WDA are proud to be announced as finalists for the Derby Telegraph Creative Industries Business of the Year Award. The awards will recognise the achievements of top-performing and innovative businesses and individuals who are putting the region on the map, the Creative Industries playing a critical role within that as the City of Derby continues to make substantial investments to preserve its position as a leading Creative Industries hub with some of the countries most exciting agencies now based within the region.

“It’s fantastic to be shortlisted for the award” Says WDA Managing Director Lee Waterhouse.
“We have worked incredibly hard to establish a marketing process that is genuinely different within our marketplace. Based around what we call ‘brand marketing’ which is in essence marketing built around the one thing which makes our clients unique – their brand. If they need a brand, we create it. If their brand has lost its way we re-define it; and if the client already has a strong well established brand; we’ll protect, build and leverage it.

In any event we ensure the brand is strong and the communication clear before taking the message out to market – which we also do a little differently. By creating and implementing a strategy which is in the best interests of our client, rather than one which suits our own internal agency resources, we are able to deliver solutions which generate a much higher return on investment.

If you think about it it’s no surprise that if you brief a digital agency that their recommendation will involve digital marketing; however this may not be the solution (or may be only part of the solution). WDA can deliver a digital campaign [WDA’s recent Trader online campaign for Yamaha returned the 2nd best results of any manufacturer since the site was launched] however we certainly wont recommend it if we don’t believe it will drive a commercial return; and we have the breadth of expertise to deliver through whichever channel is right – digitally, socially or tangibly.

The way we generate original ideas is also different. WDA have pioneered what we call ‘Off The Wall‘ which are creative brainstorming workshops involving our clients in an engaging and highly enjoyable way. These sessions give WDA clients confidence about our creative processes and generate a truly collaborative relationship, where clients feel an integral part of the solution and can take real ownership of it.

Of course WDA would love to win the awards, but being one of just 3 shortlisted agencies out of nearly 30 applicants is a massive achievement in itself and a major morale boost for the whole team.”

The awards final will take place on 18th June at The Roundhouse, Derby College and will be attended by hundreds of Derbyshire’s business elite.

The article below, by Derby Telegraph Business Editor, Robin Johnson, highlights Derby as the thriving hub for creativity WDA are so proud to be a part of:

 

Creative firms happy to have innovation as their driving force

Business editor Robin Johnson profiles some of the companies that have so far registered for the Creative Industries Business of the Year category, backed by AMG Wealth Management.

DERBY is home to some of the brightest creative minds in the country – people who combine this creative talent with business acumen to great effect. The city has long been known as having manufacturing at its heart but today even this sector cannot function without people who think creatively. The creative industries is a fast-growing sector in Derby and today it is home to a plethora of firms who produce a range of products and offer a variety of services. It is these firms that add strength to Derby’s economy – and that is precisely what the Derby Telegraph Business Awards aim to recognise through its Creative Business of the Year category.

This award will choose from Derbyshire’s wealth of creative businesses to recognise the company that has made major strides in this important sector. Judges will look at the finalists’ dedication to developing something truly creative across a variety of industries. Entrants must also demonstrate a considered dedication to financial achievement and future business success.

Companies that have registered for the Creative Business of the Year category include DE22 Creative Design Solutions, The Web Design Group, Creative Studios Derby, MX Display Solutions, Karentino, Mair Perkins, Greenbank Group, Firefly Photography, Mono Design, Purpose Media, Design at 44, Sensory Technology, Revolver Revolver, Silver Birch Creative and Furthest from the Sea.

The finalists and winners for this award will be decided by the category sponsor – AMG Wealth Management.

Gary Hans, principal of AMG Wealth Management, said: “We have decided to sponsor the Creative Industries Business of the Year award which highlights the inspirational companies that put innovation at the forefront of what they do.

“We are looking forward to the whole campaign and the benefits the Derby Telegraph Business Awards will bring to the entire community.”