This post isn’t strictly on a brand in the UK, but we think of it as more of an international example of a brand.

Welcome to Project Photo, a full service photography production house. Project Photo i’s a child branch of the project NY studio. They specialise in digital capture, editing and design in the post-production phase and of course, commercial photgography. Project Photo also have access to excellent the excellent printing facilities of Project NY Studio.

What kinds of photographs can you get at this studio? Project Photo operates in several different areas and can offer services in fashion, head shots, produts and interiors. They can accomodate in their studio or go out and shoot on location. All the members of staff are professionals with experience in rental, casting, location shooting and project management, as well as the requisite skills of high quality photography.

It’s a good model of how a studio can be set up and run, and we’ll be on the lookout for a British equivalent. Perhaps in Soho?

Everything started in 1964, when the first Topshop store was opened in a basement of a department store in North England. One year later a store was set up at Oxford Circus (London). Topshop has expanded hugely since then and is now the largest store on Oxford Street. It’s also the first high street retailer to present a collection at London Fashion Week.

Its unique, individual style made me fall in love with this brand. I mostly buy dresses, tights and jewellery, and sometimes bags or jackets. I’ve always been very satisfied with the quality of my clothes and accessories. I especially adore the retro and second-hand section. Topshop has expanded to work with guest designers like Barbara Hulanicki and Kate Moss, and they also have smaller boutique brands and British designers available at some of their larger locations. I love the selection and how somehow, they always seem to be on the cutting edge of fashion, though the brand is so big. Well done Topshop.

Many of us know them by their iconic ’speechmark’ logo that we see all over the place — on TV, trains, billboards or even abroad. I’m talking about one of the largest phone networks:  Vodafone. Vodafone are an iconic brand, that a lot of us 80’s babies have grown up with. Technically formed in 1984, the company emerged in 1991 as a result of demerging from its host group Racal Electronics PLC. From then on, it has built its empire expanding globally through key acquisitions and takeovers in a number of international markets with subsidiaries in the U.S, Europe, Asia and Africa.

With the company boasting more than 320 Million customers world wide, I’m pretty sure a lot of people like Vodafone. They offer a range of affordable mobile plans for individual consumers, as well as tailored solutions for small and large organisations. Their other services also include the Internet and high-definition TV’s.

Vodafone has also become the first network to break O2’s large supply monopoly of the iPhone. Vodaphone has already sold more than 200,000 since it started selling the Apple device in January 2010. They’ve also expressed interest in becoming a provider of Apple’s latest technology – the iPad. We all know what happens when a group of competitors fight out the market…better deals for us!

As a British brand, Vodafone sets a benchmark for many large organisations. I admire how the company strives to be a world leader in their field. In the process, this has provided many benefits to the global community, such as increased employment and better access to communication. Vodafone are committed to preserving the environment as well as corporate social responsibility. They express this through a wide range of initiatives — from reusing and recycling old phones, charges and batteries to educating parents on mobile phone and online filters to help control the content their children see.

And don’t worry — I didn’t choose Vodaphone just because I have recently joined their network!

[image: vodaphone.com]

image: arabamoto.com

We’ve all done it, dreaming of owning one or even driving one. Whether we’re in a rush to get somewhere or in a car of our own, we just can’t help but stare everytime a Bentley strolls within our grasps, what annoys me is why is it when one occurs the driver always seems to cruise at like 5mph!! If you havn’t realised but by now I am talking about the Bentley vehicle.

Despite being such a high powered car, Bentley Motors remain a very green company. They state that being environmentally friendly is just as important as any other area. There’s even a way to dispose of a Bentley when it has reached the end of its lifeline in an environmentally friendly way.

A few random but interesting facts about the production of a Bentley car taken from the company website:

• It takes 150 hours to hand-build a Continental GT and 400 hours to build an Arnage (you’d expect alot of work to go into a car when your paying around £200,000+ for it!)

• Lacquer-spraying robots in the Paint Shop are programmed to simulate a human sprayer on his best day

• Steering wheels are doubled stitched by hand using two needles simultaneously; the process is far too complicated for a machine. It takes 15 hours work to create one steering wheel

• A full set of leather for a Bentley is selected and cut at the same time, so that there is as little variation in texture as possible

Although acquired by Volkswagen in 1998, the ownership may be German but the heritage is still 100% British. The cars are not only internally potent but visually stunning. I’m sure as they inspire many individuals like me to work hard in order to acquire one (unless you’re already wealthy).

The day I step into one of my own will be a rich and wonderful moment. I’ve chosen Betley motors as a Cool Brand of Britain, as I feel that it represents a key aspect of what Britain is…beautiful, rich and cultured.

The Body Shop is the second largest cosmetics company in the world, so I think it is fair to assume that I am not the only one who chooses to shop there for my ‘nature inspired products!’

Dame Anita Roddick (or as I like to refer to her, Britain’s own ‘Mother Nature’) was a Human Rights Activist and founder of The Body Shop back in 1976. And now, 34 years later,  this British brand STILL stands strong, it STILL reflects a great stance for Social responsibily and is STILL giving Power to the People.

