Mono awarded EU framework for graphic design services

We are pleased to announce that through successful competitive tendering, we have been awarded a 4-year service European framework contract for graphic design services. The contract will enable us to produce design work for various European Institutions and Bodies. Mono’s Managing Director, Lynne Bramwell said “This is fantastic news for us. Expanding our design work into Europe is one of our 2013 company goals – we are delighted to have achieved this through hard work and determination.

Posted in New Business | Leave a comment

Mono attends DNCC Members Event and Market & Sell

Last week (Tuesday 26th March 2013) I attended the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce Members event to meet the team and find out what we could get out of our annual membership. There was a great turn out. Around 40 company representatives, approximately 8-10 companies to a table spread over 4 large round tables.

We were given the opportunity to mingle on arrival before being seated at tables. Wendy Hain – Director of Membership opened the session, and after a brief introduction from each of us to the room, every table was hosted by a DNCC staff member who rotated every 10 minutes after going through a particular aspect of membership benefits covering:

  • Events (seminars, workshops and conferences at different locations over Nottingham and Derby)
  • Specialist Business Forums
  • Sponsorship Opportunities, Marketing &Networking
  • Training & Recruitment (apprenticeships, bespoke training and coaching)
  • Espresso Breakfast Sessions (shot of expertise to start your day)
  • Chamber Member Benefits

Some of the chamber benefits were excellent, Legal Expenses Insurance is included in membership with £670,000 worth of cover after 3 months active membership which includes a legal advice line 24/7 365 days a year. There is also access to Chamber HR, a free service which includes unlimited access to HR specialists via a 24/7 helpline, access to 250 downloadable policies, forms, documents and fact sheets, plus a compliant Contract of Employment and Employee Handbook. For an additional supplement per staff member, there is a range of other discounted services/products for businesses, AA fleet assistance, stationery shop, health plan and much more http://www.dncc.co.uk/members/1612/membership-benefits

Following the DNCC spiel, we were provided with an opportunity to informally discuss our work around the table and distribute our literature and business cards. There were a variety of businesses in the room over a range of sectors, so something for everyone. It was interesting to find out what people  had to offer and if nothing else, we have all raised awareness of our companies.

After a quick coffee break, we were joined by some of the speed networkers from upstairs for a 45-minutes session on How to increase your profits by giving excellent customer care by key note speaker Mary-Lou Booth from Training Networks. I was particularly looking forward to this session, ’Customer Service’ is one of our unique selling points at Mono Design and is a subject of personal interest and importance to me . The session was highly engaging and Mary-Lou gave some examples of  unnecessary poor service that she had received, facts and figures and food for thought. We were provided with 7 pointers to take away to ensure excellent customer care.

Following the buffet/networking lunch, I visited the Showcase Market and Sell event (exhibition) upstairs where 24 companies were exhibiting. Mono didn’t exhibit at this event but possibly will do in the future as this provided a great opportunity to go and meet other local businesses and network further.

All in all it was a well organised and fantastic networking event arranged by DNCC. The event has definitely provided us with some positive potential business opportunities and we will certainly be involved with other DNCC networking events.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

RAR Awards 2013 – Mono Design are finalists in two categories

Thank you to our clients who rated us! We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted as finalists (top 10) for two categories related to our graphic design services; ‘on-time’ and ‘on-budget’ both in the under 30 staff category. The winners will be announced on 18th April at an awards dinner in London. Our clients have also recommended us for advertising, design and print production.

The RAR Awards are really valuable to us as our design services are assessed and rated confidentially by the very people who use our services, our clients. For this years awards, The Recommended Agency Register (RAR) reported having received an astounding 17,300 ratings from clients evaluating their design agencies. We look forward to hearing if we are winners of our categories in April.

Posted in Awards | Leave a comment

Mono Design meets the Investors in People Standard

We are pleased to confirm that Mono Design meets the requirements of the Investors in People Standard (awarded up until January 2016).

Our Investors in People Assessment report referred to Mono Design as being a ‘close knit and highly skilled team’.  The assessor also stated in the report that ‘during my visit, I found an organisation where the spirit of the IiP Standard is well embedded’.

This is great news for us, and we are keen to contribute to ongoing success by developing the company and staff further through the IiP Continuous Improvement Plan.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Investors in People: assessment day

This week we have undergone our assessment for the renewal of our Investors in People (IiP) status. With over a third of the UK’s workforce, we are using IiP as our People Management Standard.
The framework assesses a multitude of strategies for improving performance within our business. It looks at our planning of learning and development, how we people manage and our leadership & management capabilities.
Amongst many other areas, we have been assessed on our continuous management effectiveness, recognition and reward of our peoples contribution, and involvement and empowerment of our staff in taking ownership and being involved in decisions.
We fully recognise that our staff are the backbone of our business success, and are confident that we are doing everything we can to develop them.
Results in about 3 week time.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment