Designing a competition to secure college engagement
One of the largest manufacturers of building products in the UK, Forterra, was keen to promote its iconic London Brick to the brick workers of the future. The classic brand, which has been in production for over 140 years, has been getting behind the Government’s careers strategy to help plug skills gaps by supporting young people as they step onto the construction industry ladder.
Birdbox PR devised the London Brick Construction Hub Scheme which enabled further education colleges from across the UK to apply for, and benefit from, a donation of 7,500 London Bricks worth £5,000, new kit and tools for their construction workshops, and branded merchandise for students.
Colleges offering construction courses from within six Association of Colleges regions were invited to apply by outlining how students would benefit from partnering with London Brick and what they would build using the donation of bricks.
More than 30 colleges applied to become London Brick Construction Hubs and six lucky winners were selected by judges Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive of London Brick’s parent company, Forterra, and Craig Phillips, builder, DIY expert, business owner and Forterra brand ambassador.
Forterra were delighted with the impact of the scheme which helped them to raise the profile of London Brick amongst up and coming bricklayers, as well as generating some positive case study content to help demonstrate their corporate social responsibility, and high-profile media coverage.
Producing original content for a new design agency website
With over 20 years’ experience in print management, PDS has a long pedigree of service. Founded in 1998 by Nick Shelton, PDS started by producing simple business stationery, and now offers a wide range of design, print and fulfilment services. Its team of over 50 employees is rapidly expanding at its Park Farm premises in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and now benefits from its own in-house design agency.
To reflect the development and expansion of its portfolio of services, Print Data Solutions was keen to review its web presence incorporating a showcase of projects as well as a range of materials to help provide an insight into its services and how they could benefit its clients.
Working closely with the Director of Client Services and the agency team, Birdbox PR produced the copy for the new website as well as additional collateral including a company brochure, blog articles, top tips and a range of ‘how to’ guides. Since the launch of the new website, PDS have seen a significant increase in traffic and its rapid expansion looks set to continue.
Olivia Ray, Client Services Director at Print Data Solutions
“We have had the pleasure of working with Susan for over a year in a consultancy role for our marketing communications. Susan is a real "people person" and the whole team value her experience as a marketing professional along with her ability to adapt to different people and projects. Her approach is to simplify processes and make well thought out and balanced suggestions to gain a full understanding of what you want to achieve, this results in work being completed on brief, on time and within budget. Susan is highly professional, organised and trustworthy and has become an invaluable extension of our team. We look forward to continuing our relationship with her which goes from strength to strength.”
Martin Lord, CEO, Central & East Northamptonshire Citizens Advice
“Susan supported the work of Central and East Northamptonshire Citizens Advice as a trustee. Her contribution went far beyond that normally expected of a trustee, providing invaluable advice and assistance on a range of issues not exclusively related to marketing and communications. She was particularly supportive in helping the bureau through the process of merger with its internal and external communications, ensuring distinct brand positioning, and by helping us ‘raise our game’ in respect of events management, something which now counts as a major asset to our organisation.”
Tom Hings, Head of Brand and Advertising, Royal Mail
“I loved working with Susan. Whilst at Royal Mail she played a key part in the development of the new brand strategy resulting in the successful brand turnaround. Her grasp of the written word is second to none. She is meticulous and a stickler for detail. She is an excellent manager of people and knows how to motivate a team to get them working at their best.”