27th July 2010
Kirsty’s big catch at Burra’s annual eela competition onboard Arnold Goodlad’s boat the Shearwater
27th June 2010
Louise joins NAFC to take part in Simmer Dim half Marathon
Four representatives from the NAFC Marine Centre took part in this year's Shetland Simmer Dim Half Marathon (27 June) and, through their efforts, raised around £550 for the Fishermen's Mission.
Our account manager, Louise Rosie, who provides marketing and PR support for the NAFC Marine Centre, was joined by NAFC staff members Dan Stone, June Hamilton and Nicola Davies during the 13.1 mile run.
Louise said: “Choosing to run for the Fishermen’s Mission meant that, as well as improving my health and fitness, I was able to give something back to a very worthy local cause. I hope that, through our efforts, we’ve helped to put the Fishermen’s Mission in the minds of fellow runners, well wishers along the route and the general public.”
6 May 2010
Shaw clients win Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2010
We are absolutely delighted that two of our clients were winners at the recent Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2010, held at the Benromach Distillery in Forres.
Grieg Seafood Hjaltland UK Ltd won best Fish and Seafood Product for its WildWaters smoked and marinated salmon range.
And in the Best Meat Product category, Deeside Smokehouse, won the top award for its Cold Smoked Venison, Pheasant Salami and Deeside Glider.
Managing director of Grieg Seafood Hjaltland Ltd, Michael Stark, said: “We are delighted to have won another prestigious award for our WildWaters smoked and marinated salmon. A lot of hard work has gone in to developing the range and it is particularly gratifying to see it achieve such recognition.
“We take great pride in having developed an award-winning range in-house using our own salmon which are grown, processed and smoked or marinated right here in Shetland.”
The WildWaters range is available as whole sides, loins and sliced packs with new and interesting flavours set alongside the more traditional smoked and organic smoked salmon.
The distinctiveness of the range is reflected in the strong WildWaters brand and sophisticated packaging, created by Shaw Marketing and Design through 2009/10. Earlier this month we also completed the design and build of the company’s new website – www.shetland-products.com.
Our entire design and artwork team have worked on this WildWaters project over many months, beginning with the WildWaters identity and then creating the extensive range of packaging, marketing, exhibition and corporate materials, in addition to the website. Production of the range of materials has also been managed by the Shaw team.
For Deeside Smokehouse, we worked closely with Serena Humphrey to create the brand identities for Deeside Vegetables and Deeside Hampers. A passion for locally produced, seasonal food led Serena to a business opportunity that filled a gap in the market for quality smoked game from Aberdeenshire - an area perceived to be rural and well stocked with game.
We were also delighted to work with Scotland Food & Drink in designing and producing the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards ‘Book of the Night’, which was received by over 350 guests who attended the prestigious awards ceremony in Forres.
21 April 2010
Shaw's Shetland Office Celebrates Tenth Anniversary
The Shaw Shetland team: standing: Rona Simpson, Louise Rosie and Victoria Tait; seated: Isabel Johnson and Kirsty Halcrow; with managing director Alastair Bruce
Shaw's Shetland office is celebrating its tenth anniversary this week with a birthday event for clients and a two-day conference in Lerwick for all its Edinburgh and Shetland-based staff.
Over its ten years, the company has established a strong track record through the delivery of a wide range of services, including branding, graphic and digital design, strategic marketing consultancy, public relations, print management and web development. A notable feature of the past twelve months has been the company's significant developments in its online marketing services which have combined to position Shaw as one of the top agencies in this field in the country.
Deputy managing director, Isabel Johnson, said: "When we opened our Shetland office in 2000, we had a workforce of one and just two clients. We had many doubters but were determined to prove that Shetland could sustain a top-level marketing and design company. We have had wonderful support over the years from a series of great clients and we are delighted that our team here is now five-strong. In all, we have worked with more than 150 clients, not only in Shetland but also in Orkney, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Caithness, Inverness and Aberdeen.
