What We Do
The following is not an exhaustive list, as marketing-based projects are often unique and therefore don't fall into a specific category of work.
Brand strategy
Having a clear brand strategy is vital for any business – large, small and virtually regardless of sector. Depending on the nature of the business and what branding work has been carried out previously, establishing a clear brand strategy is often relatively simple and can just be about clearly defining values which essentially already exist. But whether it's the latter or a more fundamental brand review for a large business, we're able to bring all the necessary experience and knowledge to successfully carry out the project. In addition and because we don't have the huge overheads associated with expensive London offices, our prices for this type of work are typically a fraction of that of the large branding agencies.
Brand identity
Brand identity should be an output of brand strategy. So the strategic work forms an objective basis for the identity and for both of the two main elements – visual and tone of voice (the language of the brand).
We've previously carried out major brand identity projects for a wide mix of clients in different business sectors, and this particular discipline is an exceptionally strong area for us.
Marketing strategy
With small to medium size businesses often having a limited marketing spend, it's clearly vital that the available funds are used wisely. Of course with so many potential channels to market through and with all the usual tools available – e.g. advertising, direct mail, email campaigns, brochures, catalogues, consumer/trade shows etc. – trying to get the best return for the spend can turn into a bit of a lottery.
It doesn't have to be that way though, and, with careful planning, a marketing strategy can be developed which maximises the spend, and can then be implemented with confidence.
Implementation
Very broadly, there are two main sides to this:
- Many small to medium size businesses will typically not employ a marketing director or even a marketing manager (and rightly so – how would you keep them busy all week!). Marketing work is then often carried out by someone whose skills really lie elsewhere – e.g. sales. What we can help with is, effectively, providing a part-time marketing director/manager. So this is something Roger personally does and, for at least one client, means typically around just 5 hours of work per week (so therefore very cost-effective for the client).
- For larger businesses, specific projects may arise from time-to-time which either fall outside the skill set of the employed marketing team, or they're just too busy to give the project the quality time it needs. And of course team numbers may fluctuate – e.g. for long term sickness and maternity leave etc. – and therefore an interim management role is appropriate. So for all these situations we're able to fully manage the specific project – perhaps the production of a brochure, rollout of a new identity, or organising a trade show stand.
Sustainability and what it can mean in a brand sense
Crucially important to brands in the decade we live in, sustainability is becoming central to business thinking. As a life-long environmentalist and with considerable specialist knowledge, Roger Hughes is able to help brands build sustainability into their strategy in a genuine, robust and appropriate way.
Specialist copywriting
Of ever-increasing importance in a world where differentiating a businesses' offer is vital; clear, accurate and brand-focused copy has become an essential component in achieving this. We have a wealth of experience in copywriting – in particular for B2B communications – and across a broad range of business sectors.