Polar

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chair of the Baddow Races of Rotary Club of Chelmsford Mildmay

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Website Development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Polar to accomplish?

• To create a website and branding for our charity races and Community day

SOLUTION

How did you find Polar?

Have worked with them previously

Why did you select Polar over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Polar were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

To build a new website, to creat a brand and design promotional material. We have been running this event for over 40 years and the choice of Polar to help us was diectly due to their locality in the community and their desire to be involved and committed to community issues and engendering community spirit,

Their whole work was donated as part of their social responsibility which enabled us to raise more money for our local charities

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Their help and donation of a website and promotional material directly led to an increase in entrants to the running races and encouraged members of the community to come along and support the runners and enjoy a fun day out.

In addition many thousands of pounds was raised for local charities

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

I felt fully involved at all times, communication was excellent and all target times were achieved

What was your primary form of communication with Polar?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We were pleased with their total professionalism and knowledge of their trade. We were also thrilled with" their willingness to get involved in a community project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Polar could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Beardwell de Lacey Limited

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide data centre developers, designers and contractors a dedicated and professional service in pre-construction management, technical due diligence and project management, inception to completion, wherever they go. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Polar to accomplish?

• Establish a brand for our business with a fresh identity
• Establish a landing page for the business for future development

SOLUTION

How did you find Polar?

Online Search

Why did you select Polar over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Polar were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Polar were engaged to help establish a new brand and identity to trade as for our new company with the brief to focus on a unique positioning that expresses both expertise but also a challenger stance - future proofed for growth. 

The process consisted of a discovery session where both stakeholders gained an understanding of the business and direction along with what and who the brand is going to target. Polar then undertood a concept development process where we were engaged in the development and subsequent presentation of brand options. A new trading name was pursued and latterly established and ultimately a logo and icon created and trademarked. 

Feedback, refinement and revision sessions were held once the brand option was selected and focused on ahead of the final brand delivery, guidelines and asset handover. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

1. A full brand development process was achieved
2. The Polar research and process was implemented and achieved
3. Brand assets and a landing page have been delivered to a customer who is very happy with the outcome
4. The client brief has been achieved

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Needs were certainly catered to throughout the process and Polar were not afraid to challenge our ideas or thought processes, using experience to help me consider alternative approaches and ideas which I was originally not open to. This brought different challenges and directions to the brand development, including time challenges and extensions but Polar were solid and professional in dealing with these. 

What was your primary form of communication with Polar?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They were flexible in their methods of engagement, and the team was pleasant to deal with all around. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Polar could have done differently?

Not that I can currently think of. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Lead of Flexidao

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Provide the data and digital tools so organizations can manage their clean energy portfolio effectively.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Polar to accomplish?

• Complete rebrand - logo, brand colours, look and feel etc.
• Website redesign

SOLUTION

How did you find Polar?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Polar over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Impressed by their proposal

How many teammates from Polar were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The Scope of work included: 

• A discovery session: Where we discussed our brand and goals and Polar developed a brand framework. 
• A full re - brand: New brandbook with logo, typography, color scheme, design assets, branded social assets, deck templates etc. 
• A full website redesign: Complete redesign made in webflow.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Sucsessful rebrand that hasrecieved alot of praise -
• Successful and on time website launch

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Polar was very responsive and proactive during our time working with them, always on hand to respond to emailsor jump on a call. The project was delivered on time (in atight deadline aswell) without any issue.

What was your primary form of communication with Polar?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The end result has been the standout thing from working with polar. Their design and website building abilities had elevated our brand ten fold, making us look much more sleek and professional as we go to market.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Polar could have done differently?

Polar were easy to work with, timely and delivered what they said they would. There is little I can think to improve.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder of a sports company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Data analytics in the sports and media industry

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Polar to accomplish?

• Re Brand
• New Website

SOLUTION

How did you find Polar?

Online Search

Why did you select Polar over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Polar were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Brand:

1. Discovery Session 
   • Establish team to team alignment 
   • Gain deeper understanding of the business and future direction 
   • Understand client base and who the brand is targeting 
   • Approx 1-2 hours 
2. Vision Boards 
   • To establish visual cohesion and balance viewpoints 
   • 3 x Visual inspiration boards to establish what feels right for your brand
3. Concept Development 
   • 3 x Brand concepts –
   • This includes: Logo, colours, typography, design elements, top-line messaging 
   • To include relevant sample executions that show how the elements look when they interact 
   • Concepts to be presented to key stakeholders 
4. Feedback & Revisions 
   • A route is chosen based on an initial concept 
   • We include three rounds of revisions before sign-off 
   • If additional revisions are required, we charge an hourly rate of £95 per hour. This approach helps keep feedback clear and concise, which saves everyone time and energy all around. 
5. Brand Delivery 
   • After final feedback is incorporated, we’ll deliver the final files 
   • Final files include: 
     • Brandmark in all the file types you’ll need 
     • Any secondary assets that were included in the concept (Pattern, Icons etc)
     •  Any templates we’ve created 
       • Brand Guidelines 3 PROJECT ACCEPTANCE DOCUMENT OUR BRAND X POLAR 

