23 December 2011

ICG Highlights of the Year '11

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

14 December 2011

Senior ICG designer in Movember success


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!


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.

13 December 2011

THIS IS A JOB FOR....ICG


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.

8 December 2011

ICG promotes festive foodie heaven for Twelve



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.

6 December 2011

Can you guess what it is yet?


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...

1 December 2011

ICG in Logology2


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!

30 November 2011

Getting British Business Online

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

18 November 2011

NETWORKING & INVESTMENT IN BLACKPOOL

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.

17 November 2011

BBC Children in Need rocks at Scott Rees


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!

10 November 2011

Moustaches in November, it must be Movember


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

9 November 2011

Get the festive look


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


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!



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.

19 October 2011

ICG's own brochure - hot off the press!



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

12 October 2011

Blog Postings Soar During Legal Debate


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.

29 September 2011

Autumnal advertising all wrapped up!


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.

28 September 2011

Armacell campaign roll out by ICG


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.

27 September 2011

Fun, fashion and famous faces!



It was a day of fun, fashion and famous faces for the ICG PR team as they provided event support to client The Mall Blackburn at its official launch.

We were on hand to coordinate the movements of Coronation Street stars Katherine Kelly and Chris Fountain as they signed autographs, posed for pictures and took to the stage to introduce the fashions shows that took place.

Interviews with shoppers from across the country were also carried out by the team and will used to gain press coverage in titles in The Mall's catchment area and beyond!

Thousands of people flocked to The Mall Blackburn throughout the day to celebrate the completion of the £66m redevelopment and the ICG PR team will continue to work with the shopping centre to promote everything it has to offer on the run up to the festive period.

22 September 2011

Countdown to launch at The Mall Blackburn



With just days to go before the official launch of The Mall Blackburn the ICG PR team have gone into overdrive.


In recent weeks we have been busy promoting a model search for the people of Lancashire to star in The Mall's first ever TV advert and strut their stuff in in the five fabulous fashions shows that will take place throughout the day.

We have also been securing celebrity appearances by Coronation Street favourites Chris Fountain and Katherine Kelly, also known as heart-throb Tommy Duckworth and wild-child Becky McDonald.

The final publicity push is taking place this week and ICG PR will be on hand all day on Saturday 24th September to assist The Mall's management team with the smooth running of the massive event.

So if you are stuck for inspiration this weekend, head down to Blackburn for a fun day out for the whole family!

21 September 2011

ICG is creative and digital spark behind Freightlink Reload


When Europe's number one ferry booking specialist Freightlink needed to expand its portfolio, it once again turned to ICG for creative inspiration.

Our
design team was commissioned to produce branding for a new service called Freightlink Reload in line with the company’s current design which we created just over 12 months ago.

Clever use of colour to distinguish Freightlink Reload from its parent services was developed for a new micro website which was embedded with an animated introductory video presentation.

ICG’s digital team handled all design elements of the micro website as well as the design and build of the video.

Easily navigable web pages populated with clearly defined information about the benefits of the new service as well as specific details about where and how it is available were created.


Freightlink Reload went live this month, and ICG’s PR team is now working with the company’s trade press to launch the product and spread the word!



16 September 2011

CENTRAL TRAINING WEBSITE GRADUATES


ICG has launched a new website for client Central Training, a leading vocational and educational course provider.

With a vast amount of content to incorporate and four separate sub-divisions to include under the Central Training umbrella, it was a really challenging project.

Detailed analysis of the client's requirements at the 'site structure' stage as well as thoughtful use of branding to segregate information allowed us to design, copywrite and build an online presence that is stimulating, interactive and easy to navigate; we also made sure it was equipped with all the essential social media platforms!

View the website here

ICG TOASTS LANCASHIRE HOTSHOT


All the fun of the fair came to Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar after ICG helped one young chef become an official Lancashire HotShot.

ICG secured a place for the award-winning restaurant to take part in Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board's prestigious initiative which showcases culinary excellence.

For one night only, an up and coming young chef is given the chance to lead the kitchen and 22-year-old Graham Floyd from Twelve easily proved he has what it takes to succeed.

