The Print Marketplace (CCS Framework RM6071) is an online platform that enables public sector organisations to purchase compliant, cost-effective print services directly from a large pool of pre-qualified suppliers.

Below are three case studies showing how the platform is a true end-to-end service, an effective digital solution and how it can simplify print buying.

More than just print

Ulster University used the platform to purchase vibrant, engaging graphics for a high-profile campus opening. Multiple installations were needed, all whilst building work was still ongoing. The Print Marketplace supplier co-ordinated the installation with on-site contractors and the university team so that everything was ready for the grand opening!

A flexible framework

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council needed a compliant framework to purchase a variety of print. The Print Marketplace allows them to channel all their requirements through a single user and different buying routes are available depending on how much support is required. The platform also gives the opportunity to buy local and supports hybrid working.

Simplifying print buying

The University of Worcester has opted to close their print room and use the Print Marketplace. APS provided training sessions to facilitate the transition, offering ongoing support once live. There are now over 80 users buying print via the platform, enjoying time and cost savings as well as assured business continuity and the option to contribute towards their green agenda.

Challenge

To raise awareness of the launch of the new TotalEnergies brand in the business to business market.

This required a campaign to be developed to re-engage with fleet businesses to promote the new brand and the new proposition for their renewable energy offering.

Solution

The approach was to create and build a personalised DM pack and a personalised website experience which tailored to each business customer.

The customer received a Direct Mail pack, which included a dummy fuel cell and a personalised code. The code is then entered on the website which then presents recommendations of fuels that TotalEnergies can offer for the customer’s sector or business.

The campaign was launched initially as a pilot to 30 businesses, but based on the success of the pilot this will now be rolled out to 60 additional customers.

Based in the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Harris Distillery’s business model strongly focuses on online postal orders.

The challenges for their postal gifting packaging are:

• To provide an engaging, premium opening experience which enhances the beautiful, multi-award-winning Gin and complementary glassware range.
• To enable the team at Harris to efficiently and cost-effectively assemble the packaging.
• To be 100% recyclable and as materially efficient as possible.
• And most importantly, to safely transport fragile glassware through the post.

Our approach:

• We redesigned from the footprint up making dramatic improvements in material efficiency without compromising structural integrity.
• Quality and tactility were improved whilst maintaining sustainable credentials.
• The introduction of embossing, full-colour print and metallic print all add to the enhanced customer experience.
• Unique glass fitments are created to enhance the unboxing experience and ensure fragile glasses arrive in one piece, whilst allowing for the pack to be used in a retail environment.
• The range was rationalised to minimise component parts, with multi-use elements being created wherever possible to lower the carbon footprint.
• Customers can include a handwritten personalised note to enhance their experience.

A range of beautiful postal packaging for three different glass types, delivered in a blank postal outer to avoid any ‘surprise spoiling’. A balance of aesthetic appeal and structural stability has been reached to create a strong, post-safe pack with strong premium cues which can work equally as well in a retail environment.

We reduced the amount of material used on the packs, all of which was fully recyclable, for efficiency and cost and the design has been enhanced to improve the recipient’s unboxing experience, whilst lowering the carbon footprint.

The results:

• Excellent ongoing customer feedback despite a price increase from the previous year.
• Glass set sales increased dramatically and new customer acquisition increased.
• Winner of several awards including the Scottish Design Awards and a Golden Envelope at the SMP Mail Performance Awards.

Albert Heijn is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands with over 1,000 stores. To help bring Albert Heijn’s customer-first vision to life across multiple channels, APS were a natural choice as an experienced in-house agency partner. The award-winning global agency won the pitch process against a number of key competitors.

Overview

As a global communications company working in-house with a number of retailers, APS understands the demands of multi-channel campaigns throughout the year. Their teams work closely with a number of lead agencies, with creatives able to quickly immerse themselves in a campaign – expanding key visuals and concepts and delivering fully-fledged communications, on tight timelines and budgets.

Think

APS provides a unique, one-client touchpoint, taking any brief from concept through to completion and delivery – whether this is POS and packaging in store, creative concepts, video, photography, design, digital or social media content creation.

Create

Being onsite allows for shorter lines of communication. Creative teams work as one with the client to ensure each campaign’s true potential is realised and value-added at every point of the journey.

Deliver

The APS creative network globally supports Albert Heijn’s onsite team in Zaandam – however support will predominantly come from APS’ Halfweg creative hub and APS’ Eindhoven technical hub who have been working closely together with the onsite team since day one, to ensure brand and cultural immersion.

“Our partnership with APS Group has allowed us to deliver on a vision we have had for some time now: to increase control of our marketing communications.”

Albert Heijn Studio Director