saintnicks has been appointed by Ascot Racecourse following a successful competitive pitch process. The win bolsters the agency’s strong start to 2024 alongside retained client growth.
Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, Ascot Racecourse is arguably the nation’s most revered racing venue, welcoming just shy of 600,000 visitors annually across its 26 race day events. Royal Ascot which takes place 18th – 22nd June, is the most prestigious horse racing event in the UK calendar with more than 300,000 visitors over the 5 day period. Steeped in heritage, Ascot Racecourse is a true British institution and revered national brand.
The two-year contract, which starts with immediate effect, will see saintnicks responsible for Ascot’s overall social content strategy as the brand looks to enhance its reputation further as a global ‘lifestyle’ brand.
Retained as the brand’s lead social partner, saintnicks will work closely with Ascot’s brand, social and content teams supporting with content strategy, content creation and social media management.
Fraser Bradshaw, Founder and CEO of saintnicks says: “We couldn’t be more delighted to partner with Ascot Racecourse and help support their business growth strategy. It’s a brand and business we’ve come to know well over the last few years and we’re invested wholeheartedly in supporting such an iconic national brand as their long term partner.”
Alexandra Bertram, Brand & Creative Lead at Ascot says: “We’re thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with saintnicks as our Social Media Marketing agency. With their expertise and dedication, we look forward to elevating Ascot’s presence in the digital realm. Here’s to a fruitful partnership ahead!”
The appointment follows the re-positioning of the Ascot Racecourse brand and subsequent brand voice development undertaken by saintnicks in 2022.
NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY SET TO ENHANCE UNESCO CITY OF FILM STATUS
Award-winning visual content production company Distortion Studios has acquired and fitted out brand new studios in Brislington. The (200m2) studios will enable producers across all disciplines – television, film, advertising, music, corporate and events – to create original IP utilising the cutting-edge technology of Virtual Production and the power of Unreal Engine.
This initiative, supported by funding from Creative UK and in partnership with iMAG Displays, will see the first permanent Virtual Production studio in Bristol. At the forefront of creative and technological development, the new studio was set up by the team at Studio Giggle, a multiple award-winning creative team, including a group of highly experienced Unreal Engine experts and specialists in immersive digital arts.
Distortion Studios are decked out with state-of-the art equipment including 11x4m curved LED Volume, ROE Black Pearl 2 V2 LED panels, 2x2x3m wild wall mobile led panels, 2x Stype RedSpy tracking system, Stage Precision, Pixera Media Servers and Brompton processing.
Later this month, Distortion Studios will open its doors with a series of launch events. They will be hosting two full days of demos on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th April and a drinks reception on the evening of the 25th. The demo sessions will allow visitors to learn more about virtual production, interact with the LED screen, and speak to the Distortion Studios team.
Distortion Studios would like to invite the Bristol Creative Industries members to the launch in April. To attend, please email [email protected] .
Jonathan Brigden, Managing Director of Distortion Studios comments, “We’re thrilled to have set up our studios in this great City in the South West. Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, the benefits of VP are simply infinite. We’re proud to be cementing Bristol’s status as a UNESCO City of Film.”
Hannah Long, Portfolio Manager at Creative UK adds “We are absolutely thrilled to have been a part of this journey with Studio Giggle and see the development of their brand new state of the art Virtual Production studio, Distortion Studios, in the vibrant City of Bristol. Jonathan, Steve and their team are such a talented and friendly bunch and a delight to work with. We are proud to have them in the Creative Growth Finance portfolio and as their Portfolio Manager, I cannot wait to see the exciting projects that lay ahead.”
Press contact: Debbie Lawrence at The Lippin Company Ltd : [email protected]
About Distortion Studios
Distortion Studios is a specialist virtual production studio based in Bristol. Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, Distortion Studios is run by an in-house team of specialists in immersive digital arts. Using cutting-edge equipment, our experts in virtual production are able to create stunning visual effects and captivating environments for film, television, music, events and other media in the most cost-effective way possible.
Our team of award-winning live and film production innovators with more than 20 years’ experience includes masters in Unreal Engine as well as a global network of talent and resources to achieve every creative vision.
Distortion Studios where ideas become reality.
