Big Ideas Collective credentials document by The Big Ideas Collective

The way ahead for creative communication www.thebigideascollective.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;the challenge is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone elseâ&#x20AC;? e.e. cummings

contents overview awards, accreditations and affiliations team associates skills culture statement case studies testimonials

policies confidentiality contractor agreement environmental health and safety terms and conditions project management flowchart sample website planner ÂŠ the big ideas collective 2010

www.thebigideascollective.com

overview

The way ahead for creative communication With a reputation for contagious creativity and intelligent collaboration, we apply great ideas, experience and common sense to communicate business products and services.

Keeping it simple, very often surprising and always effective. Committed to delivering the best possible growth, profile and profit at affordable prices we are the Big Ideas Collective. A highly experienced multi-disciplinary team of skilled creative, design and communication specialists, we combine our talents, experience and proven success in ideas, design, print, web solutions, strategy, copy and analytics to benefit business. The Big Ideas Collective and ‘BIG’ are trading names of The Big Ideas Collective Limited. Founded by graphics and publishing specialist Ned Hoste in 2007, our unique creative communications company unites a region wide team of top industry professionals who have all run their own successful businesses and also now work together within a ‘virtual hub’, offering individuals and businesses direct access to a highly responsive, talented team of creative professionals as and when needed.

Responsive, direct and reasonably priced with as little impact on the environment as possible. Currently, BIG is believed to be the only UK creative communications company operating in this virtual way. Lean and green, working together through a mix of online and client based meets, our team of core consultants are also the company’s shareholders and employ the best, most robust technology and collaborative software to keep project costs and carbon emissions low. Not requiring large staffed offices or a daily commute, an estimated saving of 20.5 tonnes of CO2 per year has been made on this alone. Our secure virtual office operates on the web in real time where our team log in for updates, document access, data bases, time sheets and diaries. Our consultants work directly with our clients, project managing jobs as specialisms’ dictate and using our Project Management flow chart for checks and balances on project progress, internal communication and client satisfaction. Our directors meet once a week to assess and monitor day to day business and forward plan; consultant meetings are held every quarter for a ‘bigger picture’ report of activity and planning, virtual front line duties, use of email, internet and BACs keeps paper use to an absolute minimum. Our outer tier of BIG Associates adds to our ever expanding talent pool, all of whom sign up to our Culture Statement, which is a key element of how we choose to work with each other and, importantly, our clients. Our website www.thebigideascollective.com seeks, not just to introduce our clients and visitors to our style and ethos, but also to draw attention to our green aspirations. We also adopt a highly proactive approach to environmentally friendly processes to further reduce our carbon footprint and seek associates and suppliers of the same mind. All of our printed material is on recycled and/or FSC managed stock and our clients are actively encouraged to follow suit. The development of our business and that of our clients’ through emerging technology is an exciting and expanding canvas on which to communicate more effectively with diverse communities. The use of the Internet through high quality websites, e-commerce, pod casts, blogs, Twitter and a shifting range of social media tools is constantly reforming the landscape of business to business and business to consumer communication. BIG is already an active and knowledgeable partner, helping businesses open up new and exciting communication streams and markets.

awards, accreditations and affiliations 2009 – pre-qualified Supplier on the Yorkshire Region In-tend Public Sector Suppliers database. 2008 – delighted to be awarded an Honourable Mention by the US based Green Dot Awards. This international award recognises excellence in green products and services selecting winners from 1,000s of entries from over 25 countries across the globe. 2008 – accredited as a Quality Assured Supplier on the Yorkshire and Humber Supplier Register. 2007 – registered as an Earth Hour company, we continue to actively promote the annual Earth Hour campaign.

Big Ideas Collective Ltd – registered in England and Wales in 2007 Company number: 06181788 Registered Office: 55 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BB VAT Registration Number: 923 6388 08

core skills

Below are listed the core skills of the main consultants - we do also have access to a number of trusted suppliers who we bring in on projects where their skills are needed. To guarantee a consistent, high quality approach all our associates have signed up to our culture statement and freelance agreement.

Art director

The art director’s responsibility is the visual tone and breadth of the project and delivering this consistently across all media. • Briefing and liaising with graphic designers • Briefing and liaising with web designers • Briefing and liaising with photographers • Briefing and liaising with illustrators • Briefing and liaising with marketeers • Bringing in experts from outside Big • Co-ordinating other inputs – e.g. copywriting and printing

Copywriter

The wording of your web or print material has an instant and powerful impact on people’s perception of your professionalism and ability to deliver – poor copy ultimately impacts on your bottom line. Our copywriters will craft the words that successfully get your message across: describing, explaining and promoting you, your company and services.

Graphic designer

We have a team of designers offering different skill sets that enhance and benefit each other to achieve the very best design solution for you and your business. Taking the overall vision and brief from the art director and working alongside, amongst others, our copywriters, web developers and photographers, our graphic designers not only pay strict attention to your design needs but also your budget and timeframe; their aim simply to achieve the very best design solution.

