Practice makes a perfect client

We recently completed our first project through Africa Practice - the specialist strategic communications and investment publisher - for JETRO London (Japan External Trade Organisation).

We designed and produced this digitally printed 36-page study, The impact of the Chinese Presence in Africa (Click on the link to download a pdf of the finished piece - 528kb). The whole piece, complete with diagrams and maps, was produced in a very short space of time from receipt of final draft to finished bound copies.

The report studies local and international responses to China's recent push into Africa - a move fuelled by a growing need for oil and industrial raw materials, an urge to deepen and enhance its global standing, and a desire to encourage a more international outlook from Chinese companies.

The report shows that while there are mixed views both in Africa and more widely, the majority of Africans believe China's influence to be ultimately positive, despite certain business and aid practices. The pervasive view from the international community, meanwhile, appears to be that China is harming efforts to bring economic and political sanity to the region's trouble spots.

"The Chinese are making great strides into Africa, and this report makes sense of a complex situation with concise writing and clear design. Due to its ever-changing nature, the research is being continually updated and the report had to be completed swiftly to create an accurate snapshot: the team worked well together to produce an excellent and impactful report, which will contribute greatly to the ongoing debate about the Chinese Influence in Africa."

James Laing, Africa Practice

the POP charts

According to POPAI, 75% of shoppers make their purchasing decisions in the last 4 feet of the shopper journey, thanks to Point of Purchase (POP) material. Hence the name of SMP Group's recently launched in-store arm, the last 4 feet.

We've been working with their marketing team to develop a database-driven web site for the new venture. You can see the results by clicking on the link above.

As well as setting out the company's stall, the site introduces POPwatch - a bespoke tool that helps clients understand their current ROI on POP spend. POPwatch is also the title of the news section, which provides a round up of what's new in the world of POP and in-store marketing.

Business Unit Director of the last 4 feet, Neil Johnson, said,

"We engaged David and Associates following a comprehensive selection process, as we wanted a web designer who both understood our business and brand values as well as being very creative. The group's experience with other clients such as Breed, IBM and BAA certainly offered a pedigree we could trust, and they have really delivered. I believe the site not only communicates our USPs, but also sets us apart from other POP businesses in terms of look and feel - our fresh "agency style" approach really comes across well."