impressive track record, the new agency is set up to create cutting-edge experiences for clients, producing bespoke plans and building enviable initiatives that make a real difference to businesses, inside and out.

The new agency is co-founded by Lee Thawley & Vicky Pritchard, both formerly of Sorted and AO.com. Between them, they have experience working with some of the UK’s biggest brands across a variety of sectors including, Halfords, Green Flag, Mercedes-Benz, Authentic Food Company, and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Thawley & Pritchard met eight years ago on a project that would see Appliances Online relaunch as superbrand AO.com. Their paths continued to cross, and in 2017, they reunited at Sorted, with Pritchard as People Director and Thawley as Head of Brand. There, they built a powerful culture with purpose, through brand-driven experiences & initiatives.

Their new company aims to help businesses big or small, with the one stipulation that the senior leadership team must understand, or at least be prepared to understand, how brand and people combined is the key to a company’s success.

Thawley & Pritchard both believe that bringing brand and culture together is the key to engaged people and customers, and they will work together to create strong company cultures for each of their clients, putting this right at the core of each unique business plan.

This proves important for organisations of all shapes and sizes, from the well-established to the fledgling start-up, and can be achieved at any stage in a business’ journey.

While well-established organisations may need to review their position or vision, and start-ups may need to create a brand that can grow with them, MuddyWellies will work with businesses to bring people & purpose together. They will achieve this by bringing clarity & consistency to each & every business they work with; aligning employees, increasing internal efficiency, and therefore external outputs.

As well as re-engaging internal teams, and powering up both the employee & customer experience, MuddyWellies will help businesses to attract top talent & partners by building brand advocates.

Thawley & Pritchard describe themselves each as a welly, Thawley the reliable, tough left boot – a little bit of what you really need, & Pritchard the high gloss right, bringing the energy & sparkle.

Pritchard said “It’s hard work keeping everyone engaged within a business, it’s tough finding that point of differentiation, or the core purpose to our being and avoiding values being just words on a wall. But, when you get it right, it can create such great stories and memories – and deliver such a great business return.

Well, that’s where we come in. We dig deep, we get muddy, we focus on getting the wellies on the right feet – and your business going in the right direction.”

Thawley added “What you do internally, runs parallel to what you demonstrate externally. And that’s where the power lies. The greatest businesses – big or small – are built with brand and people at the heart of everything they do. So, we want to help more companies to build their perfect pair.

We want to create talkability. As we say on our site and our creds we don’t do dull, we create destination brands that stand out.”

The duo feel there’s a particular need to remember the importance of culture as many businesses go through a period of change due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pritchard commented “There is so much noise & opinion around returning to work, remote working, the ‘new normal’ at the moment but to be quite frank nobody really knows what is right or wrong.”

“Not only is every business different, but the people within the teams are too, and this will create new challenges as we reintroduce the return to the office. Getting it right will be driven by leaders who ensure that the purpose and people are still at the core of the business – it will actually require more investment and more concerted initiatives to actually work differently”

MuddyWellies launches today, with full details on the team & their services available on their website – www.wearemuddywellies.com

Contract Wins, Creative News, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Loom Digital wins two new accounts during lockdown

Bristol-based integrated digital marketing agency, Loom, has won two new clients during the UK coronavirus lockdown: Henchman, a family-run hedge cutting platform and garden ladder business, and Friska, Bristol-based restaurant and coffee shop. Loom is working with Henchman on a full suite of services, including SEO, PPC, biddable media and content marketing, while Friska is currently focusing on its biddable media offering.

Launched in 1994, the Henchman business has since been a pioneer of safer hedge cutting platforms and garden ladders and brought its first model to market over 20 years ago. Henchman’s customers include a number of Royal households, the NHS, the RHS, the National Trust, hundreds of councils, schools, colleges, nationwide landscape gardeners and, predominantly, tens of thousands of householders.

