From direct mail to fundraising packs, APS Group provides print management and distribution for the UK’s leading animal welfare charity, RSPCA.

Think

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA is the oldest animal welfare organisation in the world.

Having previously relied on its in-house print room for production, the RSPCA wanted an external partner that could offer improved efficiencies, additional buying power, knowledge of up-to-date technologies, and above all, a significant reduction in cost.

Create

We took responsibility for agency liaison, planning, cost reduction advice, VAT advice and liaison with the preferred downstream access mailing provider.

We also introduced an on-site team to better understand the unique sensitivities of charity promotional work and implemented an end-to-end process for the high number of strategic and complex mailings, to a varied and national audiences.

Deliver

Following the successful implementation of this print management model, including permanent on-site account management, the RSPCA has outsourced its storage, call-off and distribution services from its own facility to APS, resulting in immediate benefits in terms of cost reductions and improved efficiencies.

“We were impressed with APS Group’s ability to deliver a quality service with maximum value and efficiency, all of which were vital elements in our selection process. Fundamentally however, the team were a great cultural fit for us both ethically and personally, and demonstrated a real understanding of our goals as a charity.”

Strategic Sourcing for Marketing and Campaigns, RSPCA

Marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Plague of 1665-66, The National Library of Scotland’s Plague! Exhibition aimed to give new and younger audiences an understanding of the cultural, medical, religious and social responses to the contagious disease in Scotland.

Think

The challenge was to break down library perceptions and give new, younger audiences an understanding of various cultural, medical, religious and social responses to outbreaks of contagious disease in Scotland. Our creative approach needed to have both physical life in the Library and beyond the building, in order to change perceptions of it being purely a place for research and something that is ‘not for them’.

Create

The final route centred around the red cross and short naming device ‘Plague!’ was to prove a versatile means by which to communicate the death, darkness and horrors that lay in wait!

The campaign included targeted posters, online web banners, social posts and projections on iconic Edinburgh landmarks (including the Library itself) featuring the iconic red cross associated with the plague.

Deliver

We delivered a highly targeted above the line campaign. The exhibition broke all records. It attracted 63,413 visitors – a 38% increase on a previous exhibition. Creative nominated for ‘Poster of the Year’ at the Scottish Design Awards.

“It was truly a triumph both in numbers visiting and in the quality of the exhibition. The curation and the design were of the highest order. On behalf of the Board, I offer our thanks and our congratulations on a first rate performance.”

Chairman, The National Library of Scotland

Think

One of the most sensitive subjects APS has been trusted with – the IICSA was set up because of serious concerns that organisations were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse. We supported the inquiry across two projects: marketing campaign, ‘The Truth Project’ and the creation of reports based on the historic allegations, with the main report presented to Members of Parliament for review.

Create

Working across secure systems to ensure confidentiality with highly sensitive material, our dedicated proofreading, copywriting and copy editing team handled sensitive data with the care and respect necessary for such a sensitive subject; managing a smooth delivery from artwork to production at our secure London print facility.

On average, 5 pieces per month were scheduled for publishing, which were then translated into the appropriate format, following the strict style setting and design guidelines previously set.

Deliver

• Omnichannel marketing campaign
• Copy translated into 5 languages including Welsh
• Delivered a 24-page booklet to distribute across offices around the country to raise awareness for the IICSA
• Fast turnaround of production within 24hrs – an out of hours service
• 30% cost saving on campaign rollout

“We have received an exceptional customer service from the team at APS in the development of our key assets.APS has worked closely with our other partner agencies and has been instrumental in the creation of brand guidelines for the Truth Project. I’m happy to recommend APS to any prospective client seeking a professional and creative agency to meet their publication and print requirements.”

Head of Marketing, IICSA