Jobs we know about:

Things we'd like to talk about

• 

  Why is Orchard so different?

  University is arguably the ‘time of your life’. It is an opportunity to meet new people, try ...

  16/05/2012

  16/05/2012

  University is arguably the ‘time of your life’. It is an opportunity to meet new people, try new things and hope that you will eventually learn to use the washing machine.

  16/05/2012

  Having graduated almost 3 years ago, I was released into the working world just in time for the recession. Brilliant. I know only too well of the hurdles, obstructions and down right rejections graduates face on a daily basis. After 3 years of being encouraged into believing the future is bright, I slowly realised that the world may not be my oyster after all. I digress; this blog was not intended to highlight the economic climate of the time, neither was it to belittle university. It is simply a personal opinion about how Recruitment agencies should treat it’s candidates, no matter what their background. On reflection of my own experiences with recruitment agencies, and those of the friends I have asked, the answer was always the same; We got no reply. Not even a rejection. A rejection would be better because at least that’s something. But alas, the applications of thousands of candidates lie vacuously in the recruitment abyss never to be spoken of again.
  
  And then there’s Orchard. Prior to being plucked from obscurity by Orchard, I researched the company I was to be interviewing for and was impressed; the relationships they build and maintain with their candidates are unique. It is probably this quality that ensures Orchard remains the largest digital, creative and marketing company in the North.
  
  My job as Resourcer allows me to communicate with applicants, challenge myself and learn new things daily. I am inundated with applications from graduates, just like myself seeking recruitment in the sector they feel so passionately about. How ironic that just 6 months ago, I was in their shoes. I was the one manically applying for jobs and harassing recruitment agencies until they were forced to reply to my desperation. It is such desperation that has made me determined to give these applicants the time and consideration I wish I had been given. Admittedly, this sounds incredibly twee when you put it in writing, but it remains a subject in which I, and thousands others, feel very strongly about. If someone is going to take the time to log onto your site, fill out their personal details and apply for a job, the least we can do is acknowledge their application.
  
  That is why Orchard is so different to many agencies.
  
  Katy Mullen
  
  @orchard_katy
• 

  Developer Hunting

  "Why oh why can't I" … find a developer who will work for me?

  30/04/2012

  30/04/2012

  "Why oh why can't I" … find a developer who will work for me?

  30/04/2012

  If you have asked yourself this question, like many of our clients, you should find the information on www.itjobswatch.co.uk points toward a very obvious answer.
  
  Let me guess, you’re looking for an experienced web developer who is experienced in ASP.NET, SQL, C#, PHP, MySql and not forgetting that they have to be an e-commerce expert. All for a very reasonable £30k?
  
  You're offering really cool offices, city centre location and great career opportunities. Yet, whilst these may have some influence on a free roaming Developer, they are simply not the answer to the question.
  
  Would it surprise you if I tell you that, in Manchester, the average salary for a “.net” developer is £33,000, and this is before you increase the seniority or start delving further into your wish list.
  
  
  Salary average - (.net developers) - Manchester
  
  I am afraid the bad news doesn’t stop there. We haven’t even taken into consideration that if a web developer works freelance, they can potentially earn double that, charging on average, £250-£300 per day. To put this into perspective, for the same amount you are willing to pay they would only have to work half the year, or less.
  
  So what’s the answer?
  
  Firstly you need to ask yourself, do I need a developer in-house and how much am I paying a year to bring in a freelance web developer?
  
  If your answer is “yes, damn right I need a developer,” then be prepared to pay for it, at least for now.
  
  
  Demand Trend - (.net devleloper) – UK
  
  The good news (well almost) is that, like everything, eventually the supply will catch up with demand and there are more students coming out of university than ever before with relevant IT or Computer Sciences degrees, meaning that eventually these very high paying roles will slowly become more reasonable.
  
  For now though, when hunting developers on the open grasslands of the creative industry, our advice is, reign in your wish list, bait your trap with a large pot of gold and hope that a good one bites!
  
  James Mellor 
  
• 

  Apple memory upgrade costs, How can they justify a 1000% markup?!

  I recently upgraded the RAM on a Mac Mini and what I discovered was absolutely shocking!