"Most recently, we have been selected - after a tender process lasting almost twelve months - to be on the Scottish Government framework for design services (including web work) and display services. This was a massive tender and we are one of only five companies from throughout Scotland and elsewhere chosen for the design services contract, so we are, of course, extremely pleased and feel that this reflects the quality of service we can now offer."
The recent expansion in Shaw's digital marketing service has been a major initiative. "In the past, our strengths were on the design and copywriting aspects of web development and we partnered with web developers to manage the build side," said Isabel Johnson. "Now we have not only developed these capabilities in-house but we have also developed a series of complementary online and digital services which are offering potential for clients to market themselves across various media. "Above all, though, we are delighted to have reached this milestone anniversary and to be moving forward. We pride ourselves on our customer service and believe that it is this that makes the difference in our success and why we have been able to celebrate with all our staff and with our clients here in Lerwick this week. Clients can see that we really care about the work we do and that gives them confidence to continue building relationships with us. We are now looking forward to the next ten years."
22 February 2010
Shaw wins tenders for Scottish Government design services and display materials frameworks
Following a lengthy and extremely rigorous tendering process, we are absolutely delighted to have been selected by the Scottish Government as one of just five design companies for its framework agreement for the delivery of design services. The agreement will be used by the Government and its partners in the public sector.
We are equally delighted to have been selected as one of just three companies for its framework agreement to deliver display work.
Both wins came under the Government’s DPPAS (Design, Print, Publishing and Associated Services) Framework, with design services constituting Lot 2 and display materials constituting Lot 4.
“This is a massive achievement for us,” said managing director Alastair Bruce. “The marketing services sector in Scotland is not only hugely competitive but also brimful of talent, and to have emerged in both the Lots we were bidding for – against the cream of Scotland and beyond – is very satisfying indeed.
“It is also testament to the quality of our team. Many were involved in these tenders and all of our team provide that continuously improving quality of service which enabled us to record this success.”
Both contracts begin in April. The design services framework covers a wide range of activities, including graphic design for print and online requirements, brand management and application, web work, and copywriting and editorial services. The display materials framework covers such work as exhibition stands, banners, pop-up stands, display panels, signage, and portable displays.
“Public sector work has always had an extremely important role for this company, and having been selected for these two important framework agreements, we are very much looking forward to extending our partnerships with public sector clients,” said Alastair Bruce.
February 2010
Sad passing of our friend, Ross
It is with great sadness that we have to record the recent passing of our canine friend and office ‘mascot’, Ross. Ross was a fantastic character who brought his own style and presence to the Edinburgh office and he is already much missed by the staff and our many visitors, in whom he always took a huge proprietorial interest. Not so much a dog as a much-respected member of the Shaw team, his happy enthusiasm (as well as his keen sense of time-keeping) brought a smile to all who met him. He is remembered fondly.
18 September 2009
New project manager joins our Shetland team
We are absolutely delighted to welcome another new member to our team. Kirsty Halcrow joined our Shetland office as project manager on 14 September, bringing our complement here to five.
Kirsty graduated from Heriot-Watt University with a first-class honours in management with marketing earlier this year, her last year focusing on international marketing, marketing and management of SMEs, and retail studies. In the summer of 2008 she worked with Lerwick Port Authority and successfully developed awareness of the new Sail Training Scheme targeted at 18-25-year-olds – a project which won her runner-up spot in marketing placement in the national Shell Step Programme.
Educated at Scalloway Junior High and Anderson High School, Kirsty is a keen hockey player and also rows and swims.
Meanwhile, also in Shetland, account manager Victoria Tait left on maternity leave on 17 September and we wish her all the very best.
17 September 2009
Haddington Pipe Band triumphs at Scottish Event Awards
Haddington Pipe Band’s pipe major, David Leckie, receives the award.
(Photo: John Need Photography).
