Thursday, December 22, 2011

Opus Energy shortlisted for Utility of the Year


Opus Energy is a provider of gas and electricity to businesses across the UK. The company has been shortlisted by The European Smart Metering Awards for the “Utility of the Year” award. The honour is given to businesses that show market leading behaviour or bring fresh ideas to their sector.
Oliver Kinross run the European Smart Metering Awards to showcase excellence in the energy sector. The awards acknowledge companies that are playing pivotal roles in moving the industry forward. The honours will be decided by a panel of judges and announced at a gala awards dinner on 26th January 2012.
Opus Energy’s Managing Director, Charlie Crossley Cooke has stated that the company is very proud to be nominated for the award and he feels the recognition is deserved for the progress and success they have had throughout the year.
In the last year the company have launched Opus Renewables – a scheme which allows businesses generating renewable or clean energy to sell their excess power and generate extra revenue. The aim was to engage with small and medium companies and increase the amount of renewable and cleaner energy Opus provides to their customers.
Opus Energy’s competitive power purchase agreement combined with a wealth of expert market knowledge allows businesses to get the best price for their energy. Opus Energy contract power from wind, solar, anaerobic digestion and hydro generators. The business’ team of professionals guide customers through the process from the planning stages through to connection.
The organisation has also rolled out a free smart meters initiative to many more sites and seen growth in the flexible purchasing products; Opus Evolution and Extra.

The company currently sponsor British gymnast Daniel Keatings. Opus has recently recorded the following footage with the gold medal winner.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The History of Santa Claus, Christmas and Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognisable brands in the world. Their main product, Coca-Cola or Coke soda is available anywhere in the world, even in countries where food is sparse and bread’s a luxury. Even so, Coca-Cola and their complimentary products are available in almost every country.
Since its establishment, Coca-Cola continues to create products for consumers while maintaining their original soda drink that made them one of the biggest companies in history.
But aside from the company’s impressive rise to become a leading brand name, Coca-Cola is also known for their Christmas commercials particularly their commercials that involve Santa Claus. Coca-Cola may be a soda manufacturing company but their influence in the image of Santa Claus should never be over-looked.
Santa Claus first appeared in Coca-Cola posters and commercials during Christmas season in 1920 although the current image was first introduced in 1931. The image of Santa Claus continues to this day as he is depicted as a happy man that just want to make sure everyone will have a great Christmas. Coca-Cola is very influential to the current image of Santa Claus with the red suit since they were among the very first to depict Santa Claus in the traditional suit of red. The first person to portray Santa Claus in this suit was Thomas Nast for the magazine “Harper’s Weekly”.
The image of Santa Claus as part of the Christmas advertisement of Coca-Cola has become so important that people take a careful look at this costume every year. In fact, people started writing letters to Coca-Cola asking about Mrs. Claus when they noticed that the Santa Claus did not wear his wedding ring.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sony to Take Full Control of Sony Ericsson Mobile Company

Sony officially joins the competitive world of mobile phone manufacturing after a recent announcement of acquisition. The electronics manufacturing giant recently announced the full takeover of Sony Ericsson. The 50% ownership of Ericsson was bought by Sony for €1.05 billion or $1.5 billion. The announcement doesn’t mean immediate takeover as Sony is still in the process of completing the transition. The company, “Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB” will now be known as “Sony Mobile Communications AB”.
The full control of Sony on its former partnership can be considered as a risky yet a very bold move that should result to more innovations on the part of Sony. Before its full takeover, Sony cannot easily integrate some of their trademark devices on Sony Ericsson mobile phones.
But this doesn’t mean the partnership did not make any impression in the mobile market. The partnership of Sony and Ericsson is the main reason why brands such as “Cybershot” and “Walkman” still exist. The idea of high-resolution cameras on mobile phones as well as integration of quality music on mobile phones is championed by Sony Ericsson.
Since Sony is now in full control, anticipate aggressive integration of Sony to their existing devices. PS3 or PlayStation 3, PSP and Sony TV can be part of the mobile phone environment. The year 2012 should be interesting for Sony as it tries its hand on the mobile industry.
The partnership of Sony and Ericsson started in 2001. The venture combines the capability of Sony on consumer electronics with communication technology expertise of Ericsson.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Steve Jobs Dies at 56 – A Look Back at the carrer of the Late Great Apple Innovator