  25/04/2012 5 comments

  25/04/2012 5 comments

  I recently upgraded the RAM on a Mac Mini and what I discovered was absolutely shocking!

  25/04/2012 5 comments

  Everyone knows I love Apple, but recently I found their behaviour just plain flabbergasting.
  
  I was looking to upgrade the RAM on my Mac Mini so I looked on the Apple website for the type of RAM I needed and to get a costing. I was staggered to see an 8GB upgrade costing £320. OK, RAM's expensive you might say but I wasn't sure. So I checked around online and that's when I really caught my breath.
  
  Market rates for the same memory from an independent memory specialist was £33, making Apple's memory an astounding 1000% dearer. I purchased my memory from Mr Memory, a reputable retailer with 17 years experience in Mac memory.
  
  What could possibly justify Apple's position. As an exercise I decided to configure a new Mac just incase Apple were not interested in selling RAM upgrades and I was stunned to see the figure was still £240, even if the RAM was fitted straight in the factory! You can't tell me that Apple buys less RAM than a retailer in the UK.
  
  It's difficult to come up with a commercial justification for this, which leaves me with a rather cynical one. Apple is preying on their own target consumer.
  
  Apple loves to target the early adopters, the techno savvy to bolster their marketing messages, but they sell the vast majority of their product now to people with little or no technical knowledge. In many ways that's the beauty of their proposition, hardware and software combined, it just works. However these people are open to influence. I wonder how many Mac purchasers would know they could upgrade RAM themselves? Indeed with this particular machine it's literally a 2 minute job requiring not even a screwdriver.
  
  Is Apple taking advantage of these purchasers to gain margins over 1000%? Are consumers buying upgrades from Apple at these rates because they simply don't know better? These consumers trust the Apple brand to deliver honestly, they know they are paying premium for their products but they certainly wouldn't be comfortable knowing that Apple was charging them over 10 times the market value for a product.
  
  Apple I still love you, but sometimes you make it really hard to do so.
  
  Mike Carter
  
  
• 

  BLAB #10 - Retro Sweety Giveaway!!!

  If you are signed up for Blab #10 (and make it on the night), you will automatically be in ...

  12/04/2012

  12/04/2012

  If you are signed up for Blab #10 (and make it on the night), you will automatically be in with a chance of winning one of two fantastic retro sweet hampers courtesy of the Orchard team.

  12/04/2012

  
  
  BLAB #10 plays host to two legends of the design world who will be speaking on the night - Peter Saville and Vaughan Oliver. Looks like being another great night, hope to see you there!
  
  Find out more information on Blab #10 here www.orchard.co.uk/events
  

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Things we know are happening

• 

  Econsultancy - Digital Shorts Manchester

  If you're client or agency-side, and interested in analytics or social media, come along for ...

  18/05/2012 | Peter House, Manchester, United Kingdom

  If you're client or agency-side, and interested in analytics or social media, come along for a fun day of inspiring talks with tons of practical takeaways, relaxed networking, and drinks with your peers.

  18/05/2012 | Peter House, Manchester, United Kingdom

  When: Friday 18th May 2012, 9:30am – 4:30pm
  Where: Peter House, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5AN
  Cost: £99 (+VAT) - A discount of 25% is available to Orchard Clients and Candidates, please contact matt@orchard.co.uk for details.
  
  
  Orchard is proud to bring you this event in conjunction with Econsultancy.
  
  
  
  
  Programme
  
  Registration - 9.30am
  
  Using Social Media to Sell to other Businesses - Danny Bermant - 10.00am
  
  Social media is often perceived as suitable only for those wishing to sell to a mass market. In fact it can be highly effective for business to business marketing, especially if you know exactly which businesses you want to target. During this seminar, we will look at examples of how to combine Twitter, LinkedIn and a blog to market your business to specific companies and individuals within those companies.
  
  Tea/Coffee - 11.00am
  
  The Secret of Facebook’s Edgerank & other Social Algorithms - Kelvin Newman - 11.30am
  
  The chances are when you hear the word algorithm you think of Google search, but behind the scenes of most of the social media sites there are dozens of algorithms that are deciding the fate of your marketing campaigns. Get a crash course in how these algo’s works and how you need to change your social media campaigns to take advantage of them.
  
