Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 9
/NEWS
BRAND
SPECIALISTS
GIVE STILLER
NEW LOOK
A flourishing brand development agency
based in Newton Aycliffe has given one of
the town's biggest firms a new look.
Creative agency Echo Graphics, based in
Enterprise House at The HUB Workspace on
Aycliffe Business Park, has spent a number of
months re-branding Stiller Warehousing and
Distribution, which employs over 100 people at
its Ridgeway premises just off Whinbank Road.
The project has involved creating a new identity,
complete with brand guidelines for all company
vehicles, livery, business administration and
marketing materials. A brand new website will
also follow soon to complete the job.
Echo’s Creative Director Johnny Woods headedup the brand makeover, along with three other
members of his team: designers Tom Mather
and Sean Ford, and developer Sam Stonehouse.
He says a company's brand is fundamental,
and can often be underestimated.
"A firm's brand isn't just about a logo, it's about
an identity, and how a brand communicates
with its market," says Johnny.
"A strong brand creates loyal customers and can
set you apart from your competitors. If you have
a brand that communicates with its intended
market, that brings value in itself.
"Our skills are in creating brands that add real
value to your organisation and we can develop
brands across all marketing materials, whether
that's in print or online to ensure consistency,
which is also crucial.
"It basically means that you have consistency
across the board, which makes for a much
stronger and more coherent marketing
machine."
Echo moved from Derwentside Business Park
near Consett last November and has since
taken on three additional members of staff.
Designer Sean, 23, is from Jarrow and gained
a degree in graphic design from Northumbria
University. Tom, 25, also a designer, gained
a degree from New College Durham, while
22-year-old developer Sam, from Scarborough,
studied computer and science at Newcastle
University.
SALON GETS SMART
WITH COFFEEMAKING MACHINE!
A hair salon is increasing staff productivity after
having a state-of-the-art coffee-making machine
installed by a Newton Aycliffe firm.
Watercooler World Darlington, with its head
office at The HUB Workspace on Aycliffe
Business Park, has introduced the £2,500 Mini
Magnum to Get Smart hair salon in Willington,
County Durham.
And shop owner Diane Cundall says the digital
drinks maker has been a revelation, saving staff
hours while impressing customers.
"It's just fantastic," says Diane, who employs
four people at her salon. "Making sure our
customers are happy and comfortable is hugely
important to us, and a lot of them enjoy having
a cuppa as part of their visit.
"The Mini Magnum means we literally don't
have to worry about it, which enables my staff
to concentrate on the customer.
"One touch of a button and it's done. There are
lots of options and, more importantly, it actually
makes a lovely cuppa!"
The Mini Magnum's drink selections include
Latte, Cappuccino, Chocolate, Chocomilk,
Espresso and Mocha.
Echo now represents a range of firms across
the North East and has also won a new contract
with local training-provider ITEC and has worked
for a number of high profile Aycliffe firms Carlton and Co and the Soccer Factory to name
just two.
More details about Echo Graphics can be
found at www.echographics.co.uk
ABOVE: The Echo Graphics team (left to right):
Creative director Johnny Woods, designer Sean
Ford, developer Sam Stonehouse and designer
Tom Mather
Features also includes self-cleaning technology,
a full audit system and high-speed whipping.
Plus it's low voltage control and standby 'ecomode' means it's kind on your bills.
Watercooler World Darlington, established
in August 2012, looks after more than
50 businesses in the North East, from
Northallerton to Newcastle, supplying water
and hot drinks.
Brett Hall, area sales manager, said: "Of course
at this time of the year customers are more
keen on supplying water for their staff, but
we're seeing more and more interest in hot
drinks and the Mini Magnum machine really
is the most latest model out there.
"It's streamline, so it doesn't get in the way and
can fit just about anywhere, and on average
costs about 2p to make a cup, so it's affordable
for businesses of all sizes."
The latest machine is available to hire from
Watercooler World, with prices starting from
just £1.41 a day.
• Watercooler World are also offering Aycliffe
Business Park firms a FREE two-week trial
on all their supplies - call the team on 01325
952777 to find out more.