Website: 

1. Discovery Session 
   • Establish team to team alignment 
   • Gain deeper understanding of what is required from the website 
   • Outlining the website functionality 
   • Approx 1-2 hours 
2. Research & Copy Review 
   • Competitor analysis 
   • Review of supplied copy and edits made 
3. Sitemap & Wireframe Development 
   • Creation of Sitemap, outlining the pages needed 
   • Creation of Wireframe, showing page structure and hierarchy of content 
4. Initial Concept & Site Design 
   • Upon sign-off on Sitemap & Wireframe, we begin a Home page concept 
   • Feedback of Home page given and applied – Once Home page concept is singed-off, we commence the rest of the site design 
   • You will receive 5-10 page designs in total – Additional page designs at this stage can be provided at a cost of £495 per page 
   • We include three rounds of revisions before sign-off 
   • If additional revisions are required, we charge an hourly rate of £95 per hour. This approach helps keep feedback clear and concise, which saves everyone time and energy all around. 
5. Website Build & Testing 
   • Upon sign-off of website design, the files are handed across to our development team 
   • Supply of domain and hosting details to be supplied by us
   • Once the site build is complete, we send across a test link for review and any final revisions are made 
   • Final browser and bug testing takes place 6. Website Launch 
   • The site goes live with some further testing 
   • Log in details to the CMS area are supplied to us for future website edits and updates

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Live website and new company branding

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes they were timely and responsive

What was your primary form of communication with Polar?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

It is hard to be unique in that industry - like the manner in which they dealt with us as a client

Are there any areas for improvement or something Polar could have done differently?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Executive of Sagic

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide competitively priced general insurance for individuals, families, businesses, and church buildings and organisations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Polar to accomplish?

• Rebrand
• New Website

SOLUTION

How did you find Polar?

• Online Search
• Local Business

Why did you select Polar over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Polar were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

To establish a difference between The Salvation Army and sagic as a key requirement to gaining a foothold within the wider insurance market. The main driver was to change the perception and narrative of our communications.

Sagic more than anything else has to be known as an insurance company in order to create trust and belief in products. It was imperative that The Salvation Army name and ethos remained at the heart of everything we do. The key deliverables were:

• New logo/branding
• New modern website
• Ongoing marketing support

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our staff and board are really happy with the work produced by Polar. They have truly elevated the sagic brand into something modern and flexible that should stand the test of time allowing us to grow and explore our own standing in and around The Salvation Army.

In an era where fintech insurers come and go with snazzy brands and systems, it's imperative more traditional insurers like us try to keep pace. We're confident with our renewed new image, purpose and direction that we can look forward confidently in a crowded market.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Polar used email to communicate and update me on our project. We had regular meetings in person and digitally to review content and progress. We were introduced to their Hive system, however didn't make much use of this - thankfully. I much prefer the human touch element. Everyone from minute one was fantastic to work and communicate with.

Any agreed timelines were generally met and any hiccups, delays or issues were discussed and agreed in advance. We had originally set quite a tight deadline, however delays from us and then some well thought out strategising from Polar gave us the additional time needed to perfect the project. I truly can't fault Polar for the way in which the managed our project.

What was your primary form of communication with Polar?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Out of the companies we met with when arranging quotes for our project, Polar were the one that stuck out the most for the way in which they approached it. Rather than look at the project as a one off and throw lots of flashy names or designs at us, they spent the time thinking about our business and how they could see the relationship and work developing.

Not only have they delivered a fantastic brand and website, they've really taken the time to understand our business and the unique setting and structure we have. Everyone we worked and met with seemed to uphold their very high standards and make our experience great. Polar was prompt, clear, creative, knowledgeable, and engaging. What more could you want from a service supplier.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Polar could have done differently?

Overall we're really happy with Polar and the finished project. I feel any area we felt needed improvement or done differently was picked up throughout the project and this is testament to their responsiveness and action with each client.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Chelmsford Mildmay Rotary Club organises The Great Baddow Charity Races. I am chair of the organising committee.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Polar Creative, and what were your goals?

