Polar

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.

I am co-founder and CEO of a new company specialising in acquisition and growth of niche vertical software companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our business is brand new and we needed to get a name, develop a brand and design & build a website

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I ran a brief RFP with x5 vendors. I like Polar because of their previous work; their responsiveness; their ability to reflect back what I was looking for during the RFP; and pricing was reasonable

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

They spent time with me, understanding who I am and the organisation I want to build. They were able to immediately incorporate that into the work. They checked in at various stages to get input and feedback on their direction. They also helped us technically with website admin and domain admin.

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

I worked directly with the CEO, the senior design lead and design team. I also worked with their technical team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our company has a name that completely reflects what we are trying to do, backed up by a clear brand and logo. Our brand is mature, future-oriented and clear. We receive positive feedback constantly on the brand, logo and website.

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

They used Hive to communicate and update me on the project as well as email. We had regular check-ins to review content and when we agreed timelines they were generally adhered to - if for some reason there was a delay, this was discussed and agreed in advance.

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

Their commitment to the project and to delivering excellence - an excellent brand at very quality. They were particular on the details and our brand is better for that. They cared deeply about getting this right, and I felt like I was part of the Polar team.

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

Not really much to report here, perhaps double down on managing expectations around timelines, especially given the excellent product /service that they deliver.

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.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of a small educational agency that caters to international students looking to study according to the UK syllabus. We employ a small group of tutors to cater to each student individually. I oversee the academic support services of the firm, as well as all inquiries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our original website was hosted through Squarespace and built through that as well. It was in desperate need of a makeover as we were looking to improve our marketing strategy by cleaning up our look.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the project was to create a clean, inviting website that would speak to parents and students alike. A website that represents us as a company (unique, committed and colourful) while simultaneously exhibiting a professional image that would allow us to market not only P2B but B2B.

SOLUTION

How did you select Polar Creative?

We collected proposals from several companies and landed on Polar Creative because their proposal seemed the most clean, inviting and concise to us. They outlines everything necessary to entice us - the price, the time frame, they introduced their team and provided a good pitch for the project.

Out of the four companies we got in touch with, Polar Creative seemed the in-touch with the current website style we were going for. We were looking for a young team that was open to new ideas but was still able to use their expertise to lead us in the right direction.

Describe the project in detail.

We were looking for a complete website overhaul. Although a lot of the content was already there, we wanted to add new sections (Eg Materials, Success Stories, Client Feedback and an Inquiry Box). The Polar team were very receptive towards these ideas and advised us on how to best bring these to life.

We provided all the content of th website sans imagery and design. After Polar gave us two options to chose from, one very sleek and professional and the other slightly more fun, we decided on the latter and continued to tweak ideas once the website came to life.

What was the team composition?

Polar Director, Lee, was our original contact. We briefly worked with Jess who then went on maternity leave so we spent the majority of the project working closely with Lee. This was a good experience, he was very receptive to feedback and commentary.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website looks great now. Originally, it really looked like a website made by someone who had no experience in the field. Now, our website looks interesting and enticing.

It provides all the information we need and more! We have buttons that can lead clients to our phone number, directly open their emails and provide them with an inquiry form. As far as engagement goes, we don't have any data on that yet since the website only went live less than 24 hours ago but we predict that this will have a good impact on our company's marketing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We communicated primarily through email with an initial Zoom call to discuss the project. In general, communication went well. There were times, during the inception of the website, where we had discussed changes and then were not updated on whether or not these had been implemented.

We did not know to check back to the host website to view the changes since we had been unaware that things were amended. Other than that, communication went well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Polar really took on board what was important to us. Although we want to look professional, we also want to make sure that our website is fun to look - not only for adults but also for kids.

Originally a comment of our Director of Finance had been 'it needs to be less green' since the original website had matched our very green logo. Polar did a great job including more colours to make the website lively and interesting.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only area of improvement I can think of would be the communication. Although the majority of the communication went smoothly, it can feel a little worrying when you don't receive updates on your project.

Reaching out ourselves seemed untimely as we weren't sure exactly how much work this entailed but we still would have liked more regular updates on the happenings.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Managing Director of Objective, a bespoke software and data analytics company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We've used Polar for many years now, including the design of our old website and various other items for us over the years. We recently commissioned Polar to give our brand a fresh look and update our website and business stationary.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a fresh, modern look which Polar are providing.

SOLUTION

How did you select Polar Creative?

We've used various Creative agencies over the years but when we heard about Polar we used them for some marketing collateral. Ever since then we have been working with Lee and the team.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Lee knows our business very well now so we were able to give a brief description of what we required and he understood what we wanted. He provided various designs to challenge our thinking, which has worked out really well and we have gone for one of his challenges.