The world was shocked on October 5, 2011 at the news of Steve Jobs’ death. The founder of Apple and Pixar died of respiratory arrest merely months after his announcement of retirement as CEO of the world renowned computer manufacturer.
Steve Jobs rise to fame is always seen as one of the most inspiring in history. Although he did not finish college (only lasting one semester), he helped to develop one of the first personal computer in the world and aptly called it Apple Computer which eventually evolved into Macintosh.
The influence of Steve Jobs’ early computing devices is not just on the creation of the first personal computer. He was also credited to take full advantage of the mouse. Originally built by Xerox, Steve Jobs integrated the GUI system into his computer and since that day, the mouse has become an integral part of every computer.
Steve Jobs was asked to leave Apple in 1985 because of the power struggle. But his time away from Apple led him to create Pixar, which became one of the biggest animation companies with multiple awards. He also established NeXT computer which was built for educational purposes.
He returned to Apple in 1997 as an interim CEO and became its leader in 2000. During his tenure, he helped develop and introduce some of the most groundbreaking mobile devices in the modern era such as iPad, iPod and the iPhone. To this day, competitors are still introducing devices to try to compete with the devices Apple introduced.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Advantage of Skype for Business Meetings

Skype is one of the leading VOIP providers in the world. They are well known among consumers as well as businesses because of their ability to provide clear lines of communication. Although VOIP is already common as other online companies are pushing their voice-based services, only a handful can easily compete with Skype. There are distinct advantages Skype can provide especially for businesses.
Free Skype to Skype Calls and More
Free VOIP calls are already common but only Skype is known for their clear call quality. They also have a built-in tester to ensure that your call to another Skype user will go without any problems.
The program also has VOIP with video calling. The advantage of Skype for voice with video is that it constantly detects the bandwidth so that it can determine how it should handle the line of communication. If it can’t handle voice and video, it will alert the users so that they could revert to voice only transactions.
The Capability of a Regular Telephone
Skype users can also add a regular phone number to their account. They can choose a number from different countries so that anyone can call them even if they don’t have a Skype account. Skype users can also install a voicemail system with their phone number.
Not Just on PC
Because of the increasing capabilities of mobile phones, Skype is not just on your laptops and PCs. Skype services including video calling are already available in some of the most powerful mobile phones and tablets in the world. Most of these gadgets already feature Skype out of the box so customers don’t have to set-up anything to obtain the services on their mobile phone.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Business Holiday Cards

During the Christmas period many people exchange cards, wishing each other a Merry Christmas and a good year ahead. Over the past few decades this tradition has been passed onto the business world. Many companies now send business cards to their employees or to clients, showing how they appreciate them. This is a great way to keep people motivated and recognise them as a great addition to your business. It is also a good way to keep your company in people’s minds; a Christmas card can remind a person of your existence and get could in return gain your company more work.
How to make Christmas cards
While some companies buy a box of cards and hand write them other people choose to personalise them through online sites. There are many different websites that offer business holiday cards. Many have a selection of designs and the option to create personalised cards. Some allow you to add custom words or the option to upload your own image. Online card companies are usually very competitively priced especially if you choose to create a batch of any one design. The business can also post the card straight to the client instead of your home address, saving you time and effort.
Other Business Cards
If your company isn’t currently sending business cards this could be a positive way to build a relationship with a client. Christmas cards may be the most popular form of card but there are many other options. New Year cards can be a good way of thanking people who are not part of the Christian religion. You could also send Halloween cards at the end of October or Hanukkah cards to people from the Jewish community.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Steve Jobs Leaves Apple


Steve Jobs recently announced that he’sstepping down from his position as CEO of Apple. He will be replaced by TimCook which he fervently supports in his letter of resignation. It’s importantto note that Jobs is stepping down as a CEO which means he will still be thechairman of the tech giant.

The announcement of Steve Jobs’ resignationcame as a surprise although many had expected it would happen during the nextfew years. His recent bouts with pancreatic cancer and a liver transplant havetaken their toll on his body. Everyone knows that Jobs is a hands-on CEO withvery rigorous work ethic which now leaves everyone wondering what Apple woulddo without its greatest innovator.



Steve Jobs role in Apple from 1997 to 2011 allowedApple to become one of the tech world’s most innovative companies. The releasesof the iPod, iPhone and iPad have practically changed the way every consumerinteracts with their gadgets. Every time Steve Jobs steps onto the stage with ahighly anticipated product, every tech company takes careful notes on what itdoes so that they could ride its popularity. Apples products may not be thefirst devices of their kind to hit the market but when they change the game andforce other companies to try to catch up with Jobs’ innovations.

The biggest question surrounding Apple nowis its future without Steve Jobs. Many are confident that it will continue tobe consumer specific with innovations instilled by Jobs for more than a decade.Of course, only time will tell if the effects of Jobs’ departure from Apple willaffect the company.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Chemistry Club's Master Classes


The Chemistry Club is an organisation that works with the technology sector. The Chemistry Club was founded by CEO, Mark Simon in 1999. It holds master classes, special briefings, and nine events throughout each year.
The company’s master classes are full one day sessions aimed at senior executives. Networking has become a vital skill within business and nearly anybody can benefit from training in this key area. The Chemistry Club’s sessions are for managers and senior executives who want to further their networking abilities. During the past eleven years The Chemistry Club has built a great deal of knowledge in the field. The master classes have taken the company's experience and have created the classes with specialist leading trainers. The sessions have been formed to hone attendee’s skills and provide methodologies for following up. All of the businesses classes are fully CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited.
The Chemistry Club’s master classes allow individuals to learn all aspect of face-to-face networking. The classes cover a broad range of topics including; the best ways to prepare for business events, how to feel at ease immediately, and good tips for remembering names. The classes also cover; how to engage and disengage effectively in conversations, the basics of reading body language, and how to develop proactive listening skills. The classes give members a large toolbox of skills and an improved understanding of how networking should be achieved.
The Chemistry Club currently hosts nine Central London based business networking evenings each year. The forums give members a time efficient way to talk with other individuals in the industry. The organisation states that the events are work gatherings and should not be seen as simply social gatherings. Despite the evenings being fairly active attendees can move around at their own pace and meet as few or as many people as they choose. Individuals can talk with people they haven’t met before as well as those that they have previously spoken to. It is entirely by mutual consent as to who speaks with whom at the events. Senior executives generally discuss a range of business topics including; innovation, best practice, cost reduction, industry trends, and benchmarking.
The company’s forums usually contain an interesting presenter who is followed by a question and answer session. The discussion is usually topical and leads to many thought provoking questions.
The Chemistry Club’s events are attended by a wide range of groups including; public sector members, directors from venture capital and private equity firms, executive managers from big businesses, senior executives from media companies, and global IT suppliers.
To encourage more debate at the events the business also invites; marketing directors, chief executives, security and risk directors, heads of procurement, operations directors, and academics.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Opus Energy Ltd - B2B Power Supplier

Independent energy provider Opus Energy, is an independent supplier of electricity and gas to British businesses. Established in 2002 the company currently supplies power to more than 140,000 locations across the UK. Small and medium sized businesses make up the majority of Opus Energy customer base. These companies enjoy the savings offered to them based on their energy requirements. Opus Energy also offers flexible and accurate billing to their customers.

Opus Energy has a key power supply agreement with GDF SUEZ, one of the company’s major shareholders. The agreement allows the company to provide its clients with an affordable and reliable supply of energy.

Corporate consumers have the choice of three different power products;

Opus Extra is for organisations that use between ½ GWh and 5 GWhs. This energy product gives customers an online power purchasing platform, direct access to the wholesale market, and very flexible purchasing options.

Opus Fixed is a traditional power product which combines cheap business energy with the business’s first class, key account service.

Opus Evolution offers consumers a flexible power purchasing solution for businesses that use more than 5GWhs of power. Opus Evolution allows consumers to have full control over their energy spending budget by allowing them to take advantage of power price fluctuations through direct access to the wholesale market. The product is web-based and gives consumers a wide range of useful information at their fingertips.

Opus Energy Ltd supplies electricity and gas to the government sector, retail industry, and housing associations across the United Kingdom. Many of Opus’ clients are household names including; Halfords, Stagecoach, FirstGroup, and Lloyds Pharmacy. Opus Energy was placed in the 2011 Times Top Track 250 listing for Britain’s top mid-market private businesses. The company was also awarded the “Independent energy suppliers of the year” in 2010 by the energy excellence awards.

