speake2 delivers new 'Best of' digital magazine
Chester-based advertising and branding agency speake2 are behind the pilot edition of circle8 magazine – a brand new digital publication specifically for the City of Chester. Designed, written and built by speake2, using turnpage technology provided by 2evolv, the magazine was commissioned by thebestofchester and Chester Media. The magazine was created to fill a gap in the market for a publication specifically written for – and about – the people and businesses of Chester.
The magazine aims to provide a voice for Chester not currently offered by the regional glossy high-end magazines nor local papers. Interviews with the local family of towncriers (husband, wife and 9 year old son) sit alongside footage of breakdancing storm troopers, events information and offers from Chester’s leading businesses including The Chester Grosvenor & Spa, Chester Racecourse and Cruise nightclub. Editorial photography was provided by Jason Howard Photography and moving images by Knew Productions.
In an era of reduced marketing budgets, the magazine provides advertisers with an entirely trackable medium using a collaborative marketing model. The experimental pilot edition showcases what turnpage technology can achieve when combined with other digital methods of communication.
Paul Daniels, CEO of Chester Media and thebestofchester said:
“We wanted to create a magazine that would promote what’s best about Chester to the people and businesses of the City. We’re passionate about supporting high quality businesses by increasing their visibility, and we want to make Chester residents aware of the great offers and services available to them. This is a new media channel for the City and we were delighted to partner with speake2 to make it happen.”
Saul Peake, Director of speake2 said:
“It might be unusual for an advertising agency to get involved in writing, designing and publishing a digital magazine, but we see a lot of potential for the publication. There’s so much more on offer than with a traditional format – ‘readers’ can explore with their mouse, find video, links and layers of content … and have fun with it.”
Jane Harrad-Roberts MD of Marketing Projects added;
“Circle8 has been incredibly well received. We’ve already had contacts ringing us up asking how to get involved in the next edition. It all bodes well for the economy in and around Chester as there are obviously organisations out there looking to beat the recession in exciting and different ways. It’s the sort of thing we see coming out of London and the South West rather than Chester. The City’s image is changing!”
The team are now working on the first ‘official’ edition of the magazine. To view the magazine and subscribe for future editions, see www.circle8magazine.com
Ends – 432 words
Editor’s notes:
• www.thebestof.co.uk is a national network of local websites, run by local people who champion all the best businesses in their area.
• thebestof is an easily accessible online hub containing everything a resident could need to know about their town and it adds so much value to a local community; it also plays a key role in strengthening local business relationships with regular networking events.
• thebestof is ranked No.3 in Britain, according to the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 annual league table.
• In March 2008 this year thebestof also won the Fast Growth Award for “Most Innovative Company” as well as being announced last year’s leading Midlands’s technology company.
• The head office is based in the Midlands (Solihull) It was set up 4 years ago by Nigel Botterill, CEO and now has well over 300 franchisees meaning with widespread coverage in virtually all the major areas in the UK. From Aberdeen in the north, to Plymouth in the south, from Llandudno in the west and Norwich in the East – and pretty much everywhere in between.
• It is the fastest growing UK franchise – ever!
• thebestofchester is the No.1 ranked commercial Bestof in the UK.
speake2 is a full service advertising, branding and design agency based in Chester. T: 01244 349337, www.speake2.com For further information please contact MD, Saul Peake.
2evolv provides digital publishing for business. T: 01978 666340, www.2evolv.co.uk
Jason Howard Photography provides commercial, portraiture and wedding photography. T: 07766 257356, www.jasonhowardphotography.co.uk
Knew Productions is a full service video & DVD production company. T: 01244 570222, www.knewproductions.co.uk
The Best Of Chester Contact: Paul Daniels Mob: 07984 389482
Email: chester@thebestof.co.uk
Website: www.thebestof.co.uk/chester
Press Contacts: Jane Harrad-Roberts Mob: 07785 395705
MARKETING PROJECTS Tel: 01244 330000
Email: info@marketingprojects.co.uk
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