What was the team composition?

I communicate with Lee, the director of the company, and his team produce the work for him. You are always dealt with wonderfully, whether that be Colin in accounts or any of their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team here enjoyed the different designs and as always are very happy with the approach Polar takes to get your project right for you.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communications are excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Polar are brilliant at challenging what you think you want, and producing something with you that is what you actually need. They take time to understand what you want and that is what we like about them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We'd love to see Bear, the office dog, more!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing and communications manager for a financial services firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Polar Creative?

Polar Creative has worked with us on several assets, the most recent being a promotional video.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve been working with them for several years now, and I’ve worked with them at both my previous company and my current one. Polar Creative has worked on projects like branding, video creation, printed collateral, website development, landing pages, and so on. Other deliverables include brand guidelines, web pages and design, UX, video assets, and other collateral. 

For the web redesign project, they helped us build out six new promotional pages. The team built out a submenu as well as assets within the pages.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with two people from Polar Creative, Jess (Lead Designer) and Lee (Creative Director). 

How did you come to work with Polar Creative?

I started working with Polar Creative at my previous company.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since June 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’re tracking metrics like click-through rates, engagement rates, and traffic. Polar Creative has helped us reach those objectives.

How did Polar Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been very good at not just meeting expectations when it comes to deadlines, but also exceeding them. Quite often, we get work back earlier than we were expecting.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most impressive thing about Polar Creative is their collaborative approach. Many times, I’ll talk with them about a business problem I have, and they’ll work with me very closely on different options and opportunities to overcome that problem. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s anything for them to improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust Polar Creative; they’re experts. If you listen to them, you’ll get results. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Managing director of Sitescanner. I find off-market development opportunities. My day to day role is to spot new opportunities, negotiate with vendors, and establish good working relationships with both developers and landowners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Polar creative because being a new business we needed to establish our own identity. Polar creative did an excellent job of putting a concept on paper into a reality. We used Polar to develop a website for us, so both landowners and developers can better understand our service and the benefits attached to using us!

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal is to get established, which we have successfully started our journey on. Our website provides a massive stepping stone and is an integral part of generating new leads and keeping our clients well informed.

SOLUTION

How did you select Polar Creative?

We selected Polar creative after shortlisting several very good website developers. We opted for choosing polar creative because they were price competitive, responsive, and they had excellent 5*, well-earned reviews. We used Google search and did our own preliminary research in order to shortlist the best website designers around our area, polar came above some of the top names in London.

Describe the project in detail.

Our project was by no means easy. Lee and the team in a matter of a week managed to understand my business concept, finish the preliminary design elements, and got started on the build. They did an excellent job. I wanted some complicated design features, with the whole website being very interactive, colorful, and informative and they did just this to the highest possible standard. I helped by providing some of the key information on the website. Lee's communication was second to none and he was always open to change where necessary.

What was the team composition?

Throughout the journey, I was assisted by Lee. We were in lockdown and it was a bit of a grey time for everyone, the website certainly helped lighten my spirits. I know Lee has an excellent team who assisted him throughout

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Part of our business activity is sending out letters to prospect landowners. Without a website, we have very little trust from the people receiving our letters. The hit rate we have got from our letters is a result of us having a great website, where our clients feel informed and intrigued which then leads them to communicate with us. This was our primary focus of having a website and so far it has been a big success. We have also received lots of positive feedback from our website from friends, family, and clients.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication from Lee and the team was second to none. I was never once left in a position where I didn't know exactly what was going on. I knew throughout exactly what stage we were at, what was left to be completed, what stages might take a bit longer than others, etc. We talked primarily on phone/email which was perfectly effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

For starters, I was impressed by Lee's engagement & understanding of my business idea. He managed to fully understand what my business/vision was and was able to put that vision into reality starting from the very first call. Their knowledge of multiple industries helped engulf the concept into a well-rounded website. Lee's knowledge of SEO, design, concepts, and his professionalism throughout was admirable.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Normally, I would be honest and flag any areas of improvement on this occasion I really have to think about areas to improve because I would not change a thing. I was/still am extremely happy with the process from start to finish. If I had to change one thing I would say the price could come down slightly. I say this however in good faith, I believe the monies paid completely warrants the finished product, the level of skill/dedication/hard work and knowledge, makes it entirely worth it. If my company was not a start-up/ I was starting this venture with slightly more cash reserves than I have, I would pay the figure I paid 10x over.