The Body Shop has been and continues to be involved in numerous activities behind the scenes, which all portray both these outstanding ideals;

• Their products support Fair trade and unlike most cosmetic companies, they are AGAINST animal testing.
• They help fund petitions for Human Rights, Moral issues and Enviornmental protection.
• They are involved with Greenpeace, UNICEF and Amnesty International.
• They have attempted to increase awareness of Domestic violence, Violence against children,  HIV and Aids.
• Their stores use Green electricity and Ecotricity.
• They part-funded the launch of’ ‘The Big Issue‘ for the homeless.
• They are working toward protecting tropical rainforests and the working conditions of workers abroad.

All that aside,  The Body Shop on the frontline offers a variety of goods to its loyal customers. Varying from products for the body, face, hair and home, all available in shops or online, for women AND men.

The Body Shop is a great example of a successful story in terms of British brands and should be the benchmark for many more yet to come.

All Hail The Body Shop.

Dr Martens: Commonly known as Docs or DM’s, are signature boots which have graced our planet since the 1960’s. The brand promotes a a shoe which is recognised by its vibrant logo andyellow stitching, and acknowledged for its air-cushioned sole.

Although the infamous boot was originally designed in Germany by Dr Klaus Martens, it only really took off after it was bought by a British store manufacturer, R. Griggs Group Ltd, in 1959.

In recent times, the original boot can be purchased in various sizes and colours, for both men and women.

They also continue to be hugely popular in numerous subcultures, which vary from Goths, Punks, Grungers, Skins and Indie kids.

DM’s are without doubt a culture icon and it seems as though where their competitiors  to fall,  Doc Martens continue to rise.

Dr. Martens for life!

MARKS AND SPENCER

One of Britians biggest and oldest retailers Marks and Spencers or M&S, as its locally known, is an excellent example of a great British brand.
As a company it has existed since the 19th Century but it has been stuffing the nation with awesome food and giving the British an impeccable sense of style since the mid-fifties.

In recent times the latter may not be so true but one thing remains clear, their food is amazing. Unique recipes and unique food branding, at a reasonable price makes them known as a brand of quality and luxury.

As a self-confessed foodaholic, I am utterly in love with M&S and I am willingly being slowly converted to a fatty. Everything from duck a l’orange to the dreamy chocolate cakes, tastes like heaven. Even their adverts on television almost result in me licking the screen.

“This is not just food” – You’re telling me!

Also, if you’re a bit like me, and don’t believe in spending six hours stood over a stove to cook a nice meal to entertain your friends, M&S offer oven food that tastes like a fresh home cooked meal. They also offer party finger food if you’re a bit more honest than me.

I truly think Primark is one of Britian’s best brands. Although originally an Irish company it is now control by a British firm. With almost 150 stores in Britian since the 80’s, I think it is a brand that we all recognise and a brand that many of us grew up with.

Primark rocks for its budget fashions, most of which are copied from more expensive high street outlets. Whether it’s socks and underwear, last minute hoilday shopping or even some casual sportswear, you’ll find it all at Primark for a lot less than you would expect.

Granted, you can’t find everything you want there; Primark should not be your first choice if looking for that killer outfit for an office party. But, in times of recession, it’s good to know that there is one place you can spend a little and get a lot.

[image: primark.co.uk]

Alcoholic cider is a specialty of England’s West Country. If you travel out to Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, you’ll find a variety of local ’scrumpies,’ to choose from, each one more delicious than the last. The area also has several popular mass produced ciders, which are sold worldwide.

My personal favourite of the internationally recognized English ciders is Bulmers, ‘Cider Maker to Her Majesty the Queen.’ Bulmers was started by Percy Bulmer, a man from Hereford in West England.  Percy’s mother suggested that he pursue a career in food or drink, because ‘these things never go out of style.’ Along with his brother Fred, Percy built a small cider mill on 8 acres of land. Their breakthrough came when one of their doctor friends, Dr. Herbert Durham, found a yeast culture that was specific to ciders. This meant that ciders could be brewed consistently with the same amount and flavour in the fermentation of one batch to the next. Bulmers became a household name and spread to be sold around the world.

Modern Bulmers is still breaking new ground. In 2006, the company launched Bulmers Original, which ensured that cider ‘on ice’ could be served to sophisticated and discerning clientele. This created a veritable revolution in cider consumption, and today it’s seen as a refreshing alternative to beers and spirits. Tasty.

[image: slosar.com]

The internet is one of the best ways to sell a product, create a buzz and inform your customer about your product or service. But we all know that people buy people. So, one of the best things you can do is to define your personal brand. Lucky for me, Mr. Halpern has also co-written a book with Roy Murphy, called Personal Reputation Management: How to make the internet work for you.

Interesting stuff. The writers bring up important points to consider in personal digital branding. They tell you how to find out what information about you is out there, how to manage that information, and how to put your best digital foot forward. They talk about how to use social media webistes like Facebook and Twitter, how to get the most of your website using search engine optimisation, and they discuss the future of the internet and how you can use it to your advantage.

It’s a great idea I hope you will implement. You are the cool brands of Britain, and you can use the internet as a tool to communicate that.