To recreate a website and create a new brand for the races

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

The principal of Polar Creative was a runner and offered the services of his company as a donation and sponsor of the races/

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

After an initial meeting a series of graphics were produced for the new brand image. We chose one and with minor amendments it was agreed upon. After lengthy discussions the principals behind the website was agreed and we specified specific requirements. Polar proceeded to design the outline of the website using WordPress which we approved and then continued to complete the work and link it to an online entry and payment site. We were aware that this process would have to fit in with their other work as it was pro bono but it was completed on time with helpful and ongoing advice.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

All work was was went through the principal's hands and he distributed through his workforce

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We achieved an online entry presence which immediately in the first year reached 55% of all entrants. by 2022 this was 100%. Not measurable but important is the increased profile in the racing community and amongst sponsor and volunteers.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Meetings were held with Polar as an d when work was available and discussions needed to take place. As the time scale was generous we had no problems in organising meetings.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We appreciate their attention to detail, their ready acceptance of change, and their quick understanding of our needs. There ongoing commitment to the future of the project

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

As we were novices we could not have asked for a more helpful and understanding company to deal with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Company Director

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Polar Creative, and what were your goals?

A full redesign of a brand identity

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Heavy Google searching!

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

The task was to recreate an entirely new brand identity for an existing business. I met the team, had a good feeling, and decided they were the right fit. They really understood the business well and I was confident that they could do the job. From the first briefing call, they go to work and delivered opening versions quickly. From there we were able to take the designs further and I never felt that I was requesting too many revisions. Of course it had to be perfect. After several back and forths, We got there, with every expectation we had. The whole thing was just a pleasant experience.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Apart from Lee, I believe two, but Jess mainly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I feel polar really understood Our brief well. With generous revisions and support, we received the outcome we expected.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Every step of the way.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The ability to understand a Clients brand identity well beyond just the verbal brief.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

It might have been nice to have a session along the way that involved one-on-one time with a designer working live on the project to try out different tweaks near the end.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run an online coaching service for sports specific training, also 1 to 1 coaching in a gym enviroment

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Polar Creative?

redesign, rebrand and relaunch website, and manage social media platforms

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

google research, chose polar cause they were responsive, professional, and i loved the work that had previously done

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

stage 1 was to rebrand, in which polar designed 3 new logo and brand concepts, stage 2 was to rebuild and redesign the website, stage 3 was to relaunch the site, and take control of the social media.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

In total there was 5 plus members working on this project, but main contact was Lee who oversaw every step of the project and relayed messages to his team exceptionally well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The website has just launched, and so has the social media, so the success has yet to be determined but initial response has been very positive

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

lee, the project manager was very helpful, and talked me through every step in great detail.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their commitment to make this project exceptional showed through almost straight away, and remained enthusiastic throughout the process

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I would of liked things to have moved quicker, and the time frame they intially set was exceeded by quite a bit, but this was due to both parties, not just polar

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a mobile coffee van, we are about to launch and sell coffee at local events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Polar Creative, and what were your goals?

Our business is brand new so we needed a total brand development from our logo, to website, uniforms, branding for the van, coffee cups and more. We wanted something that could grow with the brand and be versatile to use across multiple assets. It needed to be eye-catching and showcase our premium coffee.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We're a small company and a local business so we wanted to choose someone who was local to us and would be able to resonate with the brand. Polar seemed like the perfect option when comparing design agencies.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

To begin with we provided Polar with some rough concepts for our brand, some images we liked, other competitors who we admire to give them a flavour of what we wanted to achieve. The Polar team went away and came back with various marketing concepts with three distinctive themes for us to choose from. After that we chose our favourite and worked on one of our favourite concepts from the logos to develop further. We also worked on the website and content for that. Polar even helped put us in touch with other contacts to get our vehicle professional branded up with their designs.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Mainly we worked with the Lee, the owner, but also with Ben, Mike and Erin who all got stuck in helping with the branding concepts and design work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

My business is now completely branded up and is eye catching for events. We've gone from totally 0 to a fully branded business across multiple assets.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Due to the pandemic we communicated a lot via Zoom calls, emails or phone. As with any new business there were lots of random requests from myself for extra branding bits and pieces which the Polar team dealt with quickly to allow me to get up and running.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

It was great to feel like the company truly cared about my business. We went through lots of versions of my logo until we got something I was truly happy with and nothing felt like too much trouble. Being a brand new business a lot of these things can feel daunting so it was great to have Polar recommending things to do with the branding and design as well as other contacts who could help me with the business.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Everything was great, I'm super happy with the final results.