blog
13 March 2013
Brochure For Momentum Instore Goes Down a Storm
Hot off the print run, we've just created a clever little brochure for Momentum Instore, the UK's leading instore marketing specialists. The brief was to create a brochure that conveyed the message that Momentum Instore can handle every aspect of a brands/retailer's instore needs. The brochure uses their secondary 'in' logo, to complete the strapline 'In everything you do', with a die cut through the brochure revealing the 'in' logo in each of their long list of services.
Mometum Instore were chuffed to bits with the result: "The brochures look so good – I would like to say a HUGE thank you! They're brilliant and will really help to set the bar for what we are trying to achieve. Everyone will be really proud to hand them to our clients."
29 January 2013
Titanic Quarter Website Launch
After a winning pitch Drumbeat were apointed to design and programme the new Titanic Quarter website, one of the world's largest urban-waterfront regeneration projects. The 185 acre development, containing retail, leisure, museums, filming studios and apartments, is on the site where RMS Titanic was designed and built.
17 January 2013
Paul Mitchell Goes Cruelty Free
We've recently updated the Cruelty Free International website to include the presence of Paul Mitchell, who have just pledged their commitment to the BUAV's global campaign againt cosmetics tested on animals, alongside The Body Shop, Ricky Gervais and Joss Stone to name a few.
Drumbeat updated web banners and content and also created an online petition form. The last online petition we created for the BUAV has received over 25,000 signatures to date, so we're sure it will be a success. If you'd like to show your support to the campaign, or find out a bit more, follow the link below.
3 January 2013
The Peel Seal
Drumbeat has created the Peel Seal – a graphical device that will be used in a supporting role to the Peel masterbrand. The Peel Seal acts as a visual stamp of assurance and quality.
To date Drumbeat has created the Seal device, brand guidelines and signage.
15 December 2012
New Client JMW
We have recently added solicitors JMW to our client roster. Do date we've created multiple direct mail pieces and a newsletter for the transport sector. We look forward to creating more work for them in the future!
10 December 2012
Love More Rewards
We've recently created the brand, advertising, website and emailers for Love More – a rewards programme created by Peel, offering exclusive discounts across their wide portfolio in the North West. Companies and developments like The Trafford Centre, EventCity, Holiday Inn, Salford City Stadium and MediaCityUK are all partners of the initiative.
27 November 2012
Atlantic Gateway Website Is Unveiled
Drumbeat has designed and developed a new website promoting Atlantic Gateway.
The Atlantic Gateway project links private and public sector investment to deliver large scale development projects which, in turn, improve the infrastructure and economic prospects of the region.
Andy Heggs, Creative Director at Drumbeat says: "The scope of Atlantic Gateway is wide reaching and the projects it delivers are creating jobs and longer term prosperity for the region, so we naturally jumped at the opportunity to overhaul the brand and develop the website".
The brand refresh has brightened the colour palette, modernised the logotype and created a more approachable and accessible user experience. The new website is adaptive, which ensures visitors on desktop, tablet and mobile devices all enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
Susan Williams, Chief Executive at Atlantic Gateway explains: "The website is the first port of call for potential investment partners, so it was critical that it created the correct first impression and conveyed our core messages in the best light. The Drumbeat team are helpful and insightful and have created a great looking website site that functions brilliantly".
1 November 2012
The Slow Show’s New EP & European Tour
Our good friends The Slow Show have just recently released their second EP 'Brother'. No prizes for guessing who they asked to design it for them! It's available now, direct from their website. After being chosen by the BBC to support Elbow last year, they've also played live sessions on Radio 2 and described as 'just beautiful' by Jo Whiley. They're now embarking on a European tour – poster above. For tickets, visits their website.
26 October 2012
Raising The Titanic
We're delighted to have recently been appointed to redevelop the web presence for Belfast's Titanic Quarter, one of the world’s largest urban-waterfront regeneration schemes by Harcourt Development.
A holding site has just gone live ready for the new website to launch in November. Watch this space for more details very soon.
12 September 2012
Drumbeat Gets Colourful For MediaCityUK
We've created a suite of brochures to promote the commercial office space available at MediaCityUK.