Packaging designer

There is so much more to branding than simply creating a logo. Although the initial logo design is vital, the use of photography, typography, colour, language, tone of voice, look and overall feel of literature and website all make up a brand and brand awareness. If a brand already exists then a designer will work within your established guidelines to create work that enhances and furthers your message.

Photographer

In any marketing exercise, visual impact is the very first thing that draws the customer’s eye to a particular company product, or service. Our highly experienced and talented photographers will find the right shot (printed or electronic) for you - strong clear visuals that create interest and desire be it: • Still life/product photography • Portraits • Architectural Interiors/exteriors • General Location

Print Buyer

The print buyer’s responsibility is to print the various elements of any project in the most economic, efficient and effective way possible; delivering the very best print within the agreed budget and timescale. The print buyer will take the signed off brief and analyse the print requirements and advise the designers of any potential areas the designers need to note in the design process.

Typographic Designer

Our typographic designers’ main areas of responsibilities are to make sure your message is delivered in the most effective, visually stimulating and consistent way. • Leading the reader through the text in the right order – whether web or print • Making sure that the reading style of the document is in sympathy with the way the reader will read it • Ensure statutory requirements are followed

Web developer

First impressions count and it is important to get your website content and design talking the language of your customers. Regardless of the scale of a project, our web developers will always work closely with you to offer your site visitors just what they’ve been looking for in an attractive, clear, fully accessible and successful website.

core team

The Big Ideas Collective is made up of a core consultant team and associates who we call on for highly specialist niche skills, as and when our clients need them.

directors Jacky Fitt

copywriter

With a background in television and film, Jacky’s work covers all printed and SEO smart web based media including, promotional, feature, factual and brand creation briefs. Working with a broad range of clients to successfully interpret and promote their passions, goods and services, Jacky’s clients include ITV, the University of York, ICT123, Extreme Creations, CGA, pad55, Littlewoods Online, Villas 4 You, Easycottages.com, the Chocolate Factory and CDHPP.

a good copywriter (a)(good)(kop’er it o r) n

1 a writer of highly engaging and memorable copy for impact, information and inspiration 2 a rarity 3 a necessity see esp. Welcome Cottages, Villas 4 You, the University of York, ITV Plc, the Chocolate Factory, Stressless Journeys ...

Ned Hoste

designer/art director/print buyer

With experience spanning more than 25 years as design consultant and graphic designer, Nedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work covers art direction, corporate product branding and identity, social networking and strategy combined with extensive experience in design for book publishing. Nedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients, both national and international include, Random House Group, Ray Mears/ Woodlore, York University, Colman Getty PR, Nick Hern Books, Hachette Group Marketing, Hodder Headline, Foyles and Igloo Books, RedBlue books and Roger Steare.

consultants

web development Simon Bolstridge

website development

Practising as a lecturer and web developer since taking the position of IT Coordinator with both the Royal Omani Symphony Orchestra and Royal Guard of Oman in 1999, in 2005 Simon became one-half of Squeegee Design covering all things webby including development/design/email template and marketing mail through to online database driven client systems. Clients include the NHS, ITV Plc, Best Western Hotels, IHM Services, 2h design and the University of York.

Tom Bradbury

website development

Working in web development since graduating in 2003 with a BSc in Multimedia from the University of Teeside, Tom set up Squeegee Design with Simon Bolstridge in 2005. He has focussed his skills on bespoke web development including creation of email marketing software, content management systems, and client extranet & database tools. Clients include numerous Best Western Hotels, ITV, Yorkshire Wildlife Fund, and Event Prop Hire.

design Jo Brock

packaging design

Jo has over 17 years’ international brand, packaging and print design experience, gained with design consultancies in London and Yorkshire. Her experience spans the complete design spectrum from branding strategy to new product brand and development. Winner of two prestigious Design & Art Direction awards Jo’s clients include, Nestlé, Walkers, Lyons Tetley,

Marston’s - Head Brewer’s Choice

Marston’s Brewery, Whitbread, and McVities. Chocolate Index

This was a new brand development for a range of 25 cask ales appearing under the Marston’s Head Brewer’s Choice banner. An individual ale was sent out fortnightly to participating public houses with support material. The pump clip casing allows each new ale brand insert to be slotted into the clip. Sales exceeded projected growth by 250%. Due to this success, Head Brewer’s Choice was bottled and sold in major supermarkets and retail outlets. The project included brand identity and name generation, pump clips and inserts, bottle labels, outers, tasting notes, ashtrays, drip mats, advertising and sales literature.

tain it’s core customer. the brand without alienating current consumers (45+). ist. The strong pink brings life to a previously cold and exceeded targets. The redesign also included new box sale, sales literature and digital illustration.

NED THERE ARE MORE HBC.JPG’S IN IMAGES FOLDER

Storyteller Brewery - Beers (4

in total)

NED STORYTELLER WAS DESIGNED FROM SCRATCH. All the client had was a name, and a passion for brewing at home. His beers have won awards and he’s now brewing as a micro brewery from the Storyteller Brewery at Terrington. We pride ourselves on quality so if you are not entirely satisfied with this meal please let us know on 01759 373023 or at www.theballoontree.co.uk/comments. Serving suggestion: Serve with seasonal superfresh vegetables and new potatoes or rice. Serves: 2 people

As part of the The Storyteller Brewery project we created a range of pump clips that would reflect the personality of each new speciality beer brewed. For consistency and brand recognition we created a pump clip that echoed the book device from their logo, thus linking the whole range together. Each individual beer was then designed to communicate the tale of it’s origin and reflect its premium cues. The brand creation included corporate Identity, pump clips, point of sale, stationary, signed, literature and corporate uniforms.

