Mediamix: Kalua, BBC, Mason Williams, Frank Virtual
KALUA, the radio advertising producer, has opened an office at The Greenhouse at MediaCityUK.
The Hale company, which has been trading since 2008, makes commercials and other audio content.
Owner Gav Matthews said: “MediaCityUK is the ideal and obvious choice for a company like Kalua. To be right at the heart of the UK’s creative nerve-centre is perfect for our business. As Manchester’s dedicated radio creative agency, we felt it was only right to have a base here at MediaCityUK.
“You can really feel a buzz around the place, and there is a definite feeling of ‘camaraderie’ here. It brings with it lots of opportunity to share thoughts and ideas, and we’ve already joined forces with fellow MediaCityUK companies on some exciting projects. We’re really looking forward to making this vibrant, creative city our home.”
The firm is working on projects for the BBC, Renault and the Co-operative.
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THE BBC has commissioned Wire Free Productions to produce its local radio evening show for another year.
The Mark Forrest show is broadcast across 39 stations in England and the Channel Islands on weekdays between 7-10pm.
The programme was first commissioned last year following BBC cuts which reduced local radio budgets. Wire Free was set up by former BBC executive Matthew Bannister and former BBC Asian Network head of programmes Husain Husaini.
David Holdsworth, controller of BBC English Regions, said, “It’s a mark of our satisfaction with the Mark Forrest programme that Wire Free Productions’ contract to deliver the show has been renewed. We’re delighted with the creativity and direction shown by its producers; their understanding of the needs of local stations and their audiences and to have such a terrific presenter in Mark Forrest in this prestigious slot.”
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WILMSLOW’S Frank Virtual has produced an outdoor campaign promoting the new name The Territorial Army, which is The Army Reserves.
The North West is one of the first regions in the country to promote the new name and it has been commissioned by The North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA).
It said the name has been changed to reflect the reserves’ role supporting the regular Army. Frank has produced a series of posters reflecting the different regiments in The Army Reserves.
Managing director Richard Forman said: “We always feel a great honour to be working with The Reserve Forces. They do such an
important job for our country and we proud to be associated with such an important organisation.”
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MANCHESTER’S Mason Williams has been hired by baby products firm Cleva Mama.
It is promoting the firm’s “keepsake suitcase”, a case for momentos of childhood.
Suzanne Browne, managing director of ClevaMama, said: “As mothers we all want to keep our babies’ and children’s memories alive and most mums have shoe-boxes, cupboards and drawers full of these trophies. Some things get lots, others broken or torn, or worst still, lost. The keepsake suitcase is a way of storing all of these treasures in a personalised and fun special place.
“We chose to launch this new idea and product with Mason Williams as they have a very strong family expertise and retail experience handling some of the biggest brands in the UK.”
Mason Williams has also joined IPREX, the global network of communication agencies.
