Posted by Dave Lawrence on January 20, 2010
In recognition of the launch of our new Kids pratice we have all been reflecting on our favourite kids brands and what makes them resonate so powerfully. Our selections prompted many of us to reflect nostalgically on our own childhoods and how the brands in question remain such a potent trigger for other related memories. Here are two of our personal anecdotes;
“I would have to say Marvel Comics. As a kid growing up and with a sketch book as the baby sitter I would Marvel at the exploits of Marvel’s vast array of Superheros, trying to imitate the illustrations myself. Simpler and more innocent times… I can still see nothing wrong with tackling the evils of the world with over developed pectoral muscles and ‘Y’ fronts worn on the outside of tights! Stan Lee and his collection of artistic ‘magicians’ helped me define right and wrong from a very early age.” Guy Chalkley, Senior Designer
“Either Brio or Jukka. Being a Finn I should probably prefer Jukka to Swedish Brio but both are manufacturers of brilliantly crafted wooden toys. We had both in my house when I was growing up and I bent, bashed and bullied the toys almost to the point of destruction. Now as an adult I keep the wooden models on my living room shelf because they’re just beautiful objects. What I really love about them is that, whether I was aware of it at the time or not, they hark back to a Scandinavian world where design, childhood and craftsmanship are celebrated and respected like commandments. For once, they still do make them like they used to…” Alan Morrison, Consultant
Posted by Rosa Wilkinson on January 20, 2010
As well as working on international brands, we also like to be there ‘at the birth’ of some smaller brands.
Our friends Pip and Ed Murray have started their own Shotover Brewery in Oxfordshire, which you can read more about here.
We’re very proud of our involvement in helping to build this great little brand – and hopefully it demonstrates we do practice what we preach. It’s a great example of a beer positioned against some powerful trends of craftsmanship and provenance. And the beer tastes great too…!
Enjoying the beer – Ed Murray and our Chairman, Paul Walton (L-R).
Posted by Dave Lawrence on January 19, 2010
Today we are delighted to announce the launch of our new KIDS practice!
Read more in our Press Release below:
Leading brand consultancy The Value Engineers is launching a specialist kids practice. It will be headed up by Dave Lawrence, who is a well known kids marketing specialist. He was previously the Group Planning Director of Logistix Kids which was Europe’s leading kids marketing agency and where he worked with clients such as Kelloggs, Burger King and Nestle.
The usual complexities for kids’ brands have been compounded in recent years by new broadcast regulations and the ongoing media & political scrutiny. Thus this new initiative will combine the strategic branding capabilities of The Value Engineers with Dave’s kids marketing expertise, giving it unique credentials to meet the increased challenges and opportunities.
The Value Engineers Kids practice will focus on children aged 0-12 and has been founded on the principles of ‘Constructive Kids Marketing’ and reflective of a demanding ‘New Generation of Kids’.
Giles Lury, director at The Value Engineers detailed the rationale for this new development,
‘Whilst it might be tempting for brand owners to simply turn their backs on kids in the current climate, it remains undeniable that children are massively influential for brands across numerous categories. The strategic challenge for a new model of engagement is one that The Value Engineers are extremely well placed to meet. We have a great deal of experience in working with kids brands over the years and bringing Dave on board allows us to galvanize this expertise still further.’
Dave Lawrence goes on to further explain, ‘These are very challenging times for kids’ brands and require a revolutionary approach to brand development. For one, there needs to be a much greater emphasis on brand innovation to maintain kids’ excitement, rather than the traditional reliance on advertising and promotions. The Value Engineers have a phenomenal track record in a wide range of brand building capabilities and I am really excited to be joining them to bring this initiative to market.’
A launch seminar is planned for early March 2010 which will outline the essence & relevance of ‘Constructive Kids Marketing’.
For more information contact Anne-Cecile Bertrand (Consultant and PR manager) at the Value Engineers on 01494-680999.