Microwave: Transfer into a microwavable container and cook on full power for 4-5 mins until piping hot.

Allergy advice: Contains Milk & Eggs.

Ingredients: Chicken, Fresh Veg, Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs, Cornflour, Cream, Seasoning, Fresh Veg, Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs, Cornflour,

e and digital illustrations.

Do you want the branding stuff as well?

Cooking Instructions: PREVIOUSLY FROZEN BY US - DEFROST THOROUGHLY BEFORE COOKING (DO NOT RE-FREEZE IF DEFROSTED) Oven: Remove sleeve and lid, place foil container on middle shelf of preheated oven at 200 degrees C for 25-30 mins or until piping hot.

anging bags, bringing them together under one cohesive y. ons, all Hero brands, Munches and all the Re-entry's brands. L �ess Food Miles - More Farm Yards!�

Do you want the other two beers?

L �ess Food Miles - More Farm Yards!� With Compliments

With Compliments

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe • Stamford Bridge Road • Gate Helmsley • York • YO41 1NB • • Tel: 01759 373023 • Fax: 01759 373644 • Email: info@theballoontree.co.uk • • Website: www.theballoontree.co.uk •

Ready Meals

William Machin 07967 457583

Ready Meals

Mild Chicken Curry The Balloon Tree homemade Ready Meals are made from the finest, freshest ingredients with no added preservatives. We grow around 50 types of fruit and veg on the farm and deliver it to the kitchen by either walking or quads. Our Gran’s recipes have been handed down through the family, meaning the taste is hard to beat too. Remember ‘Less Food Miles - More Farm Yards’ make them friendly for the environment and the local economy.

William Machin

Best before:

20 Feb

£2.95

07967 457583 will@theballoontree.co.uk

Keo - Nama

Mild Chicken Curry

Tree

AMILY BUSINESS •

coaster that was! It has been a hugely testing ee our customers leave happy and return time after time sh’ fruit and vegetables has really amazed us. I have fresh’ has become saturated for the purposes of food

venues that have opened up - take meat for example. fact that we hang it for much longer provides an ur meat. Our customers don’t have to worry about ed with water and salt, reconstituted at one end of the ut any of this even being mentioned. The issue of water 0% cheaper - ‘bargain’ you may say - it’s just a shame t you decide which makes the most financial sense, let tional economy, flavour, traceability etc.

Made wih care by Toni

The Balloon Tree Newsletter

‘Best Farm Shop’ Winners

Lucy Machin

Award WINNERS

To tip the balance in our favour, we sell direct to our customers and so can compete with the larger food retailers. Moreover, we can still maintain a high level of customer service and unrivalled ‘superfresh’ products. Having seen that the shop, cafe, kitchen and bakery were so busy, the judges appreciated the work load on everybody’s shoulders. Their decision was also influenced by the high level of customer service. So a fantastic team effort everybody, well done!

R ead y Me als

The awards comprised three classes of farmers who have diversified through either Farm Shops, Farm Attractions or Alternative Enterprises. The Farm Shop class was very strongly contested so we were thrilled to win it.

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe • Stamford Bridge Road • Gate Helmsley • York • YO41 1NB • • 01759 373023 • www.theballoontree.co.uk •

Alison, Helen, Lorraine, Rob and Will had a fantastic day at The Great Yorkshire Show in July. It was a good opportunity to meet fellow farmers and suppliers and to enjoy the unique farming atmosphere. The day was made all the more exciting when we went to the Great Yorkshire Farming Enterprise Awards ceremony, held by The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, where we were awarded joint winners of ‘Best Farm Shop’ in Yorkshire.

This is a real achievement for us as we have been trading as a farmshop for just over a year. We would like to thank each individual member of the Balloon Tree team and each customer, as without them this would not have been possible.

y for harvest on time. We are looking forward to the u enjoy it.

R ead y Me als

Directors: Digby H Machin, Jill R Machin, Matthew C Machin and William R Machin Company no. 4699001 Registered in England The Balloon Tree (Yorkshire) Ltd VAT Registration No. 828 1421 39

• ISSUE 3 • WINTER 2005 • GROWN FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS •

Welcome to our third newsletter, which brings us into our second winter at The Balloon Tree - I find it hard to believe we are here already. Our first year has gone so quickly but has been a great one. We have lots of exciting news to bring to you in this edition, so I won’t talk anymore.

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe • Stamford Bridge Road • Gate Helmsley • York • YO41 1NB • • 01759 373023 • www.theballoontree.co.uk •

The Balloon Tree Newsletter

Success in the ‘Oscars’ of the fine food world!

The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food Retailers, are the most prestigious gourmet food awards in the UK, possibly the world.