  Lunch - 12.30pm
  
  Web Analytics for Beginners - Jonathan Kay - 1.30pm
  
  This session will be aimed at beginners and those wanting to learn a little more about how they can use web analytics to better inform and improve their decision making. What is web measurement and how do we use it? What are common pitfalls in implementation, and what do we need to know about cookies? How can we increase acquisition, retention and conversion using web analytics.
  
  Tea/Coffee - 2.30pm
  
  Google Analytics and Missed Tracking Opportunities - Nikki Rae - 3.00pm
  
  Learn how to track everything in Google Analytics including call tracking, incorrect tagging and no tagging at all!
  
  Drinks - 4.00pm onwards
  
  
   <<<<< Book your place now! >>>>>
  
  
  Speakers' and panelists' profiles
  
  Danny Bermant
  Danny is the Director of Brainstorm Design, which he founded in 2000. He has over 10 years experience in digital marketing which includes running SEO, PPC and email marketing campaigns. The main focus of Danny's business is social media marketing. He specialises in B2B campaigns and trains clients on how to use LinkedIn to win new business. Danny also coaches clients on how to network.
  
  
  
  
  Kelvin Newman
  In his role as Creative Director at SiteVisibility Kelvin’s responsible for the iTunes most popular marketing podcast. On the show he’s collaborated with a number of the world’s most respected marketers including Seth Godin, Tim Ferris, Avinash Kaushik & Jakob Nielsen.
  
  He’s delivered presentations across UK & Europe at events like A4U, SMX London and SASCON, regularly contributes to State of Search & Econsultancy and is heavily involved with SiteVisibility’s innovative search marketing campaigns for clients such as Hotels.com, FindaProperty, Gala Bingo & uSwitch. He also runs the hugely oversubscribed BrightonSEO conference which sold out in 26 minutes and has written a free book on link building called Becoming a Clockwork Pirate.
  
  
  
  
  Jonathan Kay
  Jonathan joined Red Eye International Ltd when the company employed 5 people and left as Managing Director 8 years later after it had grown to 50+ employees.
  
  As co-founder of 120Feet, he now spends his time helping brands achieve better online results through the application of effective web analytics, behavioural targeting and digital consultancy services. Jonathan is an expert in the Adobe [Omniture] Product Suite and Google Analytics.
  
  
  
  
  Nikki Rae
  Nikki's academic background is a Computer Science and Management Studies BSc followed by a Technology & Innovation Management MSc. This led her into the realms of SEO and Internet Marketing and now into the field of Web Performance and analytics.
  
  Trained by Dr Brian Clifton as an employee at GA-Experts (Omega Digital Media Ltd.), Nikki now specialises in the implementation and interpretation of Google Analytics. She enjoys reporting on conversion analyses for her clients and getting a real chance to positively affect their online business by advising around topics such as usability, accessibility, information architecture, data mining and search marketing.
  
  
  
  
  Who should attend?
  
  Communications, marketing, public relations and e-commerce professionals. Agency- and client-side welcome, and no expertise necessary.
• 

  CIM - Northern Conference 2012

  The Power of Marketing

  22/05/2012 | Manchester - The Hive

  The Power of Marketing

  22/05/2012 | Manchester - The Hive

   
  Date: Tuesday 22nd May 2012
  Time: 8.30am
  Venue: The HIve, Lever Street, Manchester, M4 1FN
  
  The Chartered Institute of Marketing's Northern Conference 2012, now in its second year, is being hosted by the North West regional group and will offer exceptional learning and networking opportunities. The programme features high profile keynote speakers and a choice of thought provoking and interactive CPD workshop sessions.
  
  The event is open to both CIM members and non-members and will be of value to a wide range of delegates both agency and in-house from the public, private and not for profit sectors. This years' event will explore the theme of 'The Power of Marketing'
  
  Last years' event was a huge success attracting over 100 delegates including senior marketers from across the North who benefited from a day of critical learning, inspirational speakers and networking with their peers.
  
  Keynote speakers:
  
  * Catherine Howard, Head of Private Sector Marketing, Fujitsu.
  
  * Professor Michael J Baker, Marketing - A power for good?
  
  * Roy Sandbach, Research Fellow, Proctor & Gamble.
  
  Workshops:
  
  * Financial services - speaker TBC.
  
