24 January 2008 00:00

JPDS – Public Sector Proves a Real Challenge

Based in Redwither Tower, JPDS services include design of all printed materials, advertising, packaging, exhibitions, sales promotional/sales tools, websites, corporate identity/product branding, print management and photography.

JPDS is a full-service design agency based in the heart of the Wrexham Industrial Estate. Formed almost ten years ago, we’ve had significant experience in working with a broad and diverse range of private sector businesses, including major global players such as Hoya, Tenax, Hertel, Tetra Pak, and Hauck. We have also worked with local businesses including Moneypenny, Viapharm, KD Products, Town & Country and Active Childcare. But we have been less inclined to enter the Public Sector market in a serious way, primarily due to the complex and time-consuming nature of the tendering process, and uncertain outcomes. Fifteen months ago we received an open invitation from Denbighshire Council to enter the pre-qualification stage of a design agency selection process. The council’s aim was to select a limited number of graphic design agencies who would then be invited to tender exclusively for public institution work over a two-year period, under a new framework agreement.

With some trepidation we decided to throw our creative hat into the ring. Having survived the first ‘pre-qualification’ stage we then had to provide answers to several other comprehensive questionnaires. The council required in-depth details of our business, clients, financial status, staff; employment, environmental, health and safety policies; and much more. In truth, we almost quit the race at this stage, not least because of the necessity to use an Internet system that was complex and confusing. In fact, so complex was the process that one of our staff had to be allocated the full-time responsibility for completing it. A year after embarking on this adventure the number of agencies still in the race had been cut down from 200 (nationwide) to just 30, and we survived! The final stage, for us, was the most satisfying requiring quotes and designs for a tourism brochure and flyer – our passion and expertise were at last being tested. More months passed before finally receiving confirmation that we had successfully negotiated the last hurdle, one of just twelve agencies selected to tender for work from the growing list of North Wales public institutions signing up to Denbighshire Council’s framework agreement (which now includes Wrexham Council).

By the end of this 15 month process we had been obliged to scrutinise every aspect of what we do and how we do it. Yes, it was challenging. Yes, it utilised valuable resources. But the outcome is that JPDS is now well-placed to build its knowledge of public sector needs, people and systems, and expand sector market share. Already we have experienced the benefits in that we are now used by Wrexham Council for location photographic work and have won our first tenders.

So how about our Private Sector work? It continues to expand with the most exciting project being the design of the new Laura Ashley Garden Range branding and packaging and launch at the NEC. Also look out for the new Wrexham dining-out experience that is ZAZA, with branding and marketing by JPDS.

CONTACT: www.jpds.co.uk info@jpds.co.uk Tel:01978 664458.

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