Henchman has already started to see strong results since working with Loom, with an increase in conversion rates and a rise in direct website revenue. Henchman’s sector has benefited from a surge in searches during lockdown which Loom has been able to help maximise to deliver record-breaking results. Although it’s early days, the future looks bright.

Meanwhile, Loom is set to help Friska promote its Friska At Home offering – freshly prepared, pre-cooked meal kits delivered to homes – a service that has been launched during the outbreak. Founded in 2009, Friska serves food inspired by flavours from around the world, alongside speciality coffee that is directly sourced from local, trusted suppliers. Co-founders Griff and Ed strive to create a positive culture surrounding the business and are committed to running the business in a responsible way. With an ethos based on making a positive impact on the world, charity partners include Deki and FRANK water.

“Digital has been the one constant during lockdown, and we’re pleased to have seen positive results for clients across the board. We were delighted to secure two new clients and to have such positive starts,” commented Loom Founder and Director, Nikki Ellison. “Both Friska and Henchman have been wonderful clients to work with so far and we look forward to further developing and implementing their digital strategy”

 

Appointments, Creative News, News

Oxfordshire video production agency appoints brand new animator

Oxfordshire based video production agency, RAW Pictures are delighted to announce the appointment of their first animator, Rebecca Miller who has just joined the team.

Rebecca Miller, who has just this year graduated from Norwich University of the Arts with a 1st class honours degree in Animation joins the team of specialists at RAW Pictures who are established in creating promotional films for business and video marketing campaigns for clients.

Will Littlewood, Head of Production at RAW Pictures comments on the agency’s latest hire:

“We were hiring for the role having seen a big increase recently in animation requests from clients, possibly due to the current climate and the fact that live action filming was made much more difficult by lockdown. Rebecca got in touch with us initially looking for work experience having graduated earlier this year and we were really impressed by her skillset and work ethic in a couple of freelance projects she did for us, that we decided to bring her on full time in house.

Animation has seen a huge boost in recent months and regardless of the shift in lifestyle and routine during current times, it’s been a growing marketing tool for a long time now”.

Rebecca’s experience in 2D and 3D animation with a background in illustration has seen her work featured in children’s books and covers as well as music videos.

Will Littlewood, added: “It’s a huge benefit to us and she’s really fallen on her feet with her work so far. She’s a great addition to the team and we’re happy to have her on board. It’s also really positive that we’re growing the team given how this year has been, so hopefully this means bigger and better things to come”. 

To find out more about Raw Pictures and their services, you can visit: https://www.rawpictures.co.uk/

 

Contract Wins, Creative News, Finance News, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

OpenMoney appoints Havas Media Manchester as media planning and buying agency of record as it seeks to revolutionise the financial advice and mortgage categories

OpenMoney, the financial platform with a mission to make financial advice affordable and accessible for everyone, has selected Havas Media Manchester as its media planning and buying agency of record, with a significant seven-figure annual spend. The appointment follows a competitive pitch against three agencies.

Havas Media Manchester will now partner with OpenMoney to develop media planning and buying strategies to support the launch of a major brand campaign as well as its new mortgage proposition, Home by OpenMoney.

The ground-breaking mortgage product will be aimed at first time buyers who have no experience and little access to the mortgage world. Home by OpenMoney will offer these consumers completely free and impartial support and advice on every aspect of the home buying process, with access to real-time updates via its app and portal.

OpenMoney’s media planning and buying was previously handled by Wavemaker.

Anthony Morrow, CEO, OpenMoney, said: “‘We were hugely impressed by Havas Media’s strategic approach, which centred around positioning Home by OpenMoney as an enabler for community, as well as their understanding of our brand and business challenges. We’re very much looking forward to partnering with them as we continue to disrupt the financial advice industry in order to make it work better for everyday people.”

Stuart Lunn, Managing Director, Havas Media Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed by OpenMoney. They’re making ground-breaking strides in providing exceptional and affordable financial advice to everyone, and they’re an inspirational business, with great products and even better people. As two likeminded, disruptive brands, we cannot wait to begin our journey together.”