About Creative UK
Creative UK believes in the power of creativity to change lives. We unite the creative industries and generate opportunities for innovation to thrive by investing in creative people and businesses. And we harness the power of the creative sector to build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous future.
We are the UK’s leading Creative Industries investor and a strategic investment partner for growth-minded creative businesses. Creative Growth Finance is a landmark fund providing vital scale up finance to the UK’s most promising creative businesses, partnering with Triodos Bank to offer loans of £100,000 to £1m.
www.wearecreative.uk/investment
Our production spaces at Brunswick Sq are a blank canvas in a unique building, powered by creativity, our spaces are designed to host creative production in all its forms.
This week, Gather Round launched ‘The Artist’s Way’, a 12-week workshop series based on the award-winning book by Julia Cameron. We discuss what our members can expect from the workshop, and how the space creates the perfect environment for unlocking creative flow.
While it’s possible to complete the book on your own, creative facilitator Natasha Bergg champions the benefits of completing the book as a group, this is something she’s passionate about sharing with the members at Gather Round:
“In this space there’s the genuine opportunity to establish a supportive, sacred circle where members can begin to develop their authentic creative selves, cheerlead each other and hold each other accountable as we move forward through the process as a community. I’m excited to see what connections are made and look forward to seeing the creative sparks fly!”
Our production spaces are completely closed off from the rest of the world which makes them the perfect place to host this intimate workshop. Situated on the lower ground floor of Brunswick Square – our St Pauls location, this beautiful Georgian building is an ideal location for anyone wanting a quiet space with easy access to the city centre.
More info on hiring the spaces at Gather Round: https://gather-round.co/production-space/
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are officially funding a second round of creative and marketing support to businesses dedicated to levelling the playing field for women.
Last year we offered creative support to a local business dedicated to making a positive impact for women in the South-West. The Women’s Work Lab based in Bristol, addresses the motherhood career gap by providing skills-based training to mums on benefits, enhancing their employability. Headed up by an all-female team here at Oakwood, we reviewed their brand identity and created evolved messaging and a new visual look.
Once again, we are interested in hearing from individuals, organisations or businesses who are led or owned by women who are committed to celebrating women’s achievements, championing women empowerment, calling for positive change to advance women, taking action to educate and raise awareness of women’s equality and those who are actively fostering and creating more inclusive workplaces, communities, or practices for women; to help drive forward the important message of this year’s International Women’s Day around inspiring inclusion.
If you think this sounds like you, please apply here: https://oakwoodagency.com/insights/iwd-2024
And don’t forget to spread the word!
Whether you’re a new start-up or the proud owner of a family-run bakery, the digital world can feel like a jungle of jargon and ever-shifting goalposts. But do not worry, my digital adventurers! Today, we’re embarking on an excursion to unravel the mysteries of SEO, minus the patronising tech language.
The wonderful world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is all about making your website stand out in the eyes of search engines. Consider it as cleaning up your internet presence so that Google, like the most popular kid at school, can’t help but notice you.
Starting with keywords, those sneaky little things that people enter into search engines while looking for something, you need to know which ones will get you a nudge and a wink from Google. Then there’s on-page optimisation, which entails making your titles and meta descriptions both informative and appealing.
Next, don’t forget about backlinks, which are similar to online street cred; the more trustworthy sites link to yours, the more Google believes you’re the best. Last but not least, your site’s user experience must be slicker than a charmer’s chat-up lines, with mobile-friendliness, quick loading speeds, and material as fascinating as a natter at the pub.
For individuals looking to learn the fundamentals of SEO, check out Mastering SEO Fundamentals for Newbies. It’s similar to your trusted map to buried treasure, but in this case, the treasure is massive amounts of web traffic.
SEO isn’t something you do once and then forget about. Google wants to keep us on our toes with its continuous upgrades. And, like fashion trends, if you don’t keep up, you’ll rapidly appear as out of date as socks and sandals.
This year, Google has been busy tweaking the machinery with algorithm improvements, putting an even more focus on the quality of your content and the experience you provide to your users.
