News & views

Blog / February, 2010 /

19 February 2010 /

Wally on creating a brand for Europe

by Wally Olins at 4:42 pm 19 February 2010
Filed under: Home Page

What’s your view on a brand for Europe?
Leave a comment.

12 February 2010 /

Why the fuss about the Apple iPad?

by Avik Chattopadhyay at 8:41 am 12 February 2010
Filed under: Home Page

It isn’t the first of its kind. Microsoft, Panasonic, HP, Fujitsu and others have all done it before. Fujitsu even has a hand held device also called iPAD! Read more…

12 February 2010 /

iThink, therefore iPad

by Avik Chattopadhyay at 8:36 am 12 February 2010
Filed under: Art, Branding, Luxury

Why is there all this fuss about the new Apple iPad?

It isn’t the first of its kind in the world. Microsoft, Panasonic, HP, Fujitsu and a few others have all done it before. Fujitsu even has a hand held device also called the iPAD!

Apple’s iPad doesn’t have earth-shattering features. It may not be particularly user friendly and the after-sales service may leave a lot to be desired.

So what is all the noise about?

It is the ‘thought’ behind everything Apple does. Every Apple creation has been more than just a device. It’s about benefits as well as features. It’s about the strength of human alignment directly proportional to the length of ownership and experience.

Another simpler way of putting it is that every Apple creation is about the Apple brand. The power within the Apple brand lies in its intuitive ability to gradually build a unique bond with its owner. Not only do you not mind the electronic intrusion into your life you positively adore it. This is branding in its most supreme form.

Interestingly every Apple experience has been designed around the core of Zen Buddhist theology. Steve Jobs is a Zen Buddhist since 1975. He practises it not only in his own life but also in his creations.

These are the definitive, deliberate manifestations which are seen in the Apple brand. They show how the greatest brands can be a powerful manifestation of the human condition.

4 February 2010 /

After the gold rush

by Ian Stephens at 12:11 am 4 February 2010
Filed under: Press

Saffron reinforces its presence in the Middle East

Today we announced that we are strengthening our presence in Dubai, through a strategic partnership with Madison Dubai, the independent advertising agency led by Tarek Ghannam.

You might think it seems an odd time to open in a market that’s still in shock from the effects of the 2009 slowdown. But that’s precisely where we see an opportunity and where we’re finding a lot of interest from our clients and partners in the region.

For us the Middle East market is entering a new phase: where there will be a much stronger emphasis and requirement from clients on strategic brand thinking and powerful brand expression.
When the gold rush was at full pace it was all a bit too easy for branding consultancies. All that was required from them was a catchy name and a nice logo and hey presto, the client was delighted and everyone could pat themselves on the back as yet another seemingly successful and competitive new brand was born.

That was then. This is now.

After the gold rush things are a little different. Many of those brands that had an easy ride are finding that it takes something more than a logo to create a brand that people will love. That’s music to our ears and we’re excited about the opportunities to help existing brands reinvent themselves to be more competitive and also help get new ideas off the ground.

The brands that will survive and thrive in this era will be the ones that take branding seriously and create genuine market differentiation and genuine customer preference. They’ll create brands that are as powerful on the inside as they are on the outside of the organisation. Brands that know what makes them special and know exactly what they stand for.

The Middle East will continue of course to take its place at the global economy ‘top table’ as the world recovers, and we expect that some of the iconic brands our children will talk about will have their roots there. We love the boldness and ambition of the region – nothing is impossible and dreams come in XXL size.