ICG Blog

Fantastic 400 for Twelve

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:43:00 +0000

ICG's social media and design teams are celebrating after hitting the fantastic '400 fans' milestone on Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar's Facebook page.

Designed and managed by ICG, the profile keeps diners up to date with all the latest menus, special offers, competitions and outside catering successes.

The restaurant's Twitter feed, which is also managed by ICG, is also growing in popularity, with more than 300 followers.

Owned and managed by husband and wife team Paul Moss and Caroline Upton, Twelve is one of only two restaurants in Lancashire to hold the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand status; it also holds 2AA Rosettes.

ICG has been working with Twelve since May 2010 providing public relations, marketing and creative design services.

Entries flood in for Mall Champions

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:24:00 +0000

The ICG PR team has been working with management at The Mall Blackburn to promote an eight month campaign to award a Lancashire sporting or active leisure organisation with a £5000 grant.

Entries have been flooding in, with the final count standing at more than 2000, and the finalists are Salesbury Primary School Fossa Play Area Fund, Ramsey's ACE Kickboxing in Blackburn and Pioneer 79 Amateur Swimming Club in Accrington.

Substantial coverage was gained in the run up to the closing date, with the Lancashire Telegraph's dedicated 'Grass Roots' supplement printing the story and entry form in the weeks leading up to the deadline.

The battle for top spot has now commenced and ICG will be reporting all the latest news and voting updates throughout the summer.

For more information on how to vote please visit The Mall Blackburn's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/themall.blackburn.

Entering the online Realm

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

We have extended our services to our client Realm in recent months, with an overhaul of six of its shopping outlet websites.

After devising an overall theme, which focuses on the core information that people look for before visiting a shopping outlet, we created a unique identity that appeals to the individual demographics of each.

All sites are fully content managed and the ICG digital team will work with management at Realm to maintain and update information on a regular basis.

Here is a list of the sites, please click on each one to view:

Clarks Village
Freeport Braintree
Freeport Fleetwood
Freeport Talke
Junction 32
Lakeside Village

Blue Sky thinking

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:37:00 +0000

One of our latest design projects saw the creative team developing branding for a new corporate finance company.

As an independent consultancy practice that deals with blue chip organisations across the UK, it is imperative that Blue Sky Corporate Finance conveys a professional image at all times.

Using a subtle mix of blue and grey on white space the team came up with clean cut concepts that would appeal to senior management and then rolled this branding out across the stationery, corporate literature and website.

To view the website please click here

Tube Talk goes digital!

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Tube Talk, Yorkshire Copper Tube's twice yearly newsletter, has had a digital makeover courtesy of the team at ICG.

It offers the same great content with all the latest news and product information but is much more dynamic and interactive.

A dedicated microsite, www.tubetalk.co.uk, now hosts the newsletter and all the past, printed, editions have been uploaded.

The whole team got involved to write, design, build and distribute Tube Talk to our database of more than 10,000 readers.

A competition to win an iPod is also being coordinated and managed by ICG and the entries have been flooding in.

Tube Talk was launched in 2007 with readers ranging from plumbers to merchants to educational establishments and apprentices.

Anyone wishing to join the ever growing mailing list can simply email tubetalk@icgonline.co.uk with their details.

Web Developer Vacancy

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Due to continued growth we are looking to appoint a web developer to join our creative team.

Job Summary
The web developer will be responsible for the development of major and minor applications, the maintenance of existing websites as well as internal systems.

The successful candidate must be able to develop, test and deliver websites and web applications, perform defect resolution and implement enhancements on an ongoing basis, and have experience with best practices and design methodologies to ensure the success of projects.

The developer will be involved in all stages of the project life cycle, from the requirements stage through to integration and delivery.

Required Skills & Experience

● Minimum of 2 years of web development experience
● Practical experience in developing with PHP5, (x)HTML, JavaScript, CSS and SQL
● Practical experience with a CMS. Ideally Drupal
● Familiarity with or a desire to learn and use new technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3
● Ability to implement web designs from briefs and layouts from our design team
● Excellent creative, technical and analytical skills
● Ability to communicate effectively in both technical and business environments
● A desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment to deliver quality work, enhancements and fixes to deadlines
● Knowledge of developing social media applications an advantage

To apply please send your c.v. by e-mail to simon@icgonline.co.uk

www.icgonline.co.uk

Lift off for the Retail Factor

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:53:00 +0000

The ICG PR team started the New Year with the launch of The Mall Blackburn's annual business competition The Retail Factor.

It gives budding retail businesses in the North West a fantastic opportunity to take their plans to the next level with a £10,000 prize package including two month's rent-free space and £500 towards stock.