What’s the latest in the 2021 SEO scene? You have Google’s Page Experience Update, which focuses on topics like loading speed and mobile friendliness. And don’t underestimate the growing relevance of local SEO. With more people looking for neighbourhood delicacies, it’s a no-brainer to improve your local listings.
Curious about this year’s shake-up? Have a gander at the Beginner’s Guide to 2021 SEO Changes.
Change is the only constant, they say, and Google’s recent upgrades are as consistent as rain on a British summer’s day. Navigating these shifts does not require casting a magic spell; rather, it requires maintaining a steady hand on the tiller and adjusting your sails.
For example, Google now prefers websites that offer an excellent user experience (UX). This implies that your website’s usability, mobile appearance, and loading speed are more important than ever.
If you’re feeling a little lost, check out the link to Navigating Through Google’s Recent SEO Updates – it’s your go-to compass in the ever-changing world of SEO.
Think of your website like a store. You wouldn’t have a confusing layout or useless service in a physical store, and the same is true for an online storefront. SEO finesse begins with simplicity, such as crystal-clear navigation, a plethora of persuasive and instructive content, and some clever keywords scattered throughout like fairy dust.
From there, you may go into details like as image optimisation (ensuring that images aren’t so enormous that they slow down your site) and ensuring that each page has a specific function.
If you’re itchin’ to start enhancing your digital habitat, snag some pearls of wisdom from Enhancing Your Website’s SEO: The Basics.
Even the most daring adventurers require a guide while exploring new territory. And in the wilds of SEO, it pays to have a reliable ally who knows every nook and cranny of the terrain.
BrisTechTonic is not your typical SEO agency. We’ll take you under our wing and decipher the enigmatic hieroglyphs of Google’s algorithms with sophisticated knowledge and a pleasant wink. Our desire is to help your company advance in the search rankings with a plan designed specifically for you.
Eager to get the gears turning on your website’s SEO potential? Look no further than unlocking your future success with Unlocking SEO Potential for Beginners.
So, if you’re ready to unfurl the sails on your SEO voyage, why not book in for a discovery call? We’ll chat about your needs and plot a course for your online triumph. Until then, keep your wits about you and your SEO sharp!
For the past five years BeOnBoard operated as a project under TBIT, making significant strides in their mission to ensure that businesses in the South West are reflective of the diversity of the teams, their clients and the communities they serve.
Founded by the inspirational Kalpna Woolf, who also leads the charity; 91 ways to build a global city, the charity was being incorporated to realise the ambitious growth plans.
Through the research we conducted what became clear was that if leaders with the same background make decisions through the same lens, they will get the same outcomes. Where are the fresh ideas? The different outlooks? The challenges to tradition? Where’s the change? BeOnBoard brings the diverse talent they’ve coached and nurtured to boardroom tables.
The proposition: BeOnBoard connect businesses who are ready to embrace new ideas with the people who have them. Those who have a hunger for growth and innovation. And they do it not just from an equitable standpoint, but from a commercial one. It’s just better business.
Our programme of work included:
To see how we can help, visit talismansparro.com
Welcome to the digital labyrinth, where SEO mysteries are more complicated than Spaghetti Junction on a Friday afternoon. But do not be afraid! We’re here to light the way for your online adventure, much like a trusted flashlight in the depths of Wookey Hole.
Imagine SEO as the High Street of the digital world. It’s where you set up your shop (a.k.a. your website) to get the most footfall. Only, in this bustling metropolis, footfall is driven by the all-seeing eyes of search engines. Now, let’s Discover the essentials of SEO with our beginner’s guide and turn browsers into buyers!
Before you start building your digital empire, you should learn the fundamentals of SEO for your new firm. Here is the groundwork:
Keywords: These are the ‘Open for Business’ signs that catch your attention. These are the terms your prospective clients are feverishly putting into Google.
Content: The king, queen, and the entire royal procession. Quality content not only engages your target audience, but it also pleases Google.
Meta Tags: No, not a new superhero team, but important text snippets that inform search engines about the content of each page of your cyber castle.
Backlinks: These are your high-street recommendations. The more credible the source, the higher your street cred in the digital hood.
SEO is similar to a superb Bristol brew in that the appropriate ingredients must steep together to produce the ideal cup of tea. So, let us jumpstart your digital success with this simple SEO guide and propel your brand from startup to superstar.
