Communication & Marekting Services Tender Modal Training 2016

Target Markets

Marketing communication activity will primarily be undertaken through our website and media that has a significant reach within our target markets, both regionally, nationally and internationally. Modal Training will also continue to build a strong online presence through social media and digital marketing campaigns.

Key sectors are: 1. Road – regional, national and international employers in the road haulage sector. 2. Rail – regional, national and international employers in the rail freight and rail passenger sectors. 3. Air – regional, national and international employers in the air sector with a specific focus on freight forwarding and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation. 4. Sea – regional, national and international employers in the maritime sector, including ports handling, ship handling and offshore renewables. 5. Support – regional, national and international employers in the logistics support services. Including warehousing, cranes and forklift trucks.

Design Services

Delivering Modal Training’s communications and marketing strategy requires the support of external design services. Over the past year the present incumbent has provided design services across a wide range of formats and media including traditional print design, digital, photography, exhibition, 3D digital renders and interior design.

We expect to continue to use a broad range of design and artwork solutions, especially leading up to the launch of the facility.

As part of the retainer agreement, it is expected that the selected agency will liaise with printers and other suppliers as required for the fulfilment of projects.

Communication Services

Delivering Modal Training’s communications and marketing strategy requires the support of external communications support. Over the past year the present incumbent has provided a wide range of communications services including press releases, copy writing, media relations, media buying, email and direct mail marketing, exhibition and event support.

We expect to continue to use a broad range of communications services, especially leading up to the launch of the facility.

Additional information: Digital Services

The digital services required by Modal Training fall into two categories: 1. Work closely with the Modal Training team to develop and implement a search engine optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing strategy, and ongoing website support. 2. Website project - development of our existing website www.modaltraining.co.uk: Key components for the re-development of the Modal Training website: 1. Must be CMS based – training to be provided to Modal Training staff. 2. Must be fully optimised for mobiles and tablets. 3. Must be integrated with social media. 4. Must be able to upload and edit regular news stories. 5. Image and document library required. 6. Must have the capability to grow and develop as the business requires. 7. Must have the capability to provide online booking for courses.

Additional components that may be required for the Modal Training website: 1. Website advertising capability. 2. Ability to host videos on some pages. 3. Capability to take payment for courses online. Contract Delivery

At the time of awarding the contract the successful company will be required to work with the existing designs and collateral to complete ongoing campaigns within the already agreed timescales.

Response

Modal Training often has to move quickly to capitalise upon opportunities. Our marketing strategy is flexible and responsive, which in turn, requires the agency supporting Modal Training to be able to work closely with the team, respond quickly and accurately to meeting requests / verbal briefs and produce work to extremely short deadlines. It may be necessary to brief a piece of work one day and expect to see first draft presented later that day or within 24 hours. Being responsive and maintaining quality is a critical requirement.

We believe there is greater flexibility if we can work directly with graphic designers, web developers, SEO specialists and PR team members when necessary, rather than through an account management structure, and potential bidders should clearly outline how you would propose to facilitate this requirement.

It is key that potential bidders are clear on the above requirements of the responsive element of this tender. Your tender response should describe in detail how you propose to do this.

The agency will be required to report progress monthly, including contract hours and budget used and meet with the Communications and Marketing Manager on a regular basis. It will be a requirement for the agency to also meet (sometimes at short notice) with other Modal Training staff, partners, contractors or clients.