Manchester Publicity Association calls for help with rebrand
THE Manchester Publicity Association wants to rebrand and expand its reach across the North West.
The MPA, which has been running as an organisation for around 90 years, is challenging creative agencies and students in the region to develop a name and creative output to reflect the new identity.
Nicola Leyland, chairman of the MPA, said: “Over the years the MPA has become an institution in its own right, but its reputation and influence within the creative community is not what it once was.
“Extensive research with our members, stakeholder groups and other governing bodies has highlighted the association should represent the region as a whole and not just Manchester. It also seems that over the years, publicity has become somewhat of a redundant phrase so it’s only fitting that we bring the entire brand up to date.”
The organisation has already been working with creative agency TBWA to work out a blueprint for the new identity and Ms Leyland said she expects the new name and brand to reflect “the North West’s status at the frontier of the UK creative community”.
The MPA has invited an independent judging panel to help in the search for a new identity. The panel of six includes: Peter Batisman and Tom Richards (BJL), Andy Cheetham (JWT Cheetham Bell), Jon Butterworth (MC2), Brendan Dawes (magneticNorth) and Warren Bramley (four23).
Jon Butterworth of MC2 said: “Ultimately, the judges are looking for something that embodies the passion, talent and underlying northern grit behind the North West thriving creative community.”
Judges will firstly asses the student entries and select the best design. The judges will then review the creative agency submissions and again choose the best one.
As part of the prize package, the winning student will be offered the opportunity to complete work experience with the winning agency to roll out the new identity, which will incorporate elements of both the student and agency initial designs.
The winning agency will receive a prize package with a total value of around £4,000, including £2,000 in cash, free MPA corporate membership, free access to MPA events and a ticket to the Manchester Media Festival.
For more information visit www.mpa.org.uk. All entries must be submitted by 5pm on December 4th, by post to Emma Singleton, MC2, The Boardwalk, Thirds Floor, 21 Little Peter Street, Manchester M15 4PS.
