Grow Your Business Exhibition

White Rhino, The Initial Concepts

In this post we shared the winner of the Grow Your Business branding competition's brief with you. Now here are the concepts. You can download the document in full if you like, and here are the concepts in brief.

CONCEPT ONE
A bold, inspiring font and colour choices. We understand that your business works hard to create the perfect event with as little ‘fuss’ as possible for your client, so with this in mind we’ve created a fuss-free logo option but with plenty of character. We’ve also tried out some options with a rhinosaurus’ footprint; subtle but quirky.

CONCEPT TWO

This logo has a more relaxed feel to it and paired with more calming colours makes for a lovely, well balanced finish. The illustration style is fresh and quirky, adding a flash of creativity and passion to the overall style.

CONCEPT THREE

Again, the muted blues and greys feel really appropriate and welcoming, and we’ve tried an alernative illustration style that carries a little more depth and realism to it. There’s something about the rhino being on top of the letters that gives a sense of control and stability.

If your business would benefit from a branding makeover why not join us for a free branding consultation? During that hour you'll gain specific feedback on your brand: what's working and what's not. You'll also see the impact that design has on other businesses like yours, and you'll leave with a clear vision for where your brand needs to be heading.

To book, simply call us on 01483 401 818 or email guildford@printing.com

Download 852738.pdf

How I Got Started: Fiona Humberstone of Guildford printing.com

When I left University with my History degree I joined printing.com as a fast-track graduate. Having proven my worth in sales in Nottingham I moved to London to open my first store in Ealing and was very quickly promoted to Regional Director, looking after a number of company owned stores and franchises. I loved my job, earned a great salary and learned a lot.

Becoming pregnant in 2003 was a huge turning point for me. The corporate monster in me subsided and I became more focused on my bump and creating a sustainable life for the three of us. At the age of 25, I wasn't financially secure enough to be able to give up work, nor even substantially cut down my hours - we needed my salary. So nine months after having Ellie I reluctantly returned to work four days a week. My employer was fantastic at adapting my role to suit my new situation, but my priorities had shifted. If I had to go to work, rather than be at home with my daughter, then I wanted to do something that I loved doing. And I wanted to create a business that I could work around my family.

Fortunately I had the opportunity to buy a printing.com franchise, and six months after returning to work I set up Guildford printing.com from a serviced office; excited about the prospect of making exceptional graphic design and high quality, environmentally friendly print affordable for small businesses.

I absolutely love my job: the challenge of solving marketing and branding issues, the delight in saving someone money on their print; and ultimately the immense reward in creating a truly stonking brand that will transform a business.

Roll on two years and we're a team of five in our own beautiful listed offices overlooking the river Wey and one of the most successful printing.com franchises in the country. I have a fantastic team around me which means that I'm able to fulfil one of my ambitions, of working three days a week. I'm looking at expanding the business further by teaming up with existing Graphic Design businesses in the North Surrey and Berkshire area as well as expanding my own core business.

How is your business going? I'd love to meet you for a coffee and a chat, or perhaps we'll meet at a networking event soon?

How I got started: Ida Horner of Ethnic Supplies

In December 2006 I went home to Uganda for Christmas and whilst there I was invited to New Year’s eve party in South West Uganda. I had never been to this part of Uganda and found it difficult to reconcile the beauty of that part of the country with the poverty – I resolved to do something on my return to the UK

I quit my job as Housing Manager for a London council with a view to do something about the whole situation I had witnessed in South West Uganda. The result is Ethnic Supplies, an online business selling a range of products made by poverty-stricken women’s groups from Uganda as well as Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Items include costume jewellery, mats, bags and silk scarves; all made by hand using natural materials and traditional methods.

I was unsure how best to go about it setting up a business and whilst searching for help on the internet she came across the Business Link website. I rang them up and told them what I was trying to do. They explained they offered one-to-one sessions with advisers for complete beginners like me. I made an appointment at my local centre in Woking, went in and everything has followed on from there. My Business Link adviser was able to articulate the ideas that I had and the whole process has been incredibly helpful.

Ethnic Supplies was launched in October and now helps suppliers such as Hand Products of Tanzania (HOT) which is made up of women from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda some of whom have disabilities or are affected by HIV/AIDS. By the end of the year I had managed to get one of the line of bags into Exeter museum in Devon and I working hard to get into other outlets/gift shops.

What I'm doing is providing a market for these goods as the women don’t have anywhere to sell them apart from the odd tourist and clearly this is not enough to sustain them and their families. It is also a more dignified and sustainable way out of poverty.

Ida Horner will be part of our panel for the 'How I Got Started' seminar on 30th April. To hear Ida's story you can register for the seminar here. For further information on Ida's business or her products you can visit www.ethnicsupplies.co.uk