Entrants can submit ideas until Sunday 12th February and management at The Mall will select a shortlist of entries to trial their businesses on an RMU (Retail Merchandising Unit) in The Mall Blackburn.

The judges will look at how innovative each business has been as well as taking into account trading results to select an overall winner.

The successful entrepreneur will then be entered into the national final against competitors from eight other Malls across the UK to be in with a chance of winning a place on the exclusive retail business course BHF-BSSA Oxford Summer School.

Last year's national champion, Sophia Patel, was our local entrant and she is now running a very successful Cupcakes and Cookies business in Blackburn Market in the lower level of The Mall.

Since the launch in the first week of January the coverage has been rolling in with the Lancashire Telegraph using the story as its business page lead and websites such as Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Consortium of Enterprise Agencies uploading it to their news sections.

ICG Highlights of the Year '11

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Check out what ICG Brandbuilders has been up to in 2011! We'd love you to be one of our highlights for 2012....

Senior ICG designer in Movember success

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:39:00 +0000

ICG's Senior Designer Ian Jones led a team of Movember fundraisers who have generated almost £2,000 for charity.

As the Captain of the 'Don't Mo It' band of brothers, the guys have raised a total of £1,942 to date!

It's the second time that Ian has decided to sport a moustache for Movember to raise funds and awareness about men's health.

He's now back to his normal self until November 2012!

Brewing up fresh ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:10:00 +0000

ICG's festive treats have been spreading lots of yuletide joy!

If you hadn't guessed already, we've been sending out our new ICG mugs, cleverly labelled 'brewing up fresh ideas' to clients and colleagues as a surprise Christmas gift

Tucked inside each one, is a copy of our latest Highlights booklet which is produced every year and is packed with interesting info about what we've been up to for the last 12 months from client wins and projects to new staff members.

To see Highlights '11 for yourself click here.

THIS IS A JOB FOR....ICG

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:38:00 +0000

ICG'S creative design and digital teams have been producing marketing collateral fit for a superhero.

We have been working closely with van manufacturer IVECO to deliver creative as part of their 'New Daily' marketing campaign.

IVECO has harnessed the power of everyone's favourite superhero, Superman to promote the benefits of their latest model in terms of strength, safety and comfort, versatility and performance.

There's clever use of the iconic Superman logo in a glossy six-page, one-piece mailer currently being sent directly to small-to-medium sized businesses which use light commercial vehicles. It's packed with detailed information about the van's unique benefits, variety of configurations as well invitations to take a test drive, follow IVECO on Facebook and Twitter as well as scan to a QR code.

The same design strategy has also been rolled out across IVECO's Facebook fan page and Twitter profile featuring a 'link the driver with the van' quiz and the chance to win an Ipad2; the competition also calls on individuals to supply useful information about their buying habits as well as canvass opinion about the company.

ICG promotes festive foodie heaven for Twelve

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:35:00 +0000

ICG PR has been busy spreading the word about festive foodie heaven for Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar.

In the run up to one of the busiest times of the year, we have been keeping everyone informed about festive menus, entertainment dates and their 'Twelve Days of Christmas' prize-draw giveaway.

As well as distributing information to the media, we have also been tweeting, blogging and uploading Facebook postings to attract as many competition entries as possible. The story has been picked up by influential Twitter followers and has also been featured in the food and drink pages of key local title, The Blackpool Gazette.

To enter the competition, individuals must sign-up to Twelve's e-newsletter; the winners and exactly what they have won will be announced via Twelve's YouTube Channel starting on Boxing Day until January 6th.

Can you guess what it is yet?

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:47:00 +0000

Every December we treat clients, colleagues and friends to a little festive gift in our zingy corporate colours!

Last year, it was gloves while in 2009 it was socks and way back when, it was scarves and hats.

So what's the gift 2011? If our stylish photo spread doesn't give the game away, here's a few more clues about what's in ICG's Santa sack!

...an essential item first thing in the morning...non-wizarding people have a similar name... you can't wear it but once filled keeps you warm and toasty...

ICG in Logology2

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:54:00 +0000

ICG's work has been featured in a study of logos, icons and mascot designs from across the world.

A total of 16 logos produced by ICG on behalf of a wide variety of clients have been featured in Logology2 The Wonderland of Logo Design - a stylish book featuring case studies, comment and an extensive collection of work by designers.

Logos by ICG for companies, products and events that have been showcased include Central Fitness, Central Skills and Central Sports, League Football Education, Progression 2008, Intonation and BiProduct Recovery.

They are split up into different sections of the book according to shape, structure, palette and content; the details of the companies which have created them are also featured so it's great to see an ICG name check!

In a forward to Logology2 by Belgium designer, Frederic Vanhorenbeke, he explains how a strong brand identity has a huge impact on business.