The three brochures, packaged in a bespoke presentation box, outline the opportunities within Orange, White and Blue, the three office towers. MediaCityUK is the new home for the BBC, ITV, Coronation Street and more than 80 smaller creative businesses.
Andy Heggs, Creative Director explains: "We wanted the brochures to work as a collective, but still retain a sense of individual personality, much like the buildings themselves. Each has been designed by a different architect and each will appeal to a different type of occupier, but the overall mosaic of the place is great. We hoped to echo this within the brochure suite".
The brochures were formatted to sit alongside The Peel Group's corporate portfolio and MediaCityUK's promotional brochures, also created by Drumbeat.
Alongside the hard copy brochures, interactive PDFs were also produced for electronic distribution.
5 September 2012
Drumbeat Reveals New Mobile Agency, With a Wink And a Nudge
Exciting news – Drumbeat has launched a standalone mobile development agency: Wink Nudge.
Based at The Greenhouse in MediaCityUK, the new mobile agency, headed by Tim Makin, will provide mobile application development and advice to those looking to improve their own brand's mobile offering.
From native apps, to integrated campaigns, where mobile may only be part of the broader marketing package, the new agency promises to "make mobile magic".
Makin explains: "As Drumbeat's digital services offering has continued to evolve we couldn't ignore the relentless emergence of mobile. As a matter of course we were building mobile optimised and adaptive websites for clients, but more recently, the demand for bespoke mobile web and native applications has increased dramatically". The new venture is in response to this demand which has come from fellow agencies and direct clients alike.
As well as providing consultancy and development services to First Group on their mobile ticketing platform, Wink Nudge has already completed several "white label" native iphone and ipad apps for fellow local agencies and will shortly be launching a cycling safety app with publishing giant Future Publishing.
Wink Nudge promises a plain english approach to an area where sometimes a lack of technical knowledge can prevent businesses from taking the bold step into the otherwise untested and potentially lucrative mobile arena.
Visit the Wink Nudge website here: winknudge.co.uk
Or why not follow Wink Nudge on Twitter: @wink_nudge
22 August 2012
Building Momentum
We've created a promo video for our lovely new client Momentum Instore – they are a leading retail marketing services agency. You can take a sneaky peek here…Plus a new magazine rounding up their recent projects and insightful retail articles.
13 July 2012
Plain Sailing
After a winnning pitch we've rebranded Atlantic Gateway, a huge regeneration project accross the North West to promote growth, sustainibility, infrastructure and connectivity. So far we've set up a temporary holding site, with the new website launching soon, plus a brand new business plan document.
Holding site: atlanticgateway.co.uk
6 July 2012
On The Road
The AdVan we've just created for Cruelty Free International's global campaign, partnered by The Body Shop, is zooming around the streets of London.
Have you signed the petition to stop testing cosmetics on animals? crueltyfreeinternational.org
7 June 2012
New Match of The Day Presenters
Ahem…friends in high places! Drumbeat takes over the Match of The Day studio.
8 May 2012
Lets Make Some Noise!
The Drumbeat drumsticks are officially back! We're currently working away to get them ready to drop on a doorstep near you.
19 March 2012
Cruelty Free International Website Launch, Supported By Ricky Gervais
We've just launched a new website on behalf of the BUAV which takes the campaign against product testing on animals to an international audience.
Cruelty Free International is a new global non-profit organization which spells out the vision to end product testing on animals worldwide. The organisation is an allegiance between the BUAV and US based NEAVS.
Ricky Gervais, the organisation's high profile celebrity ambassador states: "I am delighted to support the launch of Cruelty Free International, the exciting global campaign to end the use of animals in product testing. Animal testing for cosmetics is still allowed in most of the world. That means thousands of animals can continue to die for the sake of a new shampoo. We urgently need a worldwide ban on this cruel and unnecessary suffering."
With the A-lister's help, Cruelty Free International aims to place the issue of animal testing on the agenda of many governments for the very first time as part of a global strategy to tackle product testing.
The multiple language website features a promo video from the comedian, shot specifically to spearhead the campaign. It also integrates Facebook and Twitter activity to create and capitalise on awareness through social media channels. For supporters, the site features prominent campaigning calls to action enabling them to add their own voice to the cause.