ICG liaised with the media team at Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist board to create an engaging storyline, playing on Graham's childhood growing up in the circus.

We provided pre-event photos and event photography, making sure everyone in the local press knew about what was happening, including The Blackpool Gazette, Sugarvine and Link magazine. We also made sure Twelve's Facebook and Twitter profiles were buzzing!

On the night, Graham and the team served up a dazzling quartet of fairground attraction desserts as well as masala popcorn and honeycomb lollypop! Guests were serenaded by circus music and photographs from Graham's years in the circus were featured on the floor to ceiling white board.

A great night was had by all!

17 August 2011

Trucks get a face!


One of ICG’s latest projects has been to devise a branded facebook presence for the UK division of IVECO.

The international manufacturer and supplier of commercial trucks, parts and diesel has worked closely with ICG’s creative team to develop an official facebook presence that is both engaging and relevant to its target markets.

Our digital team used bespoke facebook mark-up language to create engaging pages that deliver whilst retaining a close visual link to other IVECO digital content.

Scrolling model buttons, multiple ‘share’ links on photos, and structured content in the IVECO brand style all contributed to the successful completion of the task.

Fan numbers have already increased significantly, and ICG are currently taking steps to develop the site further to offer IVECO’s audience even more content.To take a look at the site please click here


9 August 2011

Pirates spotted in Blackburn!


ICG’s Managing Director, Denise Dawson and PR Manager, Paula Holden, became shipmates on the good ship HMS The Mall Blackburn at a Treasure Island themed Ewood Park for the centre’s annual Retailer Awards.

Dressed to impress in their best pirate costumes they joined the ICG PR client to celebrate the achievements of its 100 plus retailers and recognise the hard work and dedication of staff.

Denise also presented the award for Best Independent Retailer, which went to Degya News in a hotly contested battle against Time Piece and Blackburn News.

Other accolades went to Primark, New Look, JD Sports and Debenhams whilst Peter Jackson the Jewellers, Infinities, The Perfume Shop, Chris Shan and Orange were all celebrated for achieving 100 per cent in The Mall’s annual Mystery Shopper programme.

Attendees also got the chance to play Pirate Bingo, take part in a treasure chest lottery and have their pictures taken with a life-size cut-out of famous pirate, Jack Sparrow. All proceeds went to The Mall’s nominated charity The Blackburn Youth Zone.

14 July 2011

Giving total performance




ICG was tasked by BAE Systems' Military Air & Information business with bringing to life the stories behind seven inspiring individuals who represent the company's core values.


Our designers worked hard to devise a fresh creative solution without compromising corporate brand guidelines to profile seven individuals who demonstrate BAE Systems' key values of being trusted, innovative and bold.

Large scale photography combined with 'in their own words' editorial delivered real pace and impact.

The result? An eye-catching bespoke publication with a clear focus on sharing the stories of BAE Systems’ employees who are ‘Giving total performance’.

12 July 2011

Talking Tubes




Issue nine of Yorkshire Copper Tube’s bi-annual newsletter will be hitting the desks of plumbers and merchants across the country in the coming weeks – thanks to the team at ICG.

Since its inception in 2007 ‘Tube Talk’ has grown in popularity, and is now sent to more than 11,000 readers – all of which have specifically requested to receive direct mail from the leading copper tube manufacturer.

As well as writing and designing each edition from scratch, ICG’s marketing experts manage the database to ensure contact details are up to date whilst the PR team publicise the newsletter in targeted trade press.

This summer’s hot read covers a whole host of stories from the appointment key industry figure Neil Overton as Commercial Director to the company’s planned visits to the ever popular Plumbing and Heating Exhibition (PHEX) and its Environmental award success.

To subscribe to Tube Talk simply email your name, business name and address details to paula@icgonline.co.uk.

8 July 2011

Really wild day hailed a success!



When two ICG clients came together to host a really wild event for Lancashire families our PR team was on hand to spread the word and bring in the crowds.

