Another shameless plug for our green credentials
Ok, so we have established that almost all of us at Whitespace HQ either walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work. So we are already doing our bit, but what about travelling to client meetings and presentations out there in the big wide world?
Quite a few of our cyclists took on the Glasgow to Edinburgh challenge last Sunday, but frankly this is not practical from a day to day perspective. Obviously we take the train where possible, but we came across a hassle-free replacement for hire-cars, a much more cost effective approach than taxis, and a more practical alternative to trying to park your own car in and around town. The City Car Club. It's great, cars all over the city (and most importantly next door to our office), online booking, and amazingly cheap hourly rates. Shameless plug over, go check it out.
The only designer cashmere you will ever need
Whitespace have begun work with the team at Belinda Robertson Cashmere on a new range of brochures and marketing material for 2009. The photography has already been taken by Chris Blott and along with a new design and marketing strategy will aim to position the brand as the ultimate in designer cashmere. The new materials will be ready later this year with the aim of increasing sales in both the domestic and international market. Yes we are all excited, and yes we are all rolling around in luxurious cashmere.
Whitespace and HM Treasury working in Tandem
We are delighted to say that since the introduction of the Whitespace staff Bike to Work Scheme, 8 of us have taken advantage. The bike to work scheme is a simple and extremely cost-effective means of acquiring a new bicycle from Whitespace’s partners in the scheme, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op.
The Bike to Work Scheme takes advantage of HM Treasury tax incentives to encourage people to cycle to work (or in the case of most of the guys here, crazy downhill stupidness or ultra endurance madness).
How It Works
Staff choose a bicycle. Whitespace purchases the bicycle, plus any related equipment they might require such as lights and a helmet. Whitespace then leases this cycling equipment back to the staff member over a 12 month period.
Now This is the Good Bit*
Under the Bike to Work Scheme, the cost of leasing the bike comes off the employee's gross salary – i.e. before any tax. Whitespace are also passing the VAT saving onto staff as well so the net result is that they get to lease the bike of their choice and make huge savings – up to almost 50% off its retail price.
* Unfortunately this is only of use to Whitespace employees, but you could encourage your employer to take up the scheme, for more information visit www.edinburghbicycle.com.
The only designer cashmere you will ever need
Whitespace have begun work with the team at Belinda Robertson Cashmere on a new range of brochures and marketing material for 2009. The photography has already been taken by Chris Blott and along with a new design and marketing strategy will aim to position the brand as the ultimate in designer cashmere. The new materials will be ready later this year with the aim to increase sales in both the domestic and international market.
Yes we are all excited, and yes we are all rolling around in luxurious cashmere.
Whitespace have designed and built the website for Alcohol Awareness Week for the second year running. Following the success of last year's campaign, it was agreed that this year the website would have a more active role in getting people to make small changes to the way they drink. A range of challenges can be taken at the site, along with a quiz and a host of downloadable resources. Alcohol awareness week runs from 5-11 of October, will you take the challenge?
Highly Commended at National Business Awards 2008
Whitespace have received a highly coveted Highly Commended status at the National Business Awards 2008 for the Weber Shandwick Employer of the Year Award. The company was scored by way of a benchmark report across categories such as Ethics, Customer Focus, Creativity & Innovation and Engaging people! (We are sure the beer fridge, yoga classes and summer party played a part). This is a fantastic achievement on a national level and something which everyone at Whitespace HQ should be proud of. For more information on the awards visit, www.businessawardsforscotland.com/
OK, so we like to have the occasional fun outing or chance to dress up, two teams of Whitespacers took on a rather extreme extra-curricular challenge. The Edinburgh Festival Scavenger Hunt is an art-form in its own right, 42 teams took part over a very long day on August 16, collecting items from a list of clues and riddles. The items ranged from a full set of toe-nail clippings, a fried egg, through to a kitchen sink and car door. Throughout the day a range of activities had to be attended to help identify the clues, our very own 'big' Chris stood up and sang karaoke in Pricillas nightclub in Edinburgh (he was booed off), Nev and Glenn had to do something involving lipstick and private parts, enough said. A video round-up of events can be seen here: BBC - The Culture Show - Edinburgh Festival 2008: Scavenger Hunt
Who’s the client here . . . I’m confused?
Don, one of our beloved founders, has just become the latest client for Whitespace, or more specifically, his new company Jumpstart has. After nearly 12 years, Don leaves Whitespace in early October to start a new career heading up Jumpstart, a company specialising in helping companies claim R&D Tax Credits – don’t ask!
He asked the Whitespace team to design the brand identity, stationery and website for the company . . . we happily obliged. He’s delighted, we’re delighted and Whitespace wish him every success for the future.
New website and PPC campaign see paint sales rocket
Following the launch of Specialist paint company Valtti's website three weeks ago, retail sales have increased 30%. The company who supply high performance professional paint have over 25 years' experience, but are new to using online as an effective marketing tool. Jamie Hancox, Director at Valtti added "The design of the new website and SEO work have been the main drivers behind our retail sales increase, this has been one of the best investments made in our 25 year history".
Whitespace have worked with the team at Valtti and in conjunction with Mightysmall to deliver a digital strategy that will both build awareness of the brand and deliver ROI on paid advertising and natural search. It is from this initial campaign that the increase in turnover has been directly attributed. Whitespace, again working closely with Mightysmall are also working on the design, online and off, for a new paint range targeted at the consumer market, called liquid Imagination, due to launch later this year. The new website can be viewed at www.valtti.co.uk