Drumbeat has also created branded Facebook pages to support the campaign.
www.crueltyfreeinternational.org
In the news:
The Drum: Cruelty Free International Website, featuring Ricky Gervais, developed by Drumbeat
20 February 2012
We’re Highly Rated By Our Clients
We're chuffed we've recently achieved Recommended Agency Register status, after being highly rated by our very lovely clients.
RAR is an online sourcing tool for marketing and procurement professionals to find recommended design, digital and marketing agencies like ourselves.
Thank you to everyone that recommended us!
More info: www.recommendedagencies.com
24 January 2012
Midpoint 18 Website Launches
Drumbeat has designed and launched a new website on behalf of Pochin Developments Limited, to promote their landmark Midpoint 18 development.
Drumbeat was appointed following presentations from 5 agencies. Brian Reay, Property Director for Pochin said: "Drumbeat's creative approach and technical expertise impressed us in their presentation and now the site is live I'm pleased to say we are equally as pleased with the finished product."
The site has been developed to showcase the diverse and bustling nature of the emerging community of businesses at Midpoint 18 and highlight the existing and future phases of the development.
Andy Heggs Creative Director for Drumbeat said: "We've created a website that does the location justice. Whilst there's planning consent for future phases, it's also already an established, successful and bustling business park and we really wanted this to come through in the design and functionality of the site. We've also introduced a quick search function to help visitors quickly establish if Midpoint 18 suits their accommodation requirements."
In the news:
The Drum: Pochin Development Enlist Drumbeat For Midpoint 18 Website
How-Do: Drumbeat Launches Midpoint 18 Site For Pochin
13 January 2012
Drumbeat Presents: The Peel Group Portfolio
Following a winning pitch, we've designed and produced a new portfolio brochure to showcase the vision and varied businesses of our new client The Peel Group. Peel is a major player in many sectors, including retail, ports, real estate, energy and media, where it owns MediaCityUK at Salford Quays and Pinewood Shepperton Studios in Buckinghamshire.
The brochure has been designed to give an introduction to The Peel Group's wide range of assets, investments and partnerships, and provide an overview of Peel's current key projects.
Paul Newman, director of communications, The Peel Group, said: "Peel is a modern, dynamic, forward-looking group of businesses. The new portfolio brochure reaffirms the integrity of the Peel brand and the centre-spread feature does an excellent job of promoting our support and ambition for Atlantic Gateway."
At a handy size, the brochure is designed to be easy-to-use, but the carefully selected paper stocks and finishes help to create a very high quality feel and a sense of understated assurance. With many of Peel's stakeholders and partners beyond the North West and indeed the UK, we've also created an interactive e-brochure for online distribution.
In the news:
The Drum: Portfolio Brochure Designed To Promote The Peel Group's Services
How-Do: Manchester Agency Bangs The Drum For Peel
12 January 2012
Open For Business
Hot off the press, some new work for our friends Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester. Their publications are a real pleasure to work on. With some well established design guidelines and a liberal use of metallics and foil finishes to the print work, the end results are always satisfying!
20 December 2011
Fast. Fresh. Fusion. Food
We're very pleased to have recently started work with Rice Bar & Grill, a restaurant chain offering 'fusion' dishes from all over the world.
Based primarily in Manchester, the restaurant is now undertaking a significant franchise programme, which means the rapid expansion of the business from 6 outlets to a nationwide roll out.
Our initial remit was to refresh the identity to create a nationally recognisable brand, whilst retaining the essence of the original logo. In addition to this we have also re-designed and produced the new menus for the existing outlets, including both table and takeaway versions, as well as launch materials for the opening of a new Sheffield outlet.
17 November 2011
MediaCityUK Mobile Website Launches
Great to be unveiling our new mobile website for MediaCityUK this week. We're firm advocates of the 'content is king' adage, but it shouldn't ever be at the expense of a seamless user experience. The full MediaCityUK website (that we also lovingly crafted) is information rich, but the content required restructuring to better suit the demands and screen sizes of mobile browsers.
