MediaMix: Conch Associates; Sharp Project; Ahoy

TWO advertising and design executives have left senior positions to set up their own agency.

Paul Watson, a former managing director of advertising agencies Cheetham Bell JWT and Momentum, has teamed up with Steve Conchie, former creative director at design firm The Chase, to set up Conch Associates.

They say they will help brands across different platforms.

Mr Watson said: “Brands are increasingly defined by customer experience. Ensuring that the customer experience is consistent and aligned around one voice and one journey is now one of the biggest client challenges.

“This challenge has grown as customer experiences happen across a whole business, not just within marketing, and now every brand is under instant on-line scrutiny.”  

Mr Conchie, who worked at The Chase’s Preston studio, said: “Great design is rooted in the brand, but it often takes no account of the customer journey. We set up Conch Associates to implement in-depth listening into the customer journey and to use that knowledge to create customer aligned designed, which improves the customer experience of your brand by ensuring your brand speaks with one voice.”

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THE Sharp Project media centre is increasing the number of offices made from converted shipping-container units.

From March six new containers will be added taking the total to 32. The glazed-fronted units are aimed at start-ups and SMEs who require a short term lease.

Sharp Project director Sue Woodward said: “Micro businesses and SMEs are the backbone of the digital creative sector. Demand for affordable, flexible space is high. There has been a waiting list for our container units right from the start.

Single containers are 160 sq ft and cost £50, plus VAT a week. Double containers cost £85.

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North West digital marketing agency Ahoy has designed and built a new website for live events marketing agency Ear to the Ground.
 
The site celebrates a decade of Ear to the Ground, and showcases recent campaigns.

Managing director Steve Smith said: “Ahoy really understood the messaging behind Ear to the Ground, enabling the agency’s personality and ethos to shine through.

“The site successfully charts our journey from the past ten years to the present day.”