Following a successful application process which included a credentials check and an interview with business link consultants, we are now listed as one of their preferred suppliers, providing design solutions for anyone starting up a new business or growing a business in the capital.

As a quality approved supplier, our details will be matched to all newly registered companies as a part of the free support and services they receive from their assigned Business Link consultants, to provide bespoke and tailored design solutions to new start-ups and developing businesses based in London and the surrounding areas.

Our details will be available on the Business Link website very soon.

With marketing budgets being cut or stretched further (but still expected to perform) design is expected to step in and make up the difference.

As well as playing a more strategic role design can offer some very tangible benefits and create real additional value. But to get the best in quality and value, companies still need to invest In their design. Being open with designers about production budgets and expectations means they can deliver innovative solutions that match targets. New materials, ideas and techniques can push things forward within reduced budgets. Good experienced designers will always be able deliver this.

But reducing the investment in the design, reducing the investment in the ideas, will always deliver reduced results. Budget design delivers budget solutions.

Trends in design anticipate a simpler approach, more authentic and relevant. With restricted budgets it’s a time when quality designers can really shine with innovative ideas. Anyone looking to commission projects should be looking for designers who relish the challenge. But be willing to invest enough to get some truly great ideas.

Comment on ‘Brand Image at the Forefront of Innovation’ > Marketing Week

The simple answer is to have a marketing plan. That will define the insights and outline strategy to inform our designs and give the project structure. Sometimes that’s not available (not everyone has access to marketing resources) and we can help and advise the strategy for the marketing through things like competitor analysis and customer touchpoints.

To get the best from graphic design though, it really does help to have a marketing plan. This article has some helpful tips and a few pointers we use ourselves:

> Simple steps to a marketing plan

Clockwork removals recently appointed SHO to design their new commercial solutions brochure. They wanted to find a graphic design agency in London who could enhance their current branding and refine it further while also developing a brochure for print that can really showcase their services.

Quite a challenge for any graphic design company but a project we relished. From several initial design routes we developed the chosen option, based around their open, professional and friendly approach. We also made greater use of the branding by extending the way their colour palette is used and with subtle use of the logo icon on the brochure cover. The print finishes were also used to enhance the final brochure design and compliment the Clockwork removals branding.

A subtle execution for a national company perhaps, but one that carries real confidence, impact and quality. And just the kind of solution our client hoped for when they started looking for a graphic design company to work on the brochure and future branding

With all projects there needs to be a stage of development to ensure new ideas, approaches and styles are working correctly. Sometimes the combination of these ideas spark new ideas and directions which can all be utilised and worked into the solutions. It is this process of development, where we refine and improve our work in tandem with our clients that can add even greater benefits.

While always mindful of not diluting any originality it is where we can really create the tailored fit for each and every project. We do this by working through a set number of amendment stages so our clients always know the status of their project. They know what to expect to receive at the next stage and what’s expected from them in order for us to deliver the stage.

Because our clients deal directly with the designers and team members creating the solutions to their projects we can quickly and easily refine things. It’s just one of the benefits of the open approach we favour at our agency.

When our long-time client decided to rebrand themselves with the new name Eularis it marked the start of a range of work for us, beginning with a new identity before updating all their digital template files, stationery, reports and presentation materials. As a leading pharmaceutical marketing and corporate analysis company it was essential that the new design could express the new characteristics of the company, while still retaining the established qualities of the old business.

After initial discussions about the new name and focus of the business we began designing the identity through our process of working, beginning with the initial logo design options. We find that taking the time to understand the project completely before entering into the creative is always beneficial and usually saves time further along, with greater understanding allowing us to progress faster.

The new identity has been a great success and Eularis are very pleased with the final brand identity. They now can’t wait to have all the graphic material in place.