We entered two of our home made cakes, as well as Gran’s All Season Chutney • ISSUE 2 • SPRING/SUMMER 2005 • GROWN FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS • and were delighted when we received an award for each! Especially as there were 3878 entries, all subjected to rigorous judging by teams of experts that include top chefs, critics, food retailers, writers and buyers. Over 170 classes were judged regionally and nationally, to ensure each entry is judged like with we have been open a year now - what a roller coaster that was! It like, every food having been decanted and blind tasted by over 200 judges.

Well,

Soups Lucy has many years’ design experience gained within branding, marketing, Homemade Vegetable Soup editorial and event design, including work with London-based branding ‘Best Farm Shop’ Winners consultancies Landor and Interbrand, plus work within the charity sector for the Samaritans, Age Concern and The Stroke Association; more local clients include the Balloon Tree and University of York.

• ISSUE 3 • WINTER 2005 • GROWN FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS •

Made with Care by Joules

has been a hugely testing

experience ushasall, but it has been worth it just to see our customers leave happy and return time after time Phyllis, our in-house for baker, been making cakes for the well shop and the sweet trolley in the cafe (which has now got quite a name itself!) sincefor we opened. with such uplifting feedback. Thefordemand our ‘superfresh’ fruit and vegetables has really amazed us. I have One of her most popular cakes is the Lemon Drizzle which was awarded a to use our newCold concept ‘superfresh’ Bronze. Auntie Wendy’s Chocolateof Biscuit Cake, (made because by Phyllis but the the word ‘fresh’ has become saturated for the purposes of food recipe handed down Auntie Wendy) was awarded a Silver.description. Gran was marketing asfrom opposed to actual product excited her chutney was awarded a Silver. It’s name says it all - it’s the perfect chutney to accompany most meals, any time of the year. We have also been taken aback by the success of other avenues that have opened up - take meat for example. As well as the welfare, feed type and breed of animal, the fact that we hang it for much longer provides an unrivalled flavour. We can provide total traceability of all our meat. Our customers don’t have to worry about whether their food has been shipped from overseas, injected with water and salt, reconstituted at one end of the country and repackaged at the other, and then sold without any of this even being mentioned. The issue of water addition alone is worrying. For example, it may be some 10% cheaper - ‘bargain’ you may say - it’s just a shame you may lose up to 25% of the weight when cooked. I’ll let you decide which makes the most financial sense, let alone all the other issues such as health, our local and national economy, flavour, traceability etc. We are busy planting vegetables now, in order to be ready for harvest on time. We are looking forward to the coming months as our produce is at its best. We hope you enjoy it.

e old design lacked any quality and flavour cues and did rt of the design and gave each flavour it’s own distinct unicated though the bold use of colour, evocative d exceeded its goal in the international market.

graphic designer

‘Best Farm Shop’ Award Soups Winner

Award WINNERS

‘New Business of the Year’ This was the first and only award we entered for last year as we were simply too busy! We’re pleased our business strategy seems to be working. We have an original and innovative concept, to grow our own produce and sell it direct to customers. This is already proving to change the way people eat for the better. We minimise on processing and packaging costs as well as transportation costs by only having to use a quad bike or feet. This helps offset the high cost of a labour intensive farm. To tip the balance in our favour, we sell direct to our customers and so can compete with the larger food retailers. Moreover, we can still maintain a high level of customer service and unrivalled ‘superfresh’ products. Having seen that the shop, cafe, kitchen and bakery were so busy, the judges appreciated the work load on everybody’s shoulders. Their decision was also influenced by the high level of customer service. So a fantastic team effort everybody, well done! Matthew and Will Machin were proud to receive the ‘New Business of the Year’ award.

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe • Stamford Bridge Road • Gate Helmsley • York • YO41 1NB • • Tel: 01759 373023 • www.theballoontree.co.uk •

The home of Superfresh ‘Less Food Miles – More Farm Yards’

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe Stamford Bridge Road • Gate Helmsley • York • YO41 1NB • Tel: 01759 373023 • www.theballoontree.co.uk •

£2.95

The awards comprised three classes of farmers who have diversified through Open seven days a week either Farm Shops, Farm Attractions or Alternative Enterprises. The Farm Shop class was very strongly contested so we were thrilled to win it. Find us to the east of York on the A166 between Gate Helmsley and Stamford Bridge This is a real achievement for us as we have been trading as a farmshop for just over a year. We would like to thank each individual member of the Balloon Tree team and each customer, as without them this would not have been possible.

www.theballoontree.co.uk

‘Best Farm Shop’ Award Winner

The Balloon Tree Farmshop front. Some of the team at The Balloon Tree with the ‘Best Farm Shop’ trophy awarded at The Great Yorkshire Show. (From left to right: Will Machin, Lorraine Skelton, Michelle Acey, Charlotte Lavery, Alison Fisher, Phyllis Thompson, Matthew Machin, Julia Roe)

Success in the ‘Oscars’ of the fine food world!

The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food Retailers, are the most prestigious gourmet food awards in the UK, possibly the world. We entered two of our home made cakes, as well as Gran’s All Season Chutney and were delighted when we received an award for each! Especially as there were 3878 entries, all subjected to rigorous judging by teams of experts that include top chefs, critics, food retailers, writers and buyers. Over 170 classes were judged regionally and nationally, to ensure each entry is judged like with like, every food having been decanted and blind tasted by over 200 judges. Phyllis, our in-house baker, has been making cakes for the shop and the sweet trolley in the cafe (which has now got quite a name for itself!) since we opened. One of her most popular cakes is the Lemon Drizzle which was awarded a Bronze. Auntie Wendy’s Cold Chocolate Biscuit Cake, (made by Phyllis but the recipe handed down from Auntie Wendy) was awarded a Silver. Gran was excited her chutney was awarded a Silver. It’s name says it all - it’s the perfect

Nama ‘means Nectar of the Gods’.

Gran’s All Season Chutney

Honey Liqueur - New brand and product development. Auntie Wendy’s Cold Chocolate Biscuit Cake

The home of Superfres h

consultants Gareth Buddo photographer With many years’ experience Gareth specialises in bringing to life company literature, (printed or electronic) with strong, clear, visuals to draw the consumers’ eye and create interest in the products or services being marketed. His work covers still life/product photography, portraits, architectural Interiors/exteriors and general location work. Clients include Dawes Cycles, Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, Autosafe, Shore Construction, ASDA and British Gas.

Esther Kovarik

administration/liaison

A qualified accounting technician, Esther’s expertise across all forms of reception, administration, accounting and recruitment support ensures the smooth running, monitoring, follow up and feedback of all Big commissions. Her diverse experience spans 19 years and includes work with Verrill PR, C Music, KPMG and Alamo Business Systems.

associates

Our associates include: Roger Steare

Organizational Ethics/Sustainable Business building

Roger Steare is a big thinker! Corporate Philosopher and Professor of Organizational Ethics at the Cass Business School Roger helps people in organizations all over the world develop good thinking, positive dialogue and ethical behaviour. His work has been endorsed by the great and the good, including President Jimmy Carter, The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP and top executives from firms such as BP, HSBC and PwC. Roger is the author of “ethicability®” and is a recognized media expert on ethics issues, appearing regularly on BBC Newsnight, the BBC World Service, CNBC Europe and in The Times.

Color Options

print, display and presentation

With over 15 years’ experience in short-run printing, display and presentation, Colour Options’ experience enables them to respond quickly and creatively to promotion, exhibition and presentation needs for that essential competitive edge. Their production techniques employ the most up to date technology and, where they can, they always seek to source sustainable and environmentally friendly products, offering us and our clients choice, value and care. An interactive customer management software saves precious time and paperwork and, members of the Waterless Print Society, their highly efficient, cost effective waterless litho printing substantially reduces their chemical consumption and pollutant output.

culture statement

A creative communication consultancy committed to delivering the best possible growth, profile and profit for you at affordable prices, we believe in offering great service and results through the continuous development of our creative, technological and academic skills. Take a look at how we go about it…

Respect: We aim to operate our business in an efficient, friendly and excellent way, generating your respect, both for our business solutions and ability to deliver.

Approachable: We endeavour to always be approachable and friendly, building trust, encouraging open debate and including you as part of the creative process to achieve the best possible results.

Involvement: You’ll find that we won’t just “work” on your project; we’ll become immersed in it, acknowledging that the best marketing and creative solutions come from an in depth understanding of the your needs.

Transparency, Trust and Integrity: We believe in sharing with you and within ourselves, all appropriate project information; building trust and keeping you informed at all stages of a project.

Long-Term Business: We enter each and every project with a view to establishing long-term relationships through delivery of excellent services and proven results.

Associates: When projects demand expertise supplemental to our own, we seek to use industry associates in whom we recognise the same level of excellence and attitudes as our own. You can be assured that any BIG Ideas Collective Associate will operate and deliver to our high standards.

Productive: We maintain productivity at the highest level without compromise to creativity; delivering projects on time, within budget and offering you the greatest value-for-money.

Emerging Technology and Business Development: Our creative and business approach is rooted in new technology, both in terms of delivery and connectivity; committed to the best use of emerging technology, creative and business skills, we will make full use of appropriate training programmes to ensure best practice at all times. “Learning is not compulsory… neither is survival” W. Edwards Deming.

Rewards: We believe in rewarding excellence and enjoying our work, enthusing you and our colleagues - we’re a long time working so let’s enjoy it!

case studies

Our Celebration and the business of branding In the ever-increasingly competitive world of mental health services provision, Yorkbased charity Our Celebration has in the past been considered a highly regarded yet small player; commissioning authorities often preferring to grant contracts to the larger, national charities, whilst some existing sources of funding for the local group were drying up. Our Celebration asked us to develop a dynamic strategy that would allow them to pitch for larger contracts and develop other sources of revenue. Our strategy included creating a fresh new identity, a root and branch restructure and redesign of their website and an effective programme to actively manage and communicate with OC’s donors and friends. Enthusiastically received by clients, staff, commissioners and supporters, the new logo and was rolled out and, with the website development well underway and donor management programme building blocks in place, Our Celebration’s General Manager, David Smith spoke of the effect that our work has had on the charity to date. “The Big Ideas Collective has been instrumental in helping us raise our game and be able to present ourselves on a national stage. The team at BIG have done a fantastic job in understanding our position and delivering real benefits to the organisation.”

