Testimonial about Spring by Nathan Williamson
I approached Spring in summer 2007 about their designing me a website, business cards and other marketing strategies for my work as a freelance composer and pianist. It was the first time I had worked in web-based marketing and was apprehensive about pretty much everything I had heard about it - the cost, being driven down a road I didn't like, being a small fish in a big pond...
What immediately struck me about Spring was how interested they were in what I was doing. They hadn't ever worked with someone in classical music before, but through their own research they totally 'got' what I was after. They listened to my music, researched websites of other people in my field, and picked up quickly on the type of client I was trying to reach. They saw the goals clearly but from slightly outside the box. The result was a very effective website with exactly the right technical specifications I needed but a slightly different feel from the standard. It is my website, not a typical clone of other composer's websites - that's what I really like about it.
Spring designed business cards in tandem with the website image, and a typographical logo which lends a professional look to my own self-published work. They also brought in a photographer to work on the project to ensure the images on the website were in tune with the design as a whole. This was completely their idea and added a whole new dimension to the process and was worked into my budget. They have also followed up the initial design stages with other plans, including newsletters and strategies to market specific events.
The structure of the company is clear, with Erika and Simon dealing with my initial queries and referring me directly to the design/technical and other members of the team. I always knew who I was dealing with and why. The team are all friendly and professional. They stick to their quotes, which was a relief as, being in the early stages of my career, I was on a tight budget.
Spring combine energy and enthusiasm with an overall relaxed atmosphere. This is rare in most walks of life, but especially so in marketing where people tend to be either very lackadaisical or so finely tuned it restricts their creativity. Spring forge ahead with projects but it is driven by their own enthusiasm and commitment to the product. They basically enjoy making good products and being creative. I would recommend them to anyone.
Spring by Strident Group
Strident Group were introduced to Spring at an Institute of Directors event, where Erika Clegg had won, 'Businesswoman of the Year Enterprise Award 2007'.
As a board, we had decided that the marketing of our group of 4 companies needed revising and rebranding and were pleased to invite Spring to pitch for the project. In all we invited three companies to quote, one from the West End of London, another from Ipswich and Spring.
All three companies conducted in-depth interviews and produced comprehensive reports. However, from the start Spring's approach was different. There was an obvious desire to truly understand the Companies; their ethos, staff and Directors as well as their products and services. As a result it was straight forward for the Board to view Spring, not as a supplier, but an extension of our companies.
Spring was well organised and methodical which was vital, when working to a tight schedule. A timeline was produced with tasks and mile stones, which enabled us to commit the time necessary to provide Spring, with the information and detail they needed to research the project. An excellent level of understanding and empathy was developed, not only at Board level but through out our organisation, with every member of staff being involved and as a result, understanding the reason for the project as well as the roll they had to play.
Before Spring commenced the creative part of the project, they insisted upon understanding us. They did this by interviewing all colleagues, as well as carrying our surveys of clients, even some prospects along with full market research and competitor analysis. They then went into detail about our products and services. When this was complete, Spring then approached the directors for their philosophy, along with the aims and objects of our 5 year business plan. This completed, they were then able present authoritatively, their marketing strategy and creative brief for our new corporate identity.
Spring's pricing was competitive and their offer, comprehensive. As part of the Spinnaker Alliance they can call on expertise in areas such as an established creative agency, an internet business systems house and a photographic studio, a unique blend of complimentary skills, which enabled Spring to deliver against time and budget.
Spring are now retained by Strident Group to fulfil the Group Marketing Director roll managing areas such as website, Advertising, and PR.
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