Agency news
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March 2010 saw the culmination of not one, but four exciting projects for MGA and SGA. From Glasgow to Windsor via Merseyside and London, we launched a unique quartet of events across the UK. For tickets to any of our fantastic events, email hello@sgaproductions.com
Wallace & Gromit present A World of Cracking Ideas’ was developed for the Intellectual Property Office and initially opened at the London Science Museum to great success in 2009. It now welcomes visitors into the world of inventions and cracking contraptions north of the border at the Glasgow Science Centre, from 2nd April to 20th November.
Our second Aardman Animations event this year, ‘Wallace & Gromit in Space’, opened at Spaceport in Merseyside on 25th March, set for a two-year residency. The exhibition sees the dynamic duo blast off for a second grand day out at Wallace’s Moon Base Exploration Station. To support the event we also developed a fully-integrated promotional campaign that included press advertising, leaflets and flyers, TV and radio commercials and outdoor marketing.
We also launched SGA’s 2010 programme at LEGOLAND Windsor, running from 20th March to 7th November – including new puppet shows, ‘the Pirates of Skeleton Bay’ stunt show and the autumn fireworks.
And finally we returned home to London for our npower stand launch at the Ideal Home Show at Earls Court, running from 20th March to 5th April. (Updated – March 2010)
MGA Wins Airbus Military International Advertising Account
We’re proud to announce that Airbus Military has retained MGA as its advertising agency after we won a three-way pitch against Publicis, who holds the Airbus commercial aircraft account, and local Spanish agency Ruiz Nicoli Lineas.
Madrid-based Airbus Military has managed the A400M airlifter project since 1999, taking over from the Euroflag consortium. It is also fully responsible for the military multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) derivative of the Airbus A330.
Our expert knowledge of the aerospace and defence industries, has been invaluable while working on the A400M account since 1993 and Airbus Military is seeking to further develop its public image and raise awareness of its wide range of military aircraft. A corporate national press campaign as well as product-focused campaigns in trade press and online have been introduced by MGA so far in 2010.
MGA’s Managing Director Peter Gibbon said: “We are delighted with this win. The strength of our creative ideas and our industry insight helped us to win out against very strong competition. Even though we are a small agency, we use that to our advantage – our responsiveness and levels of client service are second to none. We’re glad Airbus Military wanted our good relationship to continue.”(Updated – March 2010)
Our visionary thinking is awarded
Following our recent news post (October - 'MGA shortlisted for B2B marketing awards'), we're delighted to announce that ESRI (UK) and MGA were 'highly commended' in the category of 'Best Live B2B Marketing Initiative' at the B2B marketing awards. The welcome accolade recognises the fantastic results ESRI (UK) achieved at their EMEA User Conference 2008, all supported by the theme and visual identity created by MGA. (Updated – December 2009)
An eventful evening
While we always believe the real test of the work we produce is how our clients respond to it, we certainly don’t sneer at award nominations. SGA, the events arm of the MGA Group, were recently shortlisted for the prize of ‘Best Launch Exhibition’ at the 2009 Event Awards, for our ‘Wallace & Gromit present A World of Cracking Ideas’ experience created for the Intellectual Property Office.
Only pipped to the post in the category by eventual winners of the coveted ‘Grand Prix’ award, the Science Museum exhibition won ‘Highly Commended’, and was the subject of much discussion during the post-awards party.
The glittering ceremony, held at London’s Park Lane Hilton on September 25th, involved the cream of the UK’s best event and experiential agencies celebrating all things inventive and highly creative in the industry in 2009. The evening involved black ties and high heels, a three-course meal and plenty of bad dancing by all. (Updated – October 2009)
MGA shortlisted for B2B marketing awards
2008 saw MGA work closely with the Geographic Information Systems expert ESRI (UK) in developing their EMEA User Conference. Utilising the central theme of ‘GIS for everyday life’, MGA produced a full suite of communications for the event, which was attended by over 1,600 professionals from around the world – far exceeding the client expectations for delegate numbers.
Based on the work we produced, MGA is now shortlisted as finalists in the B2B marketing awards in the category of ‘Best Live B2B Marketing Initiative’. The results will come at the end of November. Watch this space…(Updated – October 2009)
The perks of working with a cruise line!
Following a mutually-beneficial two-year relationship with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, MGA was recently given the opportunity to experience first-hand what makes their offering so appealing to so many repeat cruisers. In September, Creative Director Barry Whitehead and Account Manager Steve Hey were welcomed aboard Balmoral for a three-day cruise to Copenhagen.
