Key messages and Windows 8 for VIP Computers

Why choose VIP for selling Microsoft products? That was the strapline for a trade ad campaign on behalf of ICG client, VIP Computers.

The campaign focused on demonstrating the benefits of using the authorised Microsoft Distributor including its commitment to competitive pricing and its impeccable credentials as a long standing official distributor.

Clever use of icons and key message brought three complementary designs to life which were featured in the computer trade press including PCR magazine.

It was followed by a successive campaign to promote the forthcoming launch of Windows 8.

ICG, in partnership with VIP Computers had to meet specific Microsoft guidelines about the design of the pre-launch marketing collateral with the issue of information and imagery being tightly controlled before the new operating system is fully unveiled in October.

The campaign is being featured in the trade press while VIP Computers also issued a direct mailer to customers featuring a Windows 8 'upgrade offer' as part of a drive to encourage consumers not to delay buying new PCs, laptops or tablets preinstalled with Windows 7.

The issue of the A5 mailer was timed to coincide with Euros 2012 to reward VIP Computer customers with the chance to win a 3D gaming notebook.

Yeee....haaaa for The Mall's Retailers

Paula and Julie from the ICG PR team joined cowboys, Indians, a cow and even a horse at Ewood Park on Saturday 14^th July to celebrate The Mall Blackburn’s annual Retailer Awards – hoe-down style!

The annual event is aimed at celebrating the achievements of The Mall’s 100 plus retailers, recognising the hard work and dedication of staff who all came wearing their best wild west dress.

Primark, which has enjoyed another fantastic year in Blackburn, picked up two out of the eight awards including the ‘Shopper’s Award’; which as its name indicates, is voted for by the public as well as the sought after ‘Best Overall Retailer Award’ for the second year running.

Manager of Primark, Dawn Smith, was also presented with the Best Fancy Dress Award after impressing judges with her amazing ‘cowboy riding a horse’ outfit!

River Island won ‘Best Retail Presentation’, whilst New Look scooped the accolade for ‘Best Involvement in Marketing Initiatives’ for the second time in as many years. Once again, Debenhams took the top spot in The Mall Safe category for its work on health and safety.

The Best Independent Retailer went to Peter Jackson the Jeweller in a hotly contested battle against previous winner Degya News as well as Time Piece and Blackburn News.

ICG PR Manager Paula Holden presented the awards for The Mall’s annual Mystery Shopper programme, which was carried out earlier this year by internal staff from across the portfolio. Ann Summers, Eurochange, Thorntons, Infinities, Time Piece, Love Forever, First Choice, Santander, The Money Shop and Clinton Cards were all recognised after scoring an impressive 100 per cent in the surveys.

The evening was branded a huge success and the line-dancing went on into the night!

Digital Tube Talk Take Two!

The second digital edition of Tube Talk, KME Yorkshire's bi-annual newsletter, is hitting the inboxes of more than 10,000 plumbers, contractors, merchants, colleges and apprentices across the UK.

ICG managed the entire project from writing and designing to building and distributing it and our digital and marketing teams will now coordinate and manage a competition to win a Makita site radio.

Stories and features include the results of the latest industry wide survey, an interactive map of exhibitions and trade shows that KME Yorkshire is visiting this year, an in depth product spotlight and an article outlining strategic sales force changes at the company.

The dedicated microsite, www.tubetalk.co.uk, has also been updated with the latest issue and details of how to enter the competition.

Tube Talk was launched in 2007 as an eight page direct mail newsletter and made its digital debut in January 2012.

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

Lovely, lovely ice cream!

ICG PR client Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar's delicious home-made goat's cheese ice cream served with a salted chocolate tart was profiled in the June edition of Restaurant Magazine.

ICG arranged interviews with Chef Proprietor Paul Moss and provided photography for the feature which focused on how chefs were making their own ice cream to create innovative, quirky desserts.

And, ICG can vouch for its deliciousness (one of the perks of the job)!