::: background
This client came to us through recommendation. They are a long established and well respected kitchen installation and supply company based in the Suffolk area who wished to expand into water softeners and associated products. They had no corporate image for the kitchen business and had originally named the Softener company Hard Water Solutions. Promoting the company and getting to grips with this whole new concept was proving challenging to the client.
That is where we came in. We helped the client register some generic domain names (names that describe the product rather than the company name) and after various idea sessions with them, eventually decided on - what may seem obvious now but sometimes what is right under your nose can't be seen - renaming the company Shawfit Softeners. This solved numerous problems for the client and we set about creating an image that went with both companies but gave an overall compatibility and 'family' association. Two logos were designed together with a character that was catchy and intended to eventually be associated with the name 'Shawfit'. The client can now refer to 'Shawfit' and cover all eventualities - kitchens and softeners [view corporate stationery, logos, adverts etc
]::: current
Since those early days, we have launched a website covering the various services that Shawfit offer and the client updates this website themselves in real time (at their own convenience) on a regular basis. We have also designed business cards, letterheads and compliment slips together with various adverts and they can be found in the local BT book under two sections via the adverts we designed. Shawfit have had enquiries through their website and advertising we have designed [view website
]::: the future
The future with Shawfit is exciting and interesting. They are currently adding video to their Shawfit website and Amanda [see our partners
] is graphically designing a more exciting and interesting image for their waste disposal page. We are also developing a bespoke system which will help launch their business onto the next level. They are investing in a full e-commerce website to include online administration and intend running their whole business through this portal. This bespoke system, written exclusively by Sam [see our partners ] and designed by Maria of Mdsign will include newsletters, contact information, cookies, full website updating, invoicing, etc. The idea is that staff will be able to input all the information Shawfit need to successfully run their business onto a secure admin area on the website which will in turn convert that information into the relevant sectors so that Shawfit can run their business efficiently with all their admin stored in one place.::: what Shawfit say
Having had the business expansion idea, we had very little idea about how to give our business the image for the market we were aiming for. Mdsign took on board all our requirements and turned them into an image that ideally suited our business and market place.
As the original concept changed, Mdsign were instrumental in evolving a website that suits the business, is dynamic and is easily changed by ourselves. The design and logo together with our lovely otter, carried across all our business stationery, impresses all who see it.
On occasion, we've needed an advert designed very quickly and Mdsign have never let us down, and have suggested alternate ideas which are usually (always!) better than our own!
Our enquiries and sales have been steadily increasing, and with Mdsign looking after our website developments, we are confident of continuing growth ::: Jenny Shaw
