POSITIONING YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS

Many people think a brand is the same as a logo. It isn't!

As we have pointed out in previous e-zines, a brand is far more reaching than a simple letterhead logo. This month we look at 'positioning statements' and the key role they play in heightening brand profile. Some people know them as straplines or brand statements.

Here's some you might have heard of:

Spend a little live a lot - Aldi
The ultimate driving machine - BMW
Just do it - Nike
Every little helps - Tesco
I'm lovin' it - McDonald's

A positioning statement seeks to embody what an organisation represents, or how it wants people to perceive it. They can change over time as companies seek to either re-position the organisation or one of its brands. Do you have a positioning statement? If so does it embody what you are or what you want people to believe? If you don't how can you expect prospective clients to fully understand your place in the market?

For all your branding requirements contact us on 08700 503574 or at info@theh2.co.uk.

SUITED AND BOOTED AT THE BLUSH BALL

Among the stars attending Breast Cancer Haven's Blush Ball at the Natural History Museum in London were our very own Phil Hopkins and Phil Byrne.

Both thoroughly enjoyed the event hosted by newsreader Katie Derham and featuring a sneak preview performance of Viva La Diva by former Royal Ballet prima ballerina, Darcey Bussell CBE.

The audience included over 300 society, celebrity and corporate supporters and the two Phils hob-nobbed alongside Kirstie Allsopp, Amanda Mealing, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Summer Strallen, Tim Vincent, Vanessa Feltz, Zaraah Abrahams, and Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill. Phil B's favourite guest however, was the 50m long brontosaurus skeleton that dominated the concert hall!

The event raised tens of thousands of pounds for Breast Cancer Haven through its now famous auction. Prizes included an opportunity to sing with Bryan Adams on stage and a holiday to Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve. As bids moved into the tens of thousands, Phil H sat firm throughout, hands firmly placed under his seat!

The Blush Ball raised substantial funds to help Breast Cancer Haven continue its invaluable work offering free support, information and complementary therapies to anyone affected by breast cancer. It will also help the organisation to open its third Haven, in Leeds, during October 2008.

H2 CATCHES THE EYE OF ITALIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE

Creative Director, Chris Sands, has taken photos for H2 clients for many years and, in particular, is recognised for his arts photography with clients such as Ascendance Rep and Opera North.

But, last month, it was his talent for fine-art photography that paid dividends when he landed a publishing deal with Italian Publishing House, Quartero International.

Based in Milan, Quartero publish art prints and photographs in open edition and distribute into stores and galleries across the USA, Europe and Asia. Chris' photographs, mainly of landscapes, flowers and jazz musicians, are large poster size and principally in black and white.

"Apparently the flower pictures are selling very well in Brazil!" said Chris. "It's been a life long dream of mine to have work published as my passion for design came from my love of photography. It was because of my photos that I got my first break in the industry 13 years ago."

Chris started taking pictures at the ripe old age of eight, carrying on a family tradition and taking inspiration from his grandfather and father, both keen photographers. To see some of Chris' dance photography visit the H2 website at www.theh2.co.uk

ASCENDANCE A-SPIRES TO GREAT THINGS

Ascendance Rep, a highly respected and innovative dance company, go back on the road this month with The Cathedral Tour 2008 which kicks off at York Minster on June 13th.

The tour includes a major new dance work, Standing Stones, which has been conceived with cathedral spaces in mind. Choreographer, Jacky Lansley, will draw on her extensive experience of site-specific work to approach these special and ancient spaces.

Having worked with Ascendance Rep for over five years, we were delighted to design the posters, flyers and programmes for The Cathedral Tour, which will be staged in 17 cathedral spaces nationwide.

Alongside the tour, Ascendance Rep has been running its Your Space project - a programme of workshops for children and teenagers using music and dance to inspire participants to create new work, culminating in original dance performances, film documentary and project exhibitions. The dances have been inspired by local stories, histories, church architecture and memories.

H2 produced a resource pack for teachers, to encourage more schools and their pupils to get involved in both dance workshops and their local communities.

For more information about Ascendance Rep's projects, visit www.ascendance.org.uk. To buy tickets for The Cathedral Tour, call 0844 477 1000 or go to www.ticketweb.co.uk.