On-page SEO is about making your store as attractive as possible from the start. This entails having a clear indication (your title tag), an appealing display (your photos and formatting), and an attractive pitch. It’s where you can learn about SEO: A beginner’s tutorial for those looking to impress passersby.
Off-page SEO is the equivalent of positive gossip; it’s how you get people talking about your business in the outside world. Earning backlinks from credible sites is like the local newsagent saying, “That’s a fine establishment!” It’s an important step towards unlocking the secrets of SEO for your growing business.
As any wise explorer knows, a map is essential. Let’s plot the course to Navigate the world of SEO: A starter kit for small businesses, marking the key destinations and avoiding the peckish trolls lurking beneath the bridges.
If your company is the large fish in a small pond, local SEO guarantees you don’t slip away. It’s about claiming your area on ‘Google My Business,’ and ensuring that when locals search ‘near me,’ your shop appears as a beacon on their digital map.
Consider technical SEO to be your tech team working in the background. They’re responsible for guaranteeing that your site’s rigging does not collapse during the performance. From loading times to mobile responsiveness, the unsung hero keeps the show running smoothly. By paying attention here, you will ensure that you start your SEO journey with our thorough beginner’s guide.
When you combine creativity and statistics, you have the recipe for online enchantment. It’s time to make your mark online with practical SEO ideas for new businesses and create a website that Harry Potter would be proud of.
Once your potions are bubbling beautifully, you should test their potency. Tools such as Google Analytics allow you to see how your audience interacts with your material. This knowledge allows you to fine-tune your spells for optimal effectiveness.
Remember that in the world of SEO, patience is more than a virtue; it is a requirement. Results may not be immediate, but with a persistent technique, you will see your online riches grow.
Ready to make your digital aspirations a reality? Embrace these simple SEO methods for new businesses and watch your brand ascend the ranks of Google’s enormous library.
For those willing to learn the intricacies of SEO and move their organisation forward, the adventure is only beginning. Remember, you don’t have to go through this digital journey alone. If you want to learn more about SEO for your growing business, schedule a discovery call. Together, we’ll devise a customised plan to make the Google gods smile upon your website.
We’re excited to announce that Square Works is now home to a stunning new mural, painted by none other than local muralist and illustrator Dave Bain.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting local creatives Dave Bain and Jess Knights to paint a mural in the outside area of Square Works. We wanted a bright and fun mural that tied the collaborative and creative community of Square Works with our love for nature and wildlife. Dave certainly delivered, producing a fantastic design and executing it to perfection.
If you haven’t seen the mural yet, what are you waiting for?! We’ve shared some snaps on our social media (click here), but you can’t beat seeing it in person!
We want to extend a huge thank you to both Dave Bain and Jess Knights for their amazing work on this piece!
Take a look at more work from both Dave Bain and Jess Knights:
Dave Bain – Website | Instagram
Jess Knights – Website | Instagram
Mentor Digital is delighted to announce an expansion of our Digital Marketing services and the launch of a newly designed section of our website to showcase our new and improved offering across SEO, PPC and analytics.
Since adding ex-Google Strategist Dan Watt to our ranks as Digital Marketing Director last year, we have seen fantastic growth in both the amount and scope of digital marketing projects that we are working on for our clients.
Whilst delivering best-in-class, SEO optimised websites in Umbraco has been part of Mentor Digital’s offering for many years, our expanded offering sees us providing expertise across the entire digital marketing spectrum. Our services now include:
Paid media: including media planning and forecasting, campaign auditing and campaign build and management across paid search, paid social, video and display.
SEO: including website auditing, technical SEO, content strategy and production, inbound marketing and SEO migration consultancy.
Analytics: including Google Analytics 4 auditing and setup, Google Tag Manager auditing and tracking implementation and bespoke, real-time Looker Studio reporting dashboards.
We’re excited about what the year ahead will hold for our digital marketing team and our clients alike as we continue to expand our portfolio of work. If you would like a no obligation appraisal of the current SEO performance of your website, or an expert assessment of whether you could be spending your digital media budget more effectively, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dan and his team.
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