Haddington Pipe Band triumphed at the Scottish Event Awards on 11 September, winning one title for its excellent events work and then going on to collect a commendation.
The band won the Best Medium (ie medium-sized) Event category for the creation and organisation of its Pipe Idol and Massed Band Parades events earlier this year. It went on to win a commendation for the same events in the Best Traditional Event category.
It was a stunning result for the band, a voluntary group who were up against the cream of Scotland’s professional event managers. Haddington Pipe Band chairman, John McMillan, commented: "We saw at the superb awards ceremony the calibre of event organisers on Scotland and the amazing things they put together. It was, though, very special for us to realise that we were the only winner who had created an event for the sheer love of what we do rather than because it was part of our professional remit. That makes winning this title very, very rewarding."
Ahead of the awards ceremony, the chairman had paid tribute to Shaw Marketing and Design, who have designed a range of work since creating the band’s current identity in 2006 and who played an important role in the events initiative.
“Shaw worked with us to help clarify needs and strategies, stretching our thinking, supporting our good ideas and making them even better,” he said.
“Their innovation and professional commitment to our success was widely recognised by our organising committee and all our sponsors, professional judges, and performers. The splendid publicity material and event programmes they designed and produced were tailored to meet the requirements of a wide range of stakeholder - funders, East Lothian Council, three community councils, and the various pipe bands who participated, and, of course, the public. The high quality of Shaw's work drew many admiring comments and contributed hugely to the success of these unique events.
“We are very grateful indeed for their support.”
24 August 2009
Digital designer joins Shaw team
We are delighted to announce that we now have a dedicated digital designer on our team. Darren Wilson joined us on 24 August and will be leading our advance in the digital design field - an area where we have been making major strides in recent months.
Darren has more than 14 years' experience in branding and design for print as well as in digital design. A graduate in graphic communications, he was senior designer with a Stirling-based consultancy for seven years before coming to Shaw, and has worked with a wide range of public and private sector clients, including the University of Stirling, the Scottish Institute of Sport, the University of Edinburgh, ASCO plc, the European Union, the Business Relate Partnership, and Regent Gordon.
In addition to his creative expertise, he has extensive IT skills, while outwith his design career, he is currently studying for a diploma in geosciences with the Open University.
"Darren's joining Shaw is a great step forward for us," said managing director Alastair Bruce. "More and more we are developing branding and marketing initiatives for clients which embrace both 'traditional' and online routes, and having Darren on board will enable us to deliver comprehensive, fully integrated solutions. We are excited to have a designer with his skills and expertise working with us and are very pleased to welcome him to our team."
Pipe band pays tribute to Shaw
13 August 2009
Haddington Pipe Band has given Shaw a glowing tribute following the organisation’s nomination for two awards in the forthcoming Scottish Event Awards.
The band is one of only three organisations who have received more than one nomination and is a finalist in the Best Medium Event and the Best Traditional Event categories for its Pipe Idol and Homecoming Massed Band Parades event earlier this year – a noteworthy achievement for a small community group.
Band chairman John McMillan commented: “Shaw worked with us to help clarify needs and strategies, stretching our thinking, supporting our good ideas and making them even better.
“Their innovation and professional commitment to our success was widely recognised by our organising committee and all our sponsors, professional judges, and performers. The splendid publicity material and event programmes they designed and produced were tailored to meet the requirements of a wide range of stakeholder - funders, East Lothian Council, three community councils, and the various pipe bands who participated, and, of course, the public. The high quality of Shaw's work drew many admiring comments and contributed hugely to the success of these unique events, which is now recognised by the Scottish Event Awards nominations.
“We are very grateful indeed for their support."
The awards ceremony is to be held in Glasgow on 11 September. “We wish the band all possible success,” said Shaw managing director, Alastair Bruce. “They did a fantastic job with these events and they are rightly receiving the recognition they deserve.”
