14 education & business
A creative approach for Solent businesses
From graphic design to photography, corporate branding, film, merchandising and event management, Solent Creatives – Southampton Solent University’s very own creative agency – gives businesses across the region the chance to tap into an amazing array of talent, writes The Business Magazine’s Alison Dewar
this is where the Solent Creatives team can add real value.
Working on projects both large and small, the team has designed logos, websites, flyers and marketing communications for a range of companies and, because all of the expertise is under one roof, everyone works to the same brief, ensuring messages don’t get lost in translation.
For example, when producing an advertisement for radio, team members would write the script, produce the voiceover, record the sound and even, where necessary, compose the music. For a video they would pull in expertise in filming, make-up and wardrobe.
Their video service has been used on more than one occasion by Southampton Airport, as Weet continues: “We have literally just wrapped up filming for their online Christmas card for the third year running. In previous years these have been fun ideas with an element of comedy, but this year they wanted something a little more serious. We have also produced health and safety videos for them which they were really pleased with.“
Filming in action with Solent Creatives
Established in 2011, Solent Creatives showcases the skills and creativity of students and graduates, giving them the chance to gain valuable workplace experience and build an extensive portfolio of projects, while allowing companies to take advantage of their fresh, new ideas at a competitive rate.
Matt Weet, Solent Creatives co-ordinator, explains how the service works: “We meet with the company making the enquiry and make sure we are right for each other.
“We like to work with all companies but it is important to remember that, while our creatives provide a professional service, they will need a tighter brief to work to. We explain that, sometimes but not always, companies must be prepared to work with them a little more, providing guidance or giving regular feedback as they work through a project.
“We are very strict on our matching processes so, from a vast talent pool of students and graduates, we can ensure we match the right person or team with each job that comes in. If we don’t feel we have the right person, we won’t accept the job. It’s as simple as that.“
The Solent Creatives website features a stunning portfolio of work already undertaken for clients, who range from sole traders through to large organisations such as Southampton Airport.
www.businessmag.co.uk
Another project that has remained with Solent Creatives for three consecutive years is one of the UK’s largest food service and hospitality shows, Sodexo’s Salon Culinaire. The show is a brilliant opportunity for creatives to apply their skills to a live industry project and a team attended with representatives from film, writing, fashion and culture, creating a magazine and a ’fly on the wall’ short film that captured the spirit of the day.
David Mulcahy, craft and food development manager at Sodexo UK, said: “It’s getting to the point that without the Solent Creatives team Salon just wouldn’t be the same. They are a great team, and seem very well briefed and organised in what they need to achieve.“
The list of services is vast – more than 50 in total – all delivered using state-of-the-art equipment, which is especially important when it comes to photography and filming.
One of the major benefits to businesses is the cost advantage. Projects are priced on an hourly rate in line with the UK living wage, so all of the services provided cost just £7.85 an hour, meaning a video with a team of three people working on it will cost in the region of £180 a day.
Clients also benefit from working with young teams who understand how to exploit new digital methods of engaging with audiences, for example by writing and delivering social media campaigns.
Today’s fast-changing technology can make it impossible for some companies to reap the benefits that open up to them without having a dedicated member of staff looking after it, and
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – DECEMBER 14/JANUARY 15
His views were also endorsed by sole trader, Nicoletta Foster, who was delighted with the digital and print services undertaken for her business, La Vita Rosa – Holistic Therapies.
“I cannot stop admiring my new website and stunning photography all created by your students,“ she said. “So much talent, flair and imagination under one building. Thank you for your wonderful work.“
For further information about Solent Creatives or for samples of their work, see the details below.
Details:
023-8031-9098
info@solentcreatives.org www.solentcreatives.co.uk
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