Posted on November 29, 2014

Dan and Jase have just returned from 2 exhausting days exhibiting at Farm Business Innovation 2014 at Olympia, London. But why a farming exhibition?

A couple of months ago, we were contacted by the organisers of the show asking if we would be interested in attending as the sole branding/creative agency. Our remit was to provide advice on how diversifying landowners/farmers could benefit from a strong and consistent brand running across their new venture whether that be selling their products direct to consumers, establishing a new glamping holiday destination or becoming a premier tourist destination with a newly acquiried country house. It just so happened that not only was Olympia hosting the Farm Business Innovation show, but, at the same time, in the hall next door, the UK-wide Business Startup Show 2014. How could we resist?

Building on our experience in the rural sector, with clients including Llanerch Vineyard, Rural Events Network & The Glam Camping Company we felt this may be a great opportunity. At Sugar, there's nothing we enjoy more than being able to partner with people who have an exciting vision for a new business and help getting it started. This can vary from anything from a consultation in which we give helpful marketing advice or providing a full creative package covering branding, strategy, website, social media strategy and everything inbetween. 

Branding Seminars

On Thursday afternoon, Dan provided a seminar entitled: 'Businesses Grow With The Right Approach To Branding', which provided an informal setting for various interested parties to chat with Dan in a Q&A style format that proved very useful for everyone that attended.

A brand is much more than a mere logo. We’ll be looking at the importance of having the right brand for your business/product(s). Looking at the big brands, how and why they are successful through the right branding approach; how getting help is not a sign of weakness. Take some practical pointers to get going with your new venture — even re-address some things you’re currently doing.

Summary

At this early stage it's far too early to judge, as we reflect on the event as a whole, if it was worth the investment of time, energy and, of course, cash. Time will tell.

But we've had a ball, and met some amazing people with some truly spectacular ideas. We are greatly looking forward to hitting the road again in the New Year, with our wellies in the boot, to meet up again with some of these great entrepreneurs and to learn more about their vision for the future.

Hopefully this is just the start of several new adventures, and the beginning of numerous successful businesses (with a little help from Sugar!)