Gillian has a baby girl
We're delighted to announce that our senior designer, Gillian Scott, had a baby girl, called
Summer, on Tuesday 26 May. A healthy 8lb 2oz and 53 centimetres long - and looking fantastic.
Congratulations to Gillian and Steve. Welcome to the world, Summer.
Shaw creates prospectus for pioneering Rwandan agribusiness
28 May 2009
Shaw Marketing and Design has completed the design of a fundraising prospectus for the pioneering Rwandan agribusiness, Ikirezi Natural Products (www.ikirezi.com). The prospectus is the central document in Ikirezi’s international campaign to raise $2 million, which will enable it to develop further high-value sustainable agriculture in Rwanda.
Following the 1994 genocide which saw the murder of more than 800,000 Rwandans, an audacious vision has been set out for the country, which aims to move it from a subsistence economy to a middle income country in the space of a generation. Ikirezi is one of a small number of the pioneering value-added businesses who have the potential to improve rural economies dramatically, strengthen communities, and start to reverse the tide of ecological degradation. Established as a social enterprise in 2006 by managing director Nicholas Hitimana, Ikirezi works on a cooperative basis with more than 800 widows, orphans and small farmers to supply essential oils and other natural products.
“It has been a real privilege to work with Nicholas on this project,” said managing director Alastair Bruce. “It is not often one has an opportunity to support an initiative such as this which can transform so many lives and have an impact on the future of a country which has been through so much tragedy but is now looking forward positively and imaginatively. We wish Ikirezi every success in its fundraising efforts.”
The 40-page prospectus provides a full profile of the company, including its business background, financial projections, investment offer, markets, sales and production strategy, research and development, and organisation.
Created by Shaw designer Laura Ward in an attractive A4 landscape format - and utilising photography taken on the company’s co-operative sites – the brochure has already met with an excellent reaction.
Nicholas Hitimana commented: “Shaw Marketing and Design did an excellent
job of designing the Ikirezi prospectus and creatively bringing out the
whole story of the company. They did not overlook any relevant details and
came back with a product of superb quality."
Shaw creates new WildWaters range for Grieg Seafood Hjaltland
4 May 2009
Shaw Marketing and Design have created the identity and the distinctive new packaging for
the WildWaters range of smoked salmon products which has been launched by Shetland salmon
company, Grieg Seafood Hjaltland.
The striking black and gold packs show images of the product in groundbreaking flavours
such as pastrami, caipirinha (lemon pepper), orange pepper, shandana and limoncello.
With four of the varieties now in Asda stores across Scotland, managing director
of Shaw Marketing and Design, Alastair Bruce, said: “The brief for this project
was to create a brand and a distinct and elegant pack that focuses on the individuality
and quality of the product and clearly defines its origins.
“Having previously created the brand identity for WildWaters, senior designer Gillian Scott
has created a beautiful design approach that captures the prestige of the range. This
approach has been applied to the packaging to create a classic, clean, and luxurious
appearance which we are confident will appeal to the company’s target audience.
“The branding and packaging design also highlights the natural conditions in which the
fish are reared and offers flexibility for future developments. Initial testing in the
marketplace has been extremely positive and the packaging has been very well received.”
Shaw’s Shetland-based team also led the event management and PR for the opening of
Grieg Seafood Hjaltland’s £4.2 million extension to its existing processing plant, at
which the WildWaters range was launched. The official opening of the extension - which
will eventually create up to 70 new jobs in the islands and will allow the company to
produce 12,000 kg of smoked and marinated salmon a day - was carried out by Tavish Scott,
leader of the Scottish Liberal Party and MSP for Shetland.
Speaking at the opening, Michael Stark, managing director of Grieg Seafood Hjaltland,
commented: “We are especially proud to introduce our WildWaters brand of luxury smoked
salmon products which we feel has taken the value-added process to the next level.
The range was developed in-house and features some truly innovative flavours.”
