Latest news
Cuckoo gets on it's bike... with new digital and social media project for Devitt Insurance.
New client Devitt Insurance briefed us to improve, redesign and build their keepbritainbiking.com website. The website utilises social networking tools to create a community, allowing motorcycling enthusiasts to share their experiences both with members and across major online platforms.
Initially members have the ability to post and comment on blog articles, create/join groups and add to the gallery of images and videos. An interactive map tool also allows them to plot unique biking reference points on a map of the UK. This is part of a 'test and learn' programme to measure social media interactivity and importantly maximising it's potential benefit to the Devitt brand; further functionality and features are set to follow.
Test ride it for yourself at keepbritainbiking.com
BBC SEEKS A CUCKOO VIEW ON GRAY-KEYS DEBATE
Set your Sky+ for BBC1 at 7.00pm tonight as leading North West creative agency, Cuckoo Design, make their TV debut on The One Show. Nine members of the Cuckoo team take part in a special feature, filmed in Manchester on Monday.
The series producer explains: "In light of Gray-Keys fiasco the One Show, with the aid of Cuckoo Design, explores what type behaviour really isn't acceptable in a the workplace? The sexism row has split opinion across the country. So just when does male banter go too far & become something more sinister. Reporter Lucy Siegle takes a look at where the law draws the line."
"This was undoubtedly an unusual opportunity for us and one we just couldn´t turn down" Steve Wheatley, Deputy Managing Director of Cuckoo Design commented; "The Gray-Keys story is one that certainly captured everyone´s attention and we were keen to contribute to the wider debate. I guess ours is a good example of a modern workplace. We have a pretty even gender split, our team reflect a fairly wide age profile and our Managing Director, Justine Wright, has been recognised in numerous business and entrenprenurial awards for her success with Cuckoo. These types of issues have the potential to unsettle our harmonious working relationships and we all have to be alert and sensitive to make sure we foster an appropriate, productive environment."
Cuckoo Design achieved Investors In People status in 2010 and were 2009 Winners of the Crain´s Manchester Business "Best Places To Work" award.
Pictured with members of the Cuckoo team are One Show reporter Lucy Siegle (far right and barrister Paul Gilroy QC (far left), who provided the specialist legal opinion.
Who's the DADI?
Nominations were announced this week for this year's prestigious DADI Awards and we're thrilled to be selected as finalists in two categories. Our website redevelopment work from Police Mutual has been recognised in the Financial Services Website category. Also capturing deserved attention was our Not-For-Profit/Charity category campaign for the Diocese of Salford; work that included our ground-breaking iPhone App.
It's particularly pleasing as these exclusively digital awards recognise the results & effectiveness of our work rather than just our undoubted creativity.
The nation wakes to Cuckoo Design
Our very own Steve Wheatley spoke on BBC Radio 5Live this morning. Listen to him contributing to a lively debate with Shelagh Fogarty about our Diocese of Salford iPhone app.
Listen here
Great news for Cuckoo
Phil Rainey has been promoted to Head of Creative Services at Cuckoo.
After 3 years at the agency, Phil has emerged as a key player in the senior management team and working closely with Steve and Justine, will help drive the agency's objectives across design and digital over the coming years.
Cuckoo Design at the BBC
Head of Creative Services, Phil Rainey was interviewed live on the Beswick at Breakfast Show last Friday regarding our recently produced iPhone app for The Diocese of Salford. Listen to the interview below:
Listen to the interview now
Cuckoo takes Salford Diocese into the digital age
Two of our groundbreaking projects are helping to propel the Diocese of Salford into the digital age. Launched this week are a completely redesigned website and a brand new iPhone App, the first of its kind in the UK.
We are close neighbours of Salford Cathedral on Chapel Street and have been regular visitors since May 2009 when they were originally engaged to develop a new identity for the Diocese to coincide with the opening of new Cathedral Centre in September.
"Since that initial project our relationship has continued to strengthen with the Diocese" Steve Wheatley, our deputy managing director commented; "We've been working for some time to radically improve their website. Not just its design but a fundamental improvement in function and usability and the new site delivers in all aspects."
The Diocese of Salford provides for a Catholic population of around 350,000 across Greater Manchester and beyond, serving 157 parishes, 250 priests and 216 schools. With such significant reach engaging and effective communication is all important.
BBC Radio interview
Wheatley added: "The iPhone App was an idea we had fairly late in the process. It was a perfect opportunity to make important content even more accessible remotely, gain valuable attention and ultimately drive up visitor numbers. Anything that can help a client reach out and genuinely connect with their audience is hugely beneficial."
Fr Anthony Kay VG, Financial Secretary for the Diocese of Salford, said: "The Diocese has been extremely pleased with the working relationship that has grown over the last year with Cuckoo Design. Cuckoo have been extremely accommodating to our every need, willing to give advice, and sought the very best technical systems to ensure that the (admittedly bold) brief of the Diocese would be met."
He added: "From the start, we were looking for an attractive, simple and efficient means of communicating the work of the local Church over the internet. For that purpose we wanted the content of the site to be not simply informative but also educational. We wanted it to be a tool for the "new evangelisation" of the United Kingdom and further afield.
It was thus envisaged that the website would be accessible to, and useable by, all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
The new Diocese of Salford website can be visited at www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk and the 'Salford Diocese' iPhone App is available to download free from Apple iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/salford-diocese/id378312815?mt=8
Cuckoo Design invests in their team
Award winning design and digital agency, Cuckoo Design, has confirmed its commitment to service standards and adding value by meeting the standards and being recognised as an Investor In People company. This latest accolade comes as the company targets continued growth through 2010.
Justine Wright, MD commented: "Cuckoo is enjoying great success so far in 2010. We've enhanced our capabilities and customer service offer indeed we're continually innovating. This recognition is fantastic and is testament to the hard work and continuous development employed by the senior management team. We know our agency really does offer something really special, and now we are able to prove it. Ours is a culture focused on putting our clients first, obsessed with great service and delivering results that truly sets us apart."
Clients that have recently benefitted from Cuckoo's expertise include: Police Mutual, GE Capital, Thistle Hotels, Peter Hook, Muse Developments, NHS Salford and many more.
Justine at the BBC
Have a listen to Justine being interviewed for her Inspiring Women award nomination on Heather Stott's show this morning on BBC Radio Manchester:
Justine on BBC Radio Manchester
Getting Inspired...
Our MD, Justine Wright has been selected as 1 of 3 finalists in the NW Inspiring Women Awards 2010. The ceremony will take a place at The Midland Hotel next Friday.
The awards celebrate the business achievements of women in our region.