Barbara Jacobs & Co and the premium of good promotion Barbara Jacobs, a well known and highly respected property solicitor, found herself facing an uncertain future after cuts in the large firm of solicitors she worked for, as house prices plummeted and sales stalled. After a short break Barbara needed to raise her profile, kick start her own practise and beat the downturn. BIG put together an innovative series of 4 promotional postcards combining a quirky image and a well known ‘saying’ of Barbara’s with service information and contact details on the reverse. The postcards had three requirements: to attract, to inform and give a call to action. The cards were introduced at local networking events and were ‘drip fed’ to Barbara’s contacts over a few months. The most popular image also informed printed advertising and advertorials. The cards were enjoyed, discussed, handed around, pinned on notice boards and worked well to achieve a great outcome. Six months after opening her doors Barbara had surpassed her goal of 50 clients, a trend which has undoubtedly beaten the housing crisis and one that is set to continue. Barbara comments: “With no clue how to proceed the daunting task of setting up on my own and winning business was completely transformed in to an exciting journey with the team at BIG. Fun, flexible and full of good ideas, I love their aspirational and inspirational approach! With their support I’ve come along way.” A website featuring the postcard images is being launched and follow up campaigns scheduled.

Virtuosity and the key to communication In the fast-growing market for virtual business support the challenge is communicating your service and its many benefits to potential clients. Virtuosity, a company offering business and virtual PA support both within the UK and internationally, asked us to help build their company profile and a solid infrastructure for growth. The scope of the project included a restructure and redesign of their current website; a web back office to allow remote file sharing within the organisation, and a suite of advertisements and editorials for trade magazine advertising. We began the process by finding out all about virtuosity’s clients and how Virtuosity was perceived within the market place, identifying the goals of the business both for growth and in terms of the web back office and personnel needs. Engendering quality, professionalism and consistency of branding, layouts and copy for both the ads and website rebuild were brought on line with the website and back office going live. Currently working on further promotional strategies including advertorial copy and brochures, Jackie Baily, director of Virtuosity said of BIG’s input. “I am totally impressed with their professionalism, remarkably innovative ideas and, above all, their endless patience. Many of my new clients have commented that they were drawn to me as my redesigned website stood head and shoulders above others they had viewed. BIG have not only provided me with the best marketing services I could ever have hoped for, they have empowered me to take my business to the next level with complete confidence!”

client confidentiality

As a collaborative communications company we build our business, and that of our clients, on talking, listening and engaging with many different professionals, business owners, experts, leaders and entrepreneurs across a wide spectrum of industry and academia. We take very great care of the confidentiality of our clients and our respective work with them, often covering highly sensitive and ‘need to know’ areas of intellectual property and trade marking.

i. The Big Ideas Collective (BIG) is committed to providing a high degree of confidentiality to all our clients and this trust exists between our client and our organisation, not just the individual consultant and/or project manager dealt with. ii. BIG will make every effort to ensure that clients’ work is kept confidential together with any associated documents and will not divulge information to anyone outside BIG and its appropriate associates except where compelled by law or with permission obtained from the client, either verbal, by email, by telephone or written. iii. To provide the very best service we do share information within BIG and with BIG identified Associates (where BIG deems appropriate) all of whom have agreed to our confidentiality clause within our standard Sub Contractor Agreement. iv. Should we wish to publicise any information regarding our work with a client e.g. through testimonial, case study, press release, promotional material any form of online publicity including blogs, Twitter and online news sites, we would always seek permission (either by email, by phone or in writing) from our client in the first instance.

v. Should an enquiry be received from a third party regarding a client and possible publicity the permission of the client will be sought before responding to the third party. vi. BIG reserves the right to disclose information regarding its clients to interested third parties, but only in terms of client name and broad scope of project only. This may be reviewed on a project by project basis if required. vii. Client names, addresses, phone numbers and emails will be retained for contact purposes to inform clients of our ongoing work, seminars, updates and opportunities we may offer or feel are relevant to that client from time to time. A client’s details will only be removed from our data base by a request in writing. viii. All clients are free to request information about their projects, including timesheets for work undertaken at any time. ix. From time to time, BIG reserves the right to collect data to assist in planning, marketing and monitoring of systems and products, this information, however, will under no circumstances be passed to any third parties, unless compelled by law.

contractor’s agreement

Dear Name, This is to confirm that we have agreed to engage you and that you have agreed to render your non-exclusive services to us as [insert job description covering all aspects of services required] for the Big Ideas Collective Ltd. (BIG) upon the following terms: You shall undertake the following services: [insert job description covering all aspects of services required as previously stated in above para.] 1. Providing for specified BIG projects. 2. Project managing such projects as required. 3. Managing the work of technician(s) and other subcontractors as required. 4. Such other services as shall reasonably be requested by BIG. (together the “services”) 1. You agree to keep confidential the terms of this agreement. 2. BIG will pay an hourly/daily or project rate for your work as agreed by BIG and yourself, prior to a quote being submitted to a client for consideration. 3. As full and final consideration for your services hereunder (to include those provided prior to the date of this Agreement) and for all rights in the products of your services, we shall pay you sums as agreed in advance on a project by project basis, on receipt of a valid invoice.