We arranged for Blackpool Zoo to take its popular Zoo to You programme to The Mall Blackburn on Sunday 26th June and coverage on the run up included The Daily Telegraph website, Lancashire Telegraph, VisitBlackburn, Lancashireone.com, Click Lancashire and Wherecanwego.com

The event was hailed a huge success and children from across the county queued up for their chance to get hands on with Cyril the Madagascan Hissing Cockroach and learn more about animal artefacts including skulls skeletons and shed skins.

The PR team also arranged the photography and wrote targeted post event pieces aimed at press in the areas surrounding both The Mall Blackburn and Blackpool Zoo.

7 July 2011

Tasty Treat for Facebook Fans!



ICG client Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar tasked us with increasing the number of fans on its facebook page whilst raising awareness of its mouth-watering midweek market menus.

Our social media experts devised an engagement plan to entice fans to encourage other members of their communities to ‘like’ Twelve’s page and leave a wall post to tell us who recommended them.

The campaign launched this month and, at the end of the month the person who suggested the most friends will win a tasty treat in the form of a meal for two from the midweek market menu.

All the people that they recommended will also be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning too!
Click here for more information and start spreading the word.

1 July 2011

Press go wild for camel calves



When the ICG PR team issued a release about two Bactrian Camels being hand-reared at Lancashire’s local zoo the press went wild!

Local and national TV news programmes sent reporters and camera crews along to Blackpool Zoo for footage of the adorable double humped pair being bottle fed by specialist keepers.

Granada Reports, BBC Northwest Tonight, Daybreak and Channel Five News all covered the story along with BBC Radio Lancashire, the Blackpool Gazette, VisitBlackpool and VisitLancashire to name but a few!

With birthing season now in full swing the ICG PR team are on hand to ensure everyone is kept up to date with the latest baby news from Blackpool Zoo.

10 June 2011

Annual Reports - hot off the press




For the third year running, the ICG creative team and proof readers have been busy producing annual reports for two of our clients, BIFA (British International Freight Association) and Enterprise.

The creative documents are focused on delivering important key performance data and business commentary in a style that is engaging and informative to stakeholders.

Both feature bold infographics alongside dramatic cut-out imagery and clear narrative, outlining key events and highlights from the financial year.

The ICG team developed the report and accounts following auditor and financial guidelines and strict deadlines, working tirelessly to ensure that clients get their annual reports delivered on time.

2 June 2011

Tweeting for the legal eagles


ICG PR has been busy tweeting and blogging for the legal eagles at Scott Rees & Co Solicitors!

We have been working closely with the firm of personal injury claims specialists to keep their social media profiles active and updated with regular contributions to the blogosphere and twittersphere.

We’ve been spreading the good news about the firm’s recent client satisfaction survey.

Scott Rees questioned more than 180 clients and 89 per cent rated staff as ‘very good’ and ‘good’ for being approachable and proactive.

The PR team at ICG got to work on a press release, blogs and tweets within hours of the results being announced and the story was sent far and wide to the regional business and national legal press.

We’ve also been keeping everyone posted about Scott Rees’ contributions to the local community, charity feats by members of staff as well as advice about how to handle claims for compensation on the road, in the workplace and in public.

To see Scott Rees’ social media campaign in action, visit www.scottrees.co.uk

26 May 2011

ICG celebrates four account wins



ICG has added four fantastic accounts to its roster of retained clients in recent weeks.

Building on the success of our on-going work with Blackpool International, and the recent re-brand of Exeter Airport, we have been appointed to work on a branding and marketing strategy for the City of Derry Airport.

Internationally renowned manufacturer and supplier of trucks Iveco has tasked us with leading their new social media strategy whilst Armacell, a world leader in flexible, technical insulation materials approached us to work on a marketing campaign that will be launched in Autumn.

Last, but certainly not least, we will be working on a branding project for KBS Corporate, which is one of the largest independent business brokers in the UK.

It has been a busy start to 2011 here at ICG – watch this space for more news on exciting projects and account wins.

17 May 2011

Coverage boost for baby’s first birthday!



After the resounding success of our first video press release for Blackpool Zoo the ICG PR team produced more broadcast quality footage to celebrate the first birthday of Meisie the Western Lowland gorilla.