In an attempt to gain a more in-depth appreciation for the company’s offering, Barry and Steve enjoyed a tour of the vessel, the food and drink, entertainment, health and fitness facilities, and the range of accommodation available onboard the largest ship in the Fred. Olsen fleet. The trip was hugely successful in providing an insight into the style of cruising, and those it appeals to, that sets Fred. Olsen so far apart from their competitors. A very welcome treat making the rest of the agency very jealous….(Updated – October 2009)
Reaping the benefits of doing what we do best
The best way to ride out an economic downturn is to be the best – at utilising your existing expertise and at looking for creative solutions to solve difficult problems. We’re lucky then, that that’s our business. Here at MGA we haven’t buried our heads in the sand during the recent months of worldwide financial difficulty, but we have had our heads down. Working hard to provide exciting and interesting ideas for our clients that, most importantly, also work hard for their businesses.
Our approach has been paying off. We’ve recently won the pitch to develop a suite of communications for Jones Lang LaSalle; successfully pitched for the Murphy Group corporate website; begun working with new client ThalesRatheonSystems; and are working closely with some of our key clients to promote exciting new product ranges, re-position a brand and to produce a highly-creative corporate video.
Still awaiting the results of a series of pitches, MGA are looking to end 2009 on a high. (Updated – October 2009)
MGA In A World Of Cracking Ideas
Our specialist events arm, SGA Productions, have been busy since early 2008 planning, designing and producing a stunning interactive experience at the Science Museum, London. Funded by the Intellectual Property Office (formally the Patent Office), it is hosted by those cracking creations of Aardman Animations, Wallace and Gromit.
The hugely involving exhibition aims to appeal to young people and families, and encourages them to unleash their own creativity. By entering the world of Wallace and his faithful pooch on a tour of their famous home on West Wallaby Street, visitors will experience first hand a host of cracking contraptions and inspiring ideas.
As well as being treated to great inventions past, present and future, including items from the Science Museum's collections, visitors will also have an opportunity to interact with a selection of Wallace's own 'cracking contraptions' such as the Tellyscope II, the Piella Propellor and the Blend-o-Matic.
Having being thoroughly inspired, visitors will learn how great ideas can transform into valuable products and lucrative businesses, and how intellectual property can be protected, using registered design, trade marks, copyright and patents.
MGA have been responsible for creating the graphics and messaging applied throughout the experience, and the months of development will culminate on 26th March for the press and VIP launch. The £2.1 million exhibition is then expected to run for seven months from 28th March, before moving to York and touring the country. For more information, take a look at www.crackingideas.com (Updated – March 2009)
MGA's ideas continue to fuel campaign
MGA's work for Jet has resulted in some glowing industry praise. The company was recognised at the 2008 Forecourt Trader Awards, attaining high commendation for its 'Fuelling the Local Community' brand strategy campaign. The category, 'Oil Company Initiative', was sponsored by the International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Show
MGA developed the 'Fuelling the Local Community' positioning and identity and rolled the campaign out across the national Jet service station network in 2007-2008. This including initiatives such as 'The School Run Code' and the 'Local Life' photography competition. Click for more details. (Updated – October 2008)
A Productive Collaboration
August saw the MGA Group acquire a new specialist arm, further developing its range of communications capabilities. SGA Productions, an events company specialising in international conferences, shows and venue decoration, add even more valuable ideas to the mix with their individuality, creativity, professional approach and attention to detail.
Their past experience includes work with Butlins, LEGOLAND, the City of London Corporation and ICI Paints, and MGA will be working closely with the team on a hugely exciting upcoming project with the triple award-winning Aardman Animations Ltd. (Updated – September 2008)
MGA stealing a march
In the current financial climate, a number of companies are reluctant to speculate when it comes to marketing. But while many are cutting communications spend, businesses actually have an ideal opportunity to steal a march on the competition. MGA have produced a report that highlights just how effective advertising in a recession can be.Contact us to arrange a full presentation . (Updated – September 2008)
MGA helps BISSELL get Gold!
MGA has helped BISSELL to scoop the Gold Award at the prestigious DIY Industry Awards 2008. The prize came in the category of best product packaging, for the BISSELL PROheat All Rounder.
As part of the launch of the innovative new product, MGA designed and developed the packaging to house the multi-task cleaning machine, which is designed for use all around the house. MGA developed an integrated communications campaign, including a TV commercial and point of sale material ' linking effectively with the Award-winning packaging.
The Industry Awards celebrate the cream of the year's new products in the DIY, hardware and housewares industries. Representatives from all three sectors gathered at the Royal Lancaster on 9th May to applaud the year's most innovative products. More than 350 guests packed into the awards ceremony to hear the announcement of the winners of the cherished Gold Awards.