When considering whether to run with a native or mobile web application, we referred to the existing main site analytics to inform the best direction. The stats showed that whilst the vast majority of mobile visitors were accessing via iphone, there was still a smaller proportion of visitors using Blackberry, Android, Windows and Nokia devices to browse the site. With this in mind, the mobile web approach presented itself as the more cost effective and the most inclusive solution.
So, now it's complete, regardless of how you prefer to browse the MediaCityUK site; whether at your desk, or on the go, regardless of handset type, you are guaranteed an intuitive, seamless and beautifully designed experience.
In the news:
How-Do: MediaCityUK Launches Mobile Optimised Website
The Drum: MediaCityUK Unveils Mobile Optimised Website With Drumbeat Creative
The Guardian: MediaCityUK On Monday
5 November 2011
Feeling Responsive
Take a shufty at a nice little responsive website design project for everyone's favourite bookkeeping service Key Business Solutions. Anyone who's ever found themselves in the unfortunate position of owing Drumbeat dosh, will undoubtedly already know the menacing tones of Jonny J, our pit-bull-like-Mancunian-money-chaser. However when he's not getting all aggro and threatening with Drumbeat creditors, he also does a surprisingly professional job of legitimately keeping books for many aspiring businesses in the region.
As you'd expect, he approached Drumbeat to pull together a new website for his company. Not content with delivering a static desktop experience for our bestest bookkeeping buddy, we've designed and a fully responsive website, whereby the content adapts to suit the viewers browser screen size. Test it on your mobile, tablet and desktop. Nifty eh? Watch it respond before your very eyes…
And remember to always stay on Jonny J's good side, you won't like him when he's angry (Angry Manc App).
1 November 2011
Nice cards
There's a saying that goes (something like): "There's nothing that another man can't make a little worse for a little less". Unfortunately in these austere times, this premise seems to have hit the humble business card hard. We've seen some proper shockers being shamefully shuffled across board room tables recently and came away from a meeting last week with two that definitely had the desperate reek of serviceway kiosk graphical handiwork.
Without getting all American Psycho here, does anyone recall a time when your business card was just that – a card that reflected your business? It was your handshake, your personality, your word. It was your shop window, before the internet became your shop. It was a representation of you and your business and it's outlook to the wider world…
Please step forward IWorks. A client who (as you can see) firmly, confidently and rightfully believes in that other well know saying: "You get what you pay for".
25 October 2011
The Slow Show’s Latest Gig
We're very pleased to announce the launch of a spanking new website for our talented friends The Slow Show. These lovely local lads are rather good! If you were lucky enough to land tickets for the Elbow homecoming gig at Manchester Cathedral, you'll see and hear precisely how good, as they're the BBC's chosen support act for the gig. We think they're set for big things and hope the website does them justice.
Hop on the site, have a listen and if you like what you hear, give their The Midnight Waltz EP a whirl. Just hope they remember us when they're rich and famous.
10 October 2011
Tasty, Green And Good For You!
Nurture, nourish, grow flourish; that's the underlying ethos of The Greenhouse at MediaCityUK. The former contractors HQ has been architecturally overhauled to provide immaculate and contemporary office space for smaller businesses looking to be part of the emerging MediaCityUK community.
To help launch The Greenhouse we harvested a delicious assortment of organic goodies that reflected the sustainable nature of the project and the nurturing properties of the location. The finest organic strawberries were hand picked from the Drumbeat gardens and coffee cup seedlings were individually and lovingly planted in the Drumbeat potting shed. Throw in a few ornamental garden gnomes for good measure and you've got yourself a bumper goody bag harvest.
The Greenhouse: tasty, green and good for you!
the word on the beat
- RT @nojjyboy: Good people of @mediacityuk get yourselves to the Greenhouse for some of @mrstweggs home-made cakey goodness. http://t.co/IVl…
- RT @AlfieStudioDog: I do freelance... 250 biscuits per day! RT @Pvt_Parkinson: Kind of wish @amazeplc had an @AlfieStudioDog sometimes.
- Ploughed our way through an obscene amount of sweets this week, thanks @lisahillbilly, but we have some brilliant work to show for it!
- @timmakin Always a pleasure Timmo! Congratulations on becoming a road menace once again.