In many cases, the process of branding can bring the client to the total redefinition of what the company is and what they do...a strong identity is one of the key ways to help people understand their offer and to differentiate themselves in a difficult marketplace...

If you're interested in getting hold of Logology2, visit the publisher's website
www.victionary.com or check them out on Facebook www.facebook.com/victionworkshop

A copy is also available here at ICG!

Getting British Business Online

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Setting up Google Places, advice about the new Google Ad Words Express and the new Google+ were some of the talking points at a seminar in Liverpool called Getting British Business Online.

The seminar featured a cross section of North West businesses from start-ups to SMEs covering a wide range of digital based communication.

There were interesting statistics showing that 15 per cent of internet searches are now from mobile devices which makes free directories like Google Places a useful facility especially for businesses with a strong local client base.

There was a mixed response from delegates about the benefits of Google Adwords as well as reference to the new Google Ad Words Express, which came out a couple of weeks ago and aims to be more user-friendly. Free tools such as Google Analytics, Insights and Alerts were also highlighted.

The social media break-out session encouraged businesses to make the most out of platforms like Twitter and Facebook by creating interesting and informative content; several businesses expressed concern about negative reviews on social media and there were discussions about ways to turn poor reviews into positive outcomes.

There was also talk about about Google+ which is Google's new social networking platform unveiled earlier this year. The + is a similar to the 'Like' button on Facebook, and it is another way of sharing information and communicating online.

If you need additional help and resource to make the most of social media platforms or advice about optimising your web presence you can also speak to the team here at ICG. Visit www.icgonline.co.uk or drop us a line at info@icgonline.co.uk

NETWORKING & INVESTMENT IN BLACKPOOL

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:08:00 +0000

The Minister of Tourism's visit to Blackpool earlier this week was among the key talking points at The Gazette's Fylde Means Business networking event today.

David Cam, Company Secretary and Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, spoke of John Penrose MP's visit to the resort earlier this week and of the key issues facing tourism businesses.

As a champion of the industry, he praised the work of many attractions to promote Blackpool as a family tourist destination with significant investments to attract 'lapsed' visitors to experience the new promenade, the Sandcastle, Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach.

He called on businesses and individuals to help promote a 'Buy British' culture, more innovative solutions to car parking charges as well as discussing the failed casino bid, the minimum wage and other key issues for Blackpool including attracting political party conferences back to the resort, better transportation links and quality accommodation accreditation.

There was also an informative talk from Andy Barton of MUSE Developments, owned by Salford Quays based Morgan Sindall, about the plans for the emerging Blackpool Business District. The regeneration scheme for the area around Blackpool North train station includes plans for new retail and office space and has been in the planning stages for the last six years.

ICG Brandbuilders is the PR agency for Blackpool Zoo and provides PR and design services for a variety of businesses on the Fylde coast including BAE Systems in Warton, Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Thornton Cleveleys and Freeport Fleetwood as part of the Realm group.

ICG's design team also worked closely with Morgan Sindall to compile an extensive bid document for the 'Building Schools for the Future' project in May 2010.

BBC Children in Need rocks at Scott Rees

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:53:00 +0000

ICG client Scott Rees & Co Solicitors is showing its spots with some fantastic Children in Need fund-raising!

While Coldplay and Lady Gaga are performing tonight in Manchester, at Scott Rees in Skelmersdale, staff are auctioning off a guitar and amplifier as well as an Ozzy Osbourne signed copy of Black Sabbath LP, Master of Reality.

Bids for the Black Sabbath LP have already topped £150 and there's still plenty of time for more bids before it goes under the hammer.

ICG have blogged and tweeted about the fund-raising activity! Find out more here!

Moustaches in November, it must be Movember

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:26:00 +0000

It's the moustache growing season once again and ICG's Senior Designer, Ian Jones has become a mo bro!

For those new to the whole Movember concept, it is a unique moustache growing event throughout November to raise awareness about men's health and generate much needed funds for cancer initiatives.

It is the second time Ian has decided to sport a moustache for Movember and less than half way through the month, he already has a dashing, lip-tickling hedge and is on track to more than double last year's fund-raising total.

Good luck to all fellow mo bros and if you would like to support Ian, donate at www.mobro.co/DONTMOIT

Get the festive look

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:02:00 +0000

Christmas may still be a few weeks away but here at ICG we're already in a fashion winter wonderland thanks to retail client Realm.

Our design teams have been busy working on Christmas promotional campaigns for Realm's shopping outlets producing marketing collateral for outdoor advertising, point of sale, press advertising and shopping outlet guides.