Opus Energy
obtained 72% of its energy during the past two years from renewable or cleaner energy supplies. 45% came from renewable generators and 36% came from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generators.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Iphone app for the marketing industry

Surprisingly there hasn’t been a great variety of iPhone applications allowing users to learn and stay up-to-date with the online marketing industry. Social Media Ltd has just released their first application on the app store to try and solve that gap in the market. The application features a lot of marketing information and has a built in blog and twitter feed to make sure you're up-to-date with the latest news in the industry. The company has also thought about the general practices of online marketers and have included a PPC Calculator to allow you to work out the success of your current pay per click campaigns.

The free app which was released last week is available on the iPhone app store and includes the following features;

  • Pay Per Click Calculator – A simple way to see if your current PPC campaigns are successful
  • Marketing blog – a frequently updated blog informing you about the latest marketing news
  • Twitter Stream – the thoughts and opinions of Social Media Ltd’s MD
  • Marketing information - an insight into PPC, SEO and Social media marketing
  • Contact form – an easy way for you to contact the company

The developers also have a list of future plans for the application including an ROI calculator to allow you to easily track the return of investment on your marketing campaigns.

While this application won’t appeal to everybody, if you’re an online marketer or somebody who wants to advertise your company online we would recommend that you give it a try.

Download the app here;

http://social-media.co.uk/iphone-app.php

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Invensys EYESim Immersive Training Solution Wins Processing Magazine’s Prestigious Breakthrough Product Award

Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of consulting services, software solutions, and technology systems to the manufacture and processing industries, today stated that that its EYESim™ immersive training solution, an advanced SimSci-Esscor® simulation technology, had been selected by Processing magazine as a Breakthrough Product.

Processing magazines associate publisher and editor in chief, Dennis Van Milligen stated; “The Breakthrough Product of the Year Award recognizes those services, products, and/or technology that have made important contributions in the process sectors within the past year, and are likely to deeply impact the industry in the future. Because of advances like Invensys' EYESim solution, the Breakthrough Product of the Year has become one of the most well-respected and distinguished awards in the industry.”

The EYESim solution merges virtual reality technologies with documentation management applications, control system emulation computer-based maintenance management, and high-fidelity process simulation to provide a safe and highly realistic training environment for improving operational skills and efficiency for process plant employees.

Maurizio Rovaglio, Ph.D. and head of innovation and emerging technologies for Invensys Operations Management stated; “SimSci-Esscor advanced simulation technologies such as the EYESim solution, can help to create a more sustainable future, as well as solve important industry issues. Not only can this solution be used to create confidence in new eco-friendly power sources, including commercial-scale IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) plants, it can also be used to train operators on new systems, as well as train younger or new operators and engineers in a real-time, immersive environment, helping manufacturers and processors replenish and retain the specialized knowledge they need to improve their operations.”

Monday, April 18, 2011

Huffington Post Moving Away from Freelancers

One of the biggest tech-related mergers this year is AOL’s $315 million acquisition of Huffington Post. The website editor and owner, Arianna Huffington, will become the lead editor of the website which is now the Huffington Post Media Group. It’s a very significant acquisition for the online world because it shows how a blog website could become very expensive.

But the movement of Huffington Post from an independent website to AOL is not just a buy-out where the popular website will retain its status-quo as an online journalist. In the process of merger, Huffington Post is slowly eliminating the need for freelancers. The focus of the website is no longer on citizen journalism but on real journalism where they will hire professional editors and writers to write articles on a full time basis. There are still freelance bloggers on the site but they are well known personalities or leaders in their industry.

The reaction from the freelancers with the movement on Huffington Post is naturally negative. It has come to a point where the site is now being sued for more than $100 million. According to the class action lawsuit, Huffington Post reposted some of the content for free in their website without paying the author. Before the revamp of Huffington Post, the website was known to aggregate popular articles online created by other writers without any fee.

Moving away from citizen journalism could be a good business decision for Huffington Post. However, it has created a hole for freelancers and leads the way for another site to take them under its wing.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Marks and Spencer Returns to France with a New Marketing Plan

Marks and Spencer is returning to France after the company removed their stores more than a decade ago. As one of the major clothing retailers in the world, Marks and Spencer opted to return to France because of the increasing awareness of their brand. Plans to open the first retail store in France were announced November 2010 and they expect to open the first retail shop by the end of 2011. Like most of the clothing giants, Marks and Spencer will open shop in the popular Street of Champs de Elysees.