The All Rounder received the Award to finish ahead of the Royal Worcester 'Jamie at Home' range and Hahn cookware. (Updated – June 2008)
New offices, same ideas, new work
We're firmly settled into our new offices following the move in May, and it's a good job we are. June was a particularly busy month here at MGA, with new clients arriving all the time.
We have developed a new logo and full positioning for the Global Village Energy Partnership (GVEP). GVEP International have worked since 2002 to help developing countries set up energy action plans and assist with the associated studies and demand analysis, accelerating access to energy around the world.
UTC Fire & Security, owners of leading brands of fire & security protection, are another company we have begun working with this year. We have developed new positioning, web presence and a promotional brochure for the new UTC division.(Updated – June 2008)
MGA to continue effective partnership
Following a number of years working closely with the regeneration agency, English Partnerships, in the first half of 2008 MGA pitched to continue developing the relationship that has seen us create a huge range of material for a number of years.
The pitch was highly successful, meaning MGA are the only incumbent agency to be asked to continue working with English Partnerships. (Updated – May 2008)
MGA just keep growing
Following the successful greeting of four new staff members in 2007, and due to the fact that MGA's ideas are still exciting new people all the time, June saw the introduction of some more new people to the agency.
Sarah Baker and Edward Lodge, both new members of the Account Handling team, are jumping headfirst into agency life and already working effectively with the team. (Updated – May 2008)
MGA take off with their ideas
At MGA, we're proud of creating an environment where great ideas take off. Recently, the Catherine Place environment was becoming slightly cramped. So we thought it was about time we took off too. As from 9th May 2008 our new, larger space will be at 29 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QL, where it will be business as usual for us and for our ideas. Click here for our new details and map. (Updated – May 2008)
MGA gets CPD accreditation
The IPA's Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in Advertising Standard is the industry's training and people development standard. Commitment to achieving the standard is now mandatory for IPA membership. MGA has attained full CPD accreditation. (Updated – April 2008)
Journeys of Distinction appoint MGA
February 2008 brought hugely exciting news for MGA, when Journeys of Distinction named us as their new agency. The specialist travel company that offers fully escorted tours of, among others, New Zealand and Australia, are keen to promote their leisurely brand of pleasantly relaxed guided holidays. They have appointed MGA to create national press advertising and a direct mail campaign to customers and prospects. (Updated – February 2008)
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and MGA to work on Fly-Cruise
Early 2008 saw the beginnings of a new relationship for MGA - one with the travel industry. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines embraced our ideas in their production of material to promote their Fly-Cruise brand. January saw the development of a 36-page brochure that highlights the benefits of this style of holiday. Production and distribution of 330,000 copies, complete with twelve different agent covers, followed in February, including a mail shot to over 50,000 customers and prospects. (Updated – January/February 2008)
MGA to develop material for ESRI (UK) EMEA User Conference 2008
Working closely with the ESRI (UK) team for the past year, MGA have enjoyed getting their teeth into a wide variety of projects. With the EMEA International User Conference scheduled for October, 2008 looks like being exciting from beginning to end.
MGA have already developed the first stage material for the conference, which promises to be a huge event for GIS this year. Planning and implementing stage two are next on the blocks, followed by the conference itself. (Updated – January 2008)
MGA take on some new thinkers
MGA has boosted both its account and creative teams this year, by taking on three dynamic new Account Handlers and an exciting young Designer. The four new members of staff, James Richie, Katherine Sheen, Steven Hey and Dylan Soopramania, all arrived within two weeks of one another, and have already proved to be valuable additions to the team.
James, a new Account Manager, is working closely with Thales, JET and BISSELL. Katherine and Steven, both Account Executives, are working alongside the account team on JET, Clifford Chance and Airbus Military, and ESRI (UK), Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and ICI, respectively. Dylan, in his first full-time position as a designer and reporting directly to our head creative team, is producing some exciting work for many of our major clients.
As MGA continues to grow and develop, these recent additions to the team are proving invaluable, all adding some great ideas to the mix. (Updated – Pre–Christmas 2007)
Jet appoints MGA
MGA has been appointed by Jet, the UK's fifth largest fuel retail brand, to create all its UK advertising and marketing communications activity. MGA's first work will break in all 480 Jet Service Stations later this summer, and will be launching a new and distinctive positioning in the market for the brand. (Updated – June 2007)
MGA wins ESRI account
MGA recently won the ESRI (UK) and Ireland account. ESRI (UK) is part of the global ESRI network. With the single, largest pool of Global Information Systems (GIS) expertise in the UK, the company is the technical authority on GIS.
Our task includes developing a corporate brand refresh, event sponsorship and company literature.
Watch this space... (Updated – May 2007)