Since we started working with Realm earlier this year, we have created individual design styles for six of its shopping outlets from illustration based profiles for Freeport Talke and Freeport Fleetwood to chic photography and clever straplines for Junction 32 and Lakeside Village.

Now with Christmas shopping about to begin in earnest, we've added lots of festive sparkle and seasonal good cheer to each design to appeal to local shoppers.

Christmas leaflets are packed with information on gifts, winter essentials, party wear and stocking fillers and there's also lots of information about late night shopping times, gift cards and links to Twitter and Facebook.

Look out for ICG's work in action if you're Christmas shopping at...Freeport Fleetwood in Lancashire, Freeport Braintree in Essex, Freeport Talke in Stoke-on-Trent; Lakeside Village in Doncaster, Clarks Village in Somerset and Junction 32 near Leeds.

ICG rebrands VIP Computers

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:54:00 +0000

ICG has been working closely with VIP Computers to reinvigorate and modernise its corporate image.

The rebranding was commissioned to reflect the growing depth and breadth of the company's services as the UK's largest independent distributor of PC components, peripherals and associated products.

The company colours of blue and yellow were retained and deepened to offer greater distinction while the logo was modernised and combined with the strapline 'Delivering Value in Distribution'.

The refreshed profile has been rolled out across a variety of platforms including press advertising, presentations, pop-up stands, digital output and promotional items.

ICG worked closely with VIP Computers' newly appointed Marketing Manager Jason D'Cruz who was recruited to oversee the rebranding process.

Half term animal antics with Daybreak!

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

National Breakfast TV favourite Daybreak selected Blackpool Zoo as its filming location for the first day of the October half-term holiday after the ICG PR team offered them a trio of really wild exclusives.

We bundled a package of dream filming opportunities that included jelly loving elephants, 32st gorillas having a morning cup of tea and training Zambar the critically endangered Amur Tiger.

A full brief, which explained the animal health benefits of each of the feeding exercises was put together and ICG PR Manager Paula Holden was on hand to help with the two day shoot....including a 4am start on the first Monday of the school holidays.

The resulting footage was fantastic and Daybreak crossed live to the Zoo several times throughout its three hour programme.

ICG's own brochure - hot off the press!

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:01:00 +0000

ICG's new corporate brochure will be hitting the desks of decision makers across the country in the coming weeks.

The redesigned promotional literature demonstrates how our creative strategies for digital, PR, social media and branding have delivered real results for a whole host of our clients.

With an overview of each key service and in-depth case studies that give examples of proven outcomes, from record visitor numbers at Blackpool Zoo to Yorkshire Copper Tube being viewed as the most recognisable copper tube brand by contractors and merchants, the brochure gives a snap shot of projects carried out by ICG every day.

What's more, this creative portfolio of fresh ideas comes with a complimentary car air-freshener in our unmistakable corporate colours of zingy orange, yellow, lime and turquoise.

For your copy of the brochure, as well as this season's must-have car accessory, please email peter@icgonline.co.uk

Blog Postings Soar During Legal Debate

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:46:00 +0000

ICG PR has been busy blogging about fast-moving developments in the personal injury sector on behalf of client Scott Rees & Co Solicitors.

Government legislation significantly changing the way the claims sector operates has provided in-depth material for blog posts during the last few months with debate set to intensify further as the planned changes go before the House of Commons.

ICG PR keeps up to date with industry developments through regular research and works closely with the client to gather insights and opinions.

Blogs about industry news are interspersed with postings about more light-hearted topics including the firm's fund-raising activities and local sponsorship partnerships.

SEO friendly headlines, links and use of key words combine to help make the firm more visible online and clever use of photography complements the editorial content.

Autumnal advertising all wrapped up!

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:25:00 +0000

Here's the latest billboard direct from the ICG design team. It's part of the current Autumn campaign for Junction 32 in Castleford near Leeds, which will lead into the festive outdoor advertising we're creating at the moment.

Armacell campaign roll out by ICG

noreply@blogger.com (ICG) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:55:00 +0000

ICG created branding for a nation-wide give-away campaign by engineered foam experts, Armacell UK.

The B2B promotional 'Earn More' campaign which is running until early 2012, focuses on incentivising customers to spend £50 on Armacell products in return for free gifts including body warmers, caps and waterproof jackets.

ICG worked closely with the client to establish the mechanics for the campaign, as well as designing communication material including leaflets, posters and point of sale stands which have been featured in Graham plumbers' merchant stores across the country.

Armacell UK launched the campaign to promote the unique benefits of products Armaflex and Tubolit among plumbers, builders and specifiers.

The value threshold to become eligible for the Earn More campaign was kept relatively low and individuals were encouraged to email Armacell directly to receive free gifts. The campaign is also helping build up Armacell UK's database for future promotional campaigns.