The clothing brand is not just focused on basic retail shops to attract customers. To cater to the increasing demand for their products, Marks and Spencer will also launch a French version of the Marks and Spencer’s website with payment in Euros. The site was created to cater for customers looking for products they can’t easily find in retail shops in France. The website (marksandspencer.fr) will also feature different household items under the Marks and Spencer brand. The expected catalog in the company’s official French website is expected to reach more than 10,000 items.

Marks and Spencer also revealed their plans to open food-only shops in different sites in Paris. Named Marks and Spencer Simply Food Store, the company is also exploring other sites in the country for a possible rapid expansion along with bigger clothing and food shops.

The company caused a controversy when they pulled out of France in 2001 since the Marks and Spencer in the country was still considered profitable. The closure caused many job losses that even the French government intervened in the situation.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Learning More About Mobile Check-in

Mobile check-in is an increasingly popular form of online social networking. It is a totally different form of social network from traditional networks such as Twitter and Facebook because it focuses on locations and places of interest instead of basic sharing of information, pictures and opinions. Some social networks already feature mobile check-in such as Facebook (Facebook Places) and Twitter while others are dedicated to mobile check-in such as Gowalla and FourSquare.

Advantage of Mobile Communications

This type of social networking takes advantage of mobile technology where the precise location of the account holder is detected and updated online. Most of the mobile check-in websites automatically update other social networking sites which mean a single application in the mobile phone could instantly stream the user’s location.

Aside from automatically updating the user account with its location, users are also given an option where they can personally update their account. The option is offered for security purposes since there are some users who do not want to disclose some of the locations they visit.

From Mobile Check-in to Reviews

Mobile check-in consistently develops because of the increasing demand from users. Aside from learning the person’s location, location based social networking websites are also used for review purposes. For example, a person could check-in to a hotel and the account is automatically updated in their preferred social networking site. Because they have checked-in to the hotel, they can provide reviews on the services and facilities. The collective review of visitors who checked-in on the hotel could be used as reference by other users. Businesses can also take advantage of the reviews to promote or improve their services.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Opus Energy Ltd to Create 100 new Jobs following Top Track 250


Opus Energy Ltd has announced that it will be creating 100 new jobs by December 2012. The company has announced the increase in positions following their feature in The Sunday Times Top Track 250. The league table is made up of the UK's leading mid-market private organisations. Opus Energy featured in the Top Track 250 through an increase of 31% sales growth year on year.
Opus Energy is a provider of energy to UK businesses. The Company are a leading independent supplier who is able to offer a high standard of customer service and a competitively priced source of energy.
Established more than 9 years ago, Opus Energy now provides more than 100,000 sites across the United Kingdom with power. The power supplier offers low cost energy through an agreement with major shareholder, International Power Plc. Opus Energy Ltd supply power to the Government sector, the retail industry and housing associations. The company suppliers power to many household names including; Cambridge City Council, Lloyds Pharmacy, Halfords and Stagecoach.
Opus Energy provides three market leading products to their corporate customers. The three products are;

Opus Evolution
The Opus Evolution product is aimed at customers using more than 5 GWhs of electricity. The innovative product has enabled customers to dictate how and when to procure energy and offers companies several benefits including direct access to the wholesale market.

Opus Extra
Opus Energy's Extra option is aimed at companies using between ½ GWhs and 5GWhs. The product gives businesses access to flexible purchasing products. These options are normally only available to larger consuming corporate customers. Unlike Fixed energy products the energy buyer can increase the amount of electricity they purchase during a contract term.


Opus Fixed
The Opus Fixed option gives companies a more traditional fixed priced electricity product. Opus Energy Ltd combines cheap business electricity rates with a personalised account service and business-to-business invoicing.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

The Importance of Digital Advertising Offline

Offline advertising or advertising through billboards, newspapers and other media outlets has been highly profitable over the past centuries. Although people constantly see ads online, offline advertising is still considered important because people still interact with their surrounding. As companies spend millions for online advertising, they spend a lot more in offline advertising to get their customers attention.
But offline advertising is no longer just another dull commercial or billboard. Advertising companies and manufacturers are thinking out of the box so that they could get the attention of the potential customers. These agencies are now tapping technology which could offer more than just a simple commercial of the product. With the help of technology, digital advertising offline is quickly becoming interactive.
One of the leading pioneers of digital advertising offline is Nesquick. They created a wall with giant screen that interacts with everyone who pass by. The official mascot and the companies milkshake product were interactive and moved as people passed by, something that will surely catch your attention. The technology implemented is considered revolutionary because this is the first time offline advertising has become truly interactive using such a large screen LCD.
Digital offline advertising is already an increasing trend in Japan. Manufacturers are using tech giants to offer unique advertising with advanced options such as being able to scan the gender of the person looking at the billboard. This idea of a truly interactive environment is slowly being implemented in many countries advertising campaigns and soon people will not just stare at bare billboards they will interact

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Best XLV Super Bowl Ads and Groupon

Super Bowl is not just about the game as people who watch the event are also there to enjoy the commercials. With an average of $3.1 million for a 30-second commercial, you should expect quality advertising and not just something written over the weekend.