3.1 You will submit an invoice at agreed stages in the project, as set out in the appropriate project schedule. Payment to be made on receipt by BIG of funds from the client.

4. You will not work with or contact any BIG client for personal gain during, or at any time after the termination of this Agreement for up to one year. BIG also agrees not to work with or contact any of your clients for personal gain during, or at any time after the termination of this agreement for up to one year, unless you supply written permission to do so. 5. You will use your own equipment and be responsible for all licence arrangements. You will ensure BIG (specifically Ned Hoste) will have access to appropriate back ups made at each stage of a job. All files in respect of each project must be submitted to BIG at the conclusion of each and every job for archiving purposes. 6. You will be responsible for meeting all personal National Insurance Contributions, tax and any VAT payments, and provide written proof/copy of insurance certificate of personal professional indemnity insurance against, or dealing with, any claims of negligence against yourself/your work. All other terms and conditions of your engagement are as contained in the Standard Conditions* appended hereto, which shall be deemed to be incorporated in and form a part of this Agreement.

* Standard Conditions available on request

environmental policy

The Big Ideas Collective Limited and all its consultants and freelance associates are committed to leading the industry in minimising the impact of its activities on the environment.

The key points of its strategy to achieve this are: 1. Minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible. 2. Minimise toxic emissions through the careful selection and use of its printers and print technology. 3. Actively promote recycling, and the use of recycled and FSC managed materials both internally and amongst its customers and suppliers. 4. Draw attention to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; issues through information on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and through its literature; building awareness with both clients and suppliers regarding relevant initiatives e.g. Earth Hour 5. Source and promote a product range to minimise the environmental impact of both production and distribution. 6. Meet or exceed all the environmental legislation that relates to the company.

health and safety

The legal requirement to have a health and safety policy is a direct obligation arising from Section 2 (3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA). The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW) and Associated Legislation give effect in the UK to the European Union (EU) Framework Directive 89/391. That legislation obliges employers to ensure that policy and procedures are in place in order to reduce risks to employees to a minimum.

POLICY The Directors of The Big Ideas Collective, recognise the responsibility to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to provide and maintain working conditions that are safe, healthy and comply with all statutory requirements and codes of practice and that all subcontractors work to the same standards within their own organisations. All those who work, whether as consultants or other freelance associates for the company will, so far as is reasonably practicable, pay particular attention to: 1. The provision and maintenance of equipment and systems of work that are safe and healthy. 2. The arrangements for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances. 3. The arrangements for ensuring safety and absence of risks in connection with the provision of marketing and other services provided by The Big Ideas Collective services to clients. 4. The provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety at work of consultants and other freelance associates and others. 5. The consultants and other freelance associates should ensure the control of the place or places of work maintaining them in a safe condition, wherever practicable. 6. The consultants and other freelance associates should maintain their working environment that is safe and without risks to health and safety.

terms and conditions

In accepting our quote and thus commissioning work from The BIG Ideas Collective Ltd. (BIG), you (the client or commissioning body) will be subject to the terms and conditions set out below: i. BIG always operates in “good faith” and will not knowingly undertake any work which we consider to be illegal, a breach of copyright, indecent or defamatory; however, we cannot be held responsible if work produced by us, under your direction that is adjudged as such in any part of the world. Responsibility for obtaining consents and/or rights relating to trademarks, names, people or copyright material remains with you and is at your sole risk. You therefore agree to indemnify BIG against any loss, damage, costs or proceedings relating thereto. ii. BIG reserves the right to withdraw its services if it finds that any commissioned work breaches any law, copyright or may be perceived as indecent or defamatory. In this instance you will be required to pay 100% of the quoted fee and our payment terms apply. iii. Under the current copyright laws of England and Wales the copyright of all commissioned material (words, phrases, images, IP and layouts) produced for you, is retained by BIG*; however, copyright assignment may be made on a project-by-project basis. iv. Once full payment has been received, BIG grants you permission to use the commissioned material for free in the web site or publication for which it was commissioned. These rights may not be assigned, transferred or loaned to any other third party. v. Unless by prior agreement, BIG must be informed of new uses of commissioned material, e.g. if copy written for a website is then used in a different web site, print or paid advertising. These further uses attract a charge based on a percentage of the commissioned work’s original fee. vi. BIG will make every effort to ensure that your work is kept confidential together with any associated documents. We respect your business and will not divulge confidential information unless requested by law or we have written consent from you. vii. We will take all reasonable measures and endeavour to complete your work in a professional and timely fashion, producing a project plan and quote based on the project proposal. We do, however, reserve the right to amend the fees should the work take longer than anticipated or your needs change. We expect you to provide any information we require to enable us to undertake your commission to the best of our ability in a timely manner; this also applies to the review of any first and subsequent drafts. Any lack of contact or failure to respond to drafts or requests for approval after 60 days will trigger an invoice from us for 100% of our quoted fee and our payment terms will apply.

