2. FiRST base Andy Scott set up FiRST Marketing Services in 2005 FiRST now offers a range of skills and services to help companies develop and deliver attractive and compelling marketing programmes We work with existing marketing teams, where there is a skills gap or simply a need for short- term, flexible additional resource

3. FiRST Principles FiRST Marketing is deliberately small, allowing it to ‘flex’ to the needs of its clients FiRST’s core of full-time and freelance staff is supported by several ‘partner’ agencies who provide specific expertise for selected projects These include the Ark (specialists in data sourcing and campaign fulfilment), Fusion IMS (promotions and product sourcing), and Acumen PR Each partner has a proven track-record in its field, and its own prestigious client list

4. FiRST Service FiRST focuses on 6 key marketing services: –Business insight and strategy – FiRST thought –Design and photography – FiRST impression –Copywriting – FiRST write –Press and PR – FiRST edition –Affinity marketing and promotions – FiRST foot –Data and fulfilment – FiRST post Clients can take up any or all of these services on a project or retained contract basis

5. FiRST thought For an agency to add value it must understand its client’s business and needs as fully as possible – to be able to identify the pieces of the jigsaw, and consider how they might fit together It should offer a fresh perspective to the client, and be able to work efficiently, without excessive hand-holding or oversight It is one of FiRST’s key aims to bring insight, intellect and integrity to all its work

6. FiRST impression Where first impressions are critical, it’s amazing how many good ideas fail to achieve ‘stand out’ FiRST will bring fresh impetus to your marketing, drawing design ideas from different sources to suit your brief, including producing bespoke photography if required As with the typewriter before us, we aim to leave a lasting design impression And to deliver clients a strong commercial result

7. FiRST write (sic) Too many marketing initiatives are failed by a poor use of words – materials are badly written or use the wrong language, leaving the message unclear and the desired outcome not achieved FiRST loves words, and bringing all sorts of marketing materials alive through well- targeted, engaging, and compelling language

8. FiRST edition So much of marketing concerns perception, sometimes irrespective of reality, requiring great care and clarity in all forms of communication FiRST shapes press releases, product briefings and other communications to influence opinion- formers and achieve the desired positive perception with the target audience

9. FiRST foot The Scottish tradition of welcoming the ‘First Foot’, the first visitor after midnight at Hogmanay, is sealed by him giving a gift of coal to wish warmth and prosperity to the host in the coming New Year There is great value to be had in building strong, mutually- beneficial relationships with customers and business partners alike. FiRST aims to help clients do this through affinity marketing, events and other promotional activity

10. FiRST post Any business must know its customers, and be able to communicate with them effectively. Whether your business wants to reach existing or new customers, FiRST will help you reach the right audience, in the right way, at the right time FiRST will advise on different marketing strategies, and design, produce and implement these to deliver successful campaigns with measurable results

11. FiRST contact FiRST is currently engaged on B2B and retail marketing programmes on behalf of a number of clients, working in the business service, leisure, and automotive sectors To find out more, or contact FiRST, please telephone Andy Scott on 07747 667 800, or email contact@tryFiRST.co.uk