The Force is Strong with Volkswagen
The most popular and well loved commercial is undoubtedly from Volkswagen. The mixture of original soundtrack from Star Wars with a near-perfect replica (except the size) of Darth Vader costume worn lovingly by a kid will always draw attention. The kid’s reaction when Dad reaches out for a hug is an epic scene.
Get Out of Prison with Audi
It seems that this is the year of car manufacturers as Audi pulls an impressive commercial for their brand. Millionaires in prison should whet up the appetite for us regular folks but what really makes this commercial interesting is the “Kenny G” references. The appearance of the master musician himself should never be missed.
Eminem’s Detroit by Chrysler
This one doesn’t tickle any funny bones but it certainly gets the attention of millions because of Eminem. Aside from being patriotic, it reminds everyone how bleak it is in Detroit but people are fighting hard to win their city back.

Groupon’s Fiasco
While other companies have enjoyed the publicity during Super Bowl, Groupon had a hard time during this event. Groupon‘s advertisements weren’t shown during the Super Bowl because of complaints. Their ads about Tibet, Whaling and the Amazon were deemed as offensive. Although the idea of dark comedy within commercial is not new, the company opted to pull these out to avoid repercussions. These commercials can still be seen online.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Facts You Need to Know About Super Bowl Advertisements

Super Bowl is a championship game between two professional American football teams. It is the most watched sports event in USA and its popularity is slowly creating different traditions around the country. Half time show performances are always anticipated and sports fans in North America and even in other countries hold viewing parties as they enjoy the game. More than 90 million viewers watch the game each year.
But aside from the half time shows and parties, the Super Bowl is also a chance for companies to advertise their products and services. With more than 90 million viewers, the advertisements space during the Super Bowl have become a traditional time for companies to introduce new adverts. High-quality advertisements that often solicit nationwide reactions are always anticipated, some people even watch the game just to enjoy the advertisements.
30 Seconds to Entice Potential Customers
The real interesting fact about Super Bowl commercials is that they are only given 30 seconds in order to pitch their product. But even in 30 seconds companies can entice their customers to buy their products or subscribe to the services they offer. Some products and brands just want to get the attention of potential buyers this advertising spot allows them to easily promote their products around the whole of the U.S.A.
The Most Expensive 30 Seconds Ever
With 90 million viewers, it is expected that TV spots for the commercials are very expensive. Companies who wanted to have a spot during the game are expected to pay an average of $3 million. This is considered a very costly type of advertising because the ad will only run for 30 seconds and the fee does not include production costs and actor fees.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Starbucks to Go Through 4th Logo Change

The largest coffeehouse company is not only known for their coffee but also its recognizable logo, which is now associated with world-class coffee. The Seattle-based coffee giant has plans to l shed its old logo and introduce a new design in the coming months.

But Starbucks is not changing their logo for the first time. In fact, this is the 4th logo change for the company. The first version was during the 17th century and the design was originally brown with a topless siren and a fully visible double fish tail. The second logo was used from 1987 to 1992. The logo features a siren with the breast covered with its flowing hair much like the later version except that the navels are revealed. The current version is used from 1992 and 2011. In this logo, the siren’s navel and breasts are no longer visible but the shape of the fish tail remains.

A few weeks ago, the Seattle-based company announced they will undergo another logo transformation. The logo will feature a simpler image as the logo shows a bare-chested mermaid with the tail fin split in half. The words have been removed and only a larger version of the mermaid image remains. The logo will be launched this coming March 2011 on Starbucks stores in time to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

There are people who do not agree with the changing of the logo. But considering the track record of Starbucks making good decisions, we think the coffee maker giant will simply breeze through the criticism. After taking a second look at the logo you will realise it hasn’t changed a lot and the major difference to the design is the removal of the coffee chains name.