viii. On project-related journeys mileage is charged at 45p plus VAT per mile. ix. Any invoice left unpaid outside our terms of trading (14 days net) will be subject to an interest charge of 2% over the current LIBOR charged per month compound – to be shown on statements. x. Every effort will be made by BIG to ensure that any material produced is error free. At the point of agreed completion (or “sign off”) of commissioned work between BIG and you, and prior to further delivery to a third party (printer/web developer), you become responsible for any errors or omissions contained within said work. Any costs incurred by changes made after “sign off” will be charged for. We will inform you of any cost implications of any changes after “sign off” before these costs are incurred. xi. BIG have rigorous systems to ensure correct execution of any print order. If any print order is supplied to you direct from the printers you are responsible for informing BIG in the unlikely incidence of a shortfall in printed quantity within 7 days of delivery, so that any shortfall can be made up. Due to the photo degradation of printers’ plates there will be cost implications from making up any shortfall after this 7-day period has elapsed. xii. BIG payment terms are laid out in the project plan/proposal document agreed with you, the client, at engagement; however, these may be subject to change by prior agreement. Except in the case of a reasonable and fair dispute, legal action will be taken against clients who fail to settle their invoice in full within 30 days of invoice date. xiii. In accepting our ’Activity Breakdown’, produced specifically for your project by BIG, you are agreeing to adhere to the invoice points held therein. xiv. For any and all future projects subsequent, but not necessarily directly related, to this proposal commissioned by you and undertaken by BIG, and where no new BIG terms and conditions of service have been presented and/or signed by you, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions relating hereto.

* For further information on current copyright law in England and Wales please visit www.ipo.gov.uk/whatis/whatis-copy

project management

BIG works within the Design Council promoted guidelines of Define, Develop, Design, Deliver. Below is a schematic illustrating our project management process. Every member of BIG has signed up to working within this structure. Finder brings project to BIG. The Finder may become the Project Manager (PM) or allocate the project to a team member with the required expertise.

Fact Finding Finder/PM meets with client for fact finding/brief.

PM becomes the main point of contact for the client for the duration of the project.

Assess proposal. Discuss with Directors, amend and re issue if appropriate.

The PM prepares and delivers to the client a proposal/quote via the BIG proposal standard document in consultation with the other members of the team and required associates. Quote to be proofread and passed by Directors

Client Approval ?

A non client facing financial summary of the proposal is prepared for Admin this to directly correspond to proposal re specific work/phases of the project and subsequent invoicing.

Admin allocates PM with a proposal number.

N.B. If the project is scheduled to take longer than a month then both PM and Finderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees to be invoiced as per phase. Delivery for printed material quoted 3 days beyond what we work to.

Yes

PM fully briefs team/associates with timings as per proposal.

PM inserts all client contact information with BIG back office. PM distributes proposal to core team.

At the completion of each phase of project delivery the PM will evaluate timings and financials.

Send any data/design or copy to Directors for archiving.

Yes Project on track…?

Any deviation from the original proposal/quote to be discussed with Directors then relayed to the client - discussed and agreed with them before proceeding.

PM to inform Admin of any changes to timing and financials and issue an amended financial summary.

Notify Admin to invoice client as per phase completion, cc’ing Directors.

Completion of project. ‘Sign Off’

Admin sends final invoice to client

Agree date for Admin to send reminder to PM/Finder for follow up and feedback.

Send any data & design or copy to Directors for archiving.

PM to complete case study for project.

Send case study to Directors for website and archiving.

sample web planner

BIG works within the Design Council promoted guidelines of Define, Develop, Design, Deliver. Below is a schematic illustrating how we define the website design process. Every site is evaluated and structured with customer management system (CMS) functionailty to ensure the site delivers, not only what our client needs, but also the ability for growth and future development. It also ensures we can accurately quote the development costs. Sample map Sample site website Service 1 • USP Case studies

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USP

To be managed so artiicles can be switched on an off

Service 3 • USP USP

• Service 2 • USP •

Service 4 • USP

USP Services

USP

•

Client upload/download area

Back office capability Create client areas Create usernames and passwords for clients Manage uploads of files to specific areas Delete files no longer needed

FEATURES

Home

Contacts Links

Accreditations Possibly just included in about us text

About us General intro about the business Key team member Biography Contact us

• •

Full CMS Ability to archive articles

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Google analytics

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Managed client area

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Managed news area

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Managed case studies area

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Ability to add/switch on and off pages and subpages

Published articles

Basic form News Footer matter Health and Safety Terms of Web Usage T&C Privacy Policy Accessibility Sitemap

PLEASE NOTE Memberships Possibly just included in about us text

•

Any increase in content or functionality will increase web development time and therefore cost. We will recost any changes before work commences

date created v1 30/04/2010

When we are working and planning a new site we also like to help the client look at what developments there may be for version 2. We do this to be able to schedule a structured development as part of their marketing strategy. We also advise on the potential of socal networking and other activites to drive traffic to their site.

Floating Topic

The way ahead for creative communication Tel: 0845 643 1656 Email: info@thebigideascollective.com www.thebigideascollective.com