Portfolio

What we did

After a long tender process, Apparatus was selected to rebrand the faculty. One consideration was naming – it is known by its users as Sci-Tech – so although externally facing communication was corporate, we developed another level for users. Our brief involved working with a diverse team of academics, students and administration staff to develop an identity that they all felt encapsulated the skills and vibrancy of the faculty. Once we had created this, brand guidelines were built to enable the team to take it on internally. We the produced the annual report for the faculty and a series of student and alumni communication pieces to ensure that they engaged with the new identity.

What we did

Apparatus was awarded a 12 month contract by Marks & Spencer to work with their internal team to turn their Home catalogue around. The publication needed to be reviewed from start to finish, we therefore looked at content strategy, process, print production issues and photographic styling. We worked with the head of marketing to appoint and train a new team introducing more efficient systems and planning methods. This reduced costs and lead times. We then selected catalogue production agencies to tender for the new contract, managing the tender process and final appointment of the winning agency. We worked with the new team and agency for the following 6 months to ensure that the first issue of the catalogue was produced smoothly. There was an uplift in sales of 36% in the 3 months following production of the new catalogue and savings of 21% on the total production costs.

What we did

When they decided to open their Paolo Marchetti Interiors stores in London in 2011, Mr Doors contracted Apparatus for 2 years to manage the launch and train their Russian team to understand the UK retail marketplace. They outsourced all of their marketing to us. This included everything from identity and store design, through to market research, website development, digital marketing, press launches, promotional gifts, advertising, brochure production and copywriting. Working with their team in Moscow, we helped them to identify and understand the UK consumer, targeting the appropriate demographic for their offer. We also worked with them to physically launch the retail spaces to customers and the UK press. After 2 years, they felt confident enough to manage their marketing from Moscow, although we still remain on hand for strategic advice and consultancy when they need us.

What we did

Triscan was going through a period of investment and expansion. Having gained a number of large national clients in a short period of time, it was growing exponentially and needed to outsource its marketing. Between 2010 and 2014, we worked as their external marketing department, managing all of their strategic, print and digital requirements.  This included designing and building their website, creating and writing brochures, running PPC campaigns, building exhibition stands and running online marketing campaigns. Their turnover grew by over 200% and they continually smashed their sales targets during this period. In 2014 the company was acquired by a new group of investors who were able to provide in-house marketing support. We are very proud of the impact that we had on Triscan’s business and are delighted to see them continue to thrive.

What we did

We were appointed to help LRGS segment its target audiences and communicate with them accordingly. We produced a new suite of communication pieces for students and parents both present and future which included prospectuses; boarding house brochures; videos; web design; web usability assessment and planning user journeys through the site. We also created the material for their major fundraising campaign the ‘Plan For Renewal.’ This included direct mail pieces for alumni and benefactors along with videos for use at speech days, open days, fundraising dinners and conferences.

What we did

This was a complex project that required a high degree of strategy. LMC had been through a very difficult time with a lot of adverse publicity. It was difficult for them to be seen to be spending funds on a rebranding exercise but at the same time, they knew that they needed to signify a new start.

After a 6 way pitch, Apparatus was appointed to manage the process with sensitivity and intelligence. We began the process with a qualitative market research phase focusing on students, staff, stakeholders and the community. This identified how people were feeling, where the worst problems lay and helped uncover the direction we needed to take.

We decided to take a very consultative approach using various methods of engagement such as including staff from the Creative Industries Department in the design process which fostered a sense of ownership. We presented our proposals strategically to governors and stakeholders with a full explanation of the routes we had taken and our understanding of the market. This recruited ambassadors in high places who valued the intelligence behind the designs. We also held a consultation period where all staff and students were invited to give feedback. This limited objections to the project and raised buy-in. Press were included along with local business leaders and community members in different parts of the process. The result was a strong new identity and renewed faith in the college and its approach to its user groups.

Once the identity was rolled out, we redesigned the website, created a new prospectus, developed an advertising campaign and an annual marketing strategy. We also worked as coaches and mentors to the in house marketing team for 6 months to help them develop their skills and ensure that they would be able to continue with the approaches that we had developed on an ongoing basis.

It was an incredibly rewarding project that gave us a great foundation in education. We have since gone on to share our specific approach with many educational establishments going through a change management process.