Creation Newsletter. Issue 11
Hi all.
October was an interesting month in the life of Creation. We’ve seen the launch of our new website, which we’re all really proud of at the office, and we’ve been involved in some really interesting meetings with regards to the state of the nation. I wanted to share my thoughts on the current state of the economy, and tell you about some exciting things that we’re getting involved with.
As I just mentioned, we’ve launched our new website, and for those of you that want some interesting reading these are my favourite posts over the last month:
Client News
An exciting product launch that we’re looking forward to is BT NGA, or next generation access. This is the 100MB fibre network which will mean a real revolution in internet based services. I was videoed by BT as a case study, discussing the role and impact of NGA on the market, and I’m hoping that will be used on their launch site that goes up next week. The main thing is that it won’t just see faster access, but we’ll be able to do more on the web. There is a real buzz around ‘Cloud Computing’ and we’re taking a special interest in it. I’m going to run a regular feature on the home page discussing what ‘cloud’ services we’re using as a business and as individuals.
This month VW Polo launched their new model around the campaign of ‘designed to endure’ under the inspiration that the Polo’s understated styling will make it a timeless classic. Advertising across a wide range of platforms, the ‘timeless’ theme was applied to magazines, web banners, fashion shows and websites. The question was simple...what do you consider timeless? One such platform was the BBC’s Good Food website on which Creation Agency’s Marketing Team launched a ‘timeless food’ advertorial website. It was a chance for Good Food readers to vote for their favourite timeless food items across four categories: Kitchen cupboard ingredients, signature dishes, kitchen must-haves and iconic desserts.
The website was a quirky twist on the ‘timeless’ theme and shows the adaptability and brand awareness apparent in Creation’s work. Check out what the voters thought at http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/timeless50/index.html
Also, during the week of 19th October, 2009, government, business and independent organisations came together to drive commercial, industry and government support for the UK's 4.7 million-plus smaller enterprises. It all kicked off with a launch event at the BT Tower on Monday morning. The event featured comment and discussion from speakers including Sir Digby Jones, David Frost, Director General BCC and entrepreneur Peter Jones. Interestingly it also marked the launch of the Business Pulse – an independent report into the UK’s small businesses. A select number of small business owners were invited to the event, and Creation was fortunate enough to be one of the chosen few.
There were some positive economic indicators and reasons to be cheerful, UK retail sales value is up 2.8%, 22% of estate agents are reporting increasing house prices, manufacturing confidence is up 36%, GDP prediction is 0% growth (but not a shrink), unemployment is up 2.1%, but this is slowing. An important point that the BT strategy director made (and perhaps an unsurprising comment) was that those SME’s that had a positive attitude to technology have fared better during the recession and had more confidence in a successful exit. We love technology and use it as a key business value, so this gives me a lot of confidence. Using technology to deliver better services, at a lower cost with a stronger ROI is what our game is all about.The most exciting speaker was Lord Digby Jones. I’ve never seen him present before, but he was great. He speaks a lot of sense with a lot of passion and he really understands the needs of business in the UK. A lot of what he said will stay with me. Aside from the obligatory Royal Mail rant (which we can all agree with) the focus of Digby’s speech centred around how businesses need to be able, and allowed, to do business, and that it was only businesses that have the power to help UK plc pay off its debt, as that’s where the tax comes from. He’s talking about all business big and small. This is where the profit is made. Businesses need to be left alone to make the money, while the politicians need to focus on how to spend every penny wisely. Lord Jones was keen to point out that he had his moat filled in years ago, but it’s a small joke that hides a big hurt, and that mistrust in the government will leave a scar that the next party in power will need to work really hard to heal. What Digby was really saying was that we’ll have to trade our way out of the recession, and this means that the entire UK plc is depending on people is businesses. That is us folks, how quickly we come out of this and the state of the economy going forward is in our hands. This is our call of duty.
Cinema Club
This month the Creation Cinema Club decided to take an emotional rollercoaster ride with a visit to see ‘Up’ the newest Disney Pixar extravaganza.
Synopsis – ‘Up’ is a "comedic adventure" about Carl Fredricksen, a man who has spent his entire life waiting for the right time to go and explore the world. However, at 78 years old life seems to have passed him by. That is until a fantastic plan and a twist of fate take him and his new friend, a chatty 8 year old ‘Wilderness Explorer Scout’ named Russell, out on an adventure that will change his outlook on life for good. An excellent array of characters and incredible graphics make this movie a joy for both children and adults.
Here’s what the movie-goers thought:
"UP 3D was great. The first 20 minutes are about as sad as when Bambi’s mum dies but Pixar have outdone themselves once again. Good storyline, great characters, including Doug the talking "squirrel!" dog. A very funny film for adults and children alike. Shows you’re never too old or too young for adventure! 3D is definitely the way forward!" – David Hodgson
"Absolutely awesome movie, I’d go and watch it again" – Vivian Spencer
"A brilliantly-crafted adventure story that I found touching, heartfelt and funny. A masterpiece – five stars " – Colin Hayward
That’s all for this month, but if you want to received regular updates on what we’re up to why not follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/creationagency.