She is the first of her species ever to be born at the award winning attraction and we spent the morning behind the scenes at the zoo catching heart-warming and amusing material of Meisie with her group.

The footage was sent, along with a press release and pictures showing how she has developed since being born, to newspaper, magazine, TV and radio contacts across the globe.

As always, she was an instant hit with her adoring public. Coverage included the Daily Mail, Sky News, BBC News, VisitLancashire and VisitBlackpool, The Blackpool Gazette and BBC Radio Lancashire to name but a few.

We also used the video on the zoo’s facebook and pointed people to it via twitter, which led to positive comments and tweets galore!

4 May 2011

Marketing manager turns fashion guru



The Mall Blackburn’s marketing manager Samantha Butcher has been officially recognised as a fashion guru – thanks to the ICG PR team.

Our great relationship with the features writers at one of The Mall’s primary target publications, The Lancashire Telegraph, meant that we had our finger on the pulse when the paper decided to add to the rota of writers for its Fashion and Beauty column.

With Samantha’s fashion expertise and retail inspiration galore at The Mall Blackburn, the first ‘summer festival fashion’ piece was a huge success and the paper has commissioned four more columns.

Look out for top tips on all things fashion and beauty in The Lancashire Telegraph each Saturday over the coming weeks.

21 April 2011

Touchdown for Touchline



The latest edition of League Football Education’s newsletter was a real ‘team effort’ at ICG, with our design and marketing departments working together to ensure delivery before the final whistle of the season.

Aimed at apprentices, football clubs and stakeholders the quarterly publication is packed with all the latest news and views from LFE and its partners.

Results from the Football League Awards, pre-season tour information, a club profile on Stevenage and a review of Create Your Legacy events were just some of the inspiring stories featured.

Fresh and lively design is used alongside exciting, action packed photography and concise copy to draw and focus the reader’s attention. Following sign off the ball was passed to our marketing team to co-ordinate UK wide delivery.

Another great result for ICG.

ICG PR coverage coup for Blackpool Zoo



Another top national coverage coup for ICG PR came after Fern Britton’s new tea time chat show snapped up our offer of giving someone a dream work experience day at Blackpool Zoo.

Tight show turnaround meant that filming took place within days of initial contact with Channel 4, so we had to work quickly to ensure the schedule ran to plan.

We organised a full day’s filming and worked closely with management and keepers to gain backstage access to some of the zoo’s resident favourites.

Fern viewer Theresa Hopkins, an animal enthusiast who spends her spare time helping orphaned elephants in Sri Lanka, was over the moon to find out that she would be a keeper for the day and TV presenter Sarah Cawood fell in love with the sea lions and lemurs.

Just days later a sunny Blackpool Zoo was beamed into the living rooms of Fern fans across the country and ICG PR added another tick in the national coverage box for its clients.

19 April 2011

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE

There's no doubt about it, here at ICG we're all healthy go-getters.

When we're not running marathons, swimming or digging for victory in our allotments, we're getting saddle sore for charity!

Designers Emily Windle and Nicola Chew are in training for a 234-mile bike ride from London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris this June to raise money for the MS Society.

And the cycling bug is catching; fellow designer Ian Jones has been cycling to work too, while Creative Director Simon Couchman notched up his 9th marathon last week in Rotterdam's warm spring sunshine.

7 April 2011

ICG Spring into action for Realm




As spring collections burst into life at outlets across the country the ICG design team has been busy creating a series of national newspaper leaflet insert campaigns for a number of retail client Realm’s shopping outlets.

Each leaflet mirrors the respective outlet’s established visual campaigns and carries key sales messages appropriate for the relevant target audience.

Eye-catching close ups of fashion and homewares have been brought together and laid out to draw attention to key trends and money off coupons added as an extra incentive to attract shoppers.

They will be circulated as part of a regionalised promotional campaign in national newspaper Sunday supplements and be distributed through selected street teams in the areas around Clarks Village, Freeport Braintree, Lakeside Village and Freeport Fleetwood.

The leaflets form part of a larger Spring ‘above-the-line’ advertising campaign for several of Realm’s outlets –more news on these coming soon!