  * Marketing the professions - David Criddle, Chairman, Eudaimon Holdings.
  
  * Tendering - Jim Williams, Managing Director from Tender Management Consultancy Ltd.
  
  * Food, drink and agricultural - Michael Bensons, Lathams.
  
  * Medical/pharma - Nicky Unsworth, Managing Director, BJL and Jane Hazelhurst, Planner, BJL.
  
  * Legal - Keith Arrowsmith, Partner, Head of Intellectual Property, JMW Solicitors.
  
  * Social marketing - Amanda Jane Stocks, The National Social Marketing Centre.
  
  * Technology - James Eyre, Head of UK Marketing, Vertex.
  
  * Public relations - Oliver Chesher, Head of Office North West, Admiral PR.
  
  * Social media - Ben Aronson, Director of Digital and Creative for Tangerine PR.
  
  * Travel and tourism - Tony Openshaw, Marketing Director, Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.
  
  * Retail - Mike Phillips - Pure Pages Group.
  
  Registration is from 8:30am and the event starts at 9.15am until 5pm.
  
  The non-member rate includes six months affiliate membership of The Chartered Institute of Marketing.
  
  Up to six CPD hours can be claimed under category 7 for attending this event. 
  
  Price information: Member: £118.80
  
  Studying Member: £118.80
  Student: £238.80
  Guest: £238.80
  
  The early bird price shown is available until the 27 April 2012. Price includes refreshments, please contact the events team with any special requirements.
  
  For more information and to book visit www.cim.co.uk/Events/EventDetail.aspx or cal the Chartered Institute of Marketing on 01628 427 340
  
  
• 

  Leeds Media Sh! Awards 2012

  Leeds Media's biggest night of the year is back....

  24/05/2012 | Leeds - The Round Foundry

  Leeds Media's biggest night of the year is back....

  24/05/2012 | Leeds - The Round Foundry

  Thursday, May 24th 2012 from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM (GMT)
  
  The Round Foundry
  Foundry Street
  Leeds
  LS11 5QP
  
  Join us on the 24th May to celebrate the Sh! Awards. From 7.30pm at the Round Foundry in Leeds, this annual student creative award ceremony rewards the very best student work across the creative industries. From advertising to web design, graphic design to illustration the coolest student awards in the North brings together graduates from Yorkshires' best universities with creative professionals from our most celebrated companies.
  
  Over the last few months we've been collecting work from brilliant students in the region. On the 24th May we announce the winner and bring media students and businesses together for a night to remember. With entertainment, cash bar, food and fantastic raffle prizes to be had, you really don't want to miss this one!
  
  Join a great cause
  SH! is for Stuart Hocknell, a brilliant young designer who died in 2002 from meningitis. Stuart loved life, adored design, and his enthusiasm for both touched all those around him.
  Money raised by Sh! goes straight to the Meningitis Research Foundation. We're looking for businesses that really want to help promote this fantastic cause so if that sounds of interest or for more information contact Marian Smith at marian.smith@yourchamber.org.uk.
  
  Sponsors
  We'd like to thank all our sponsors for making Sh! happen this year. Particularly our headline sponsor Numiko for being first at the post to kick start the fundraising. Thanks also to Brass, Elmwood and The Round Foundry - all giving for a great cause.
  Want to find out how you can help Sh! raise lots of money and have a great time all on the same night? Get involved ... add your name to Leeds Media's fund raising event of the year ring 0113 247 0000 today!
  
  Please note our sponsors are given priority tickets.
  
  All other tickets are sold on a first come first served basis. In order to avoid block bookings we are limiting the number of tickets to 5 per company.
  
  Should you require more tickets please contact marian.smith@yourchamber.org.uk
  
  http://sh-awards-es2.eventbrite.com/?srnk=13
  
• 

  CIM - Researching your way to success

  Just how does your business use research for business benefit? Neil Richardson, Senior Marketing ...

  25/05/2012 | Leeds - Club LS1

  Just how does your business use research for business benefit? Neil Richardson, Senior Marketing Lecturer at Leeds Met Business School, will be sharing over 25 years' experience of high level industry and academic experience ...

  25/05/2012 | Leeds - Club LS1

  
  
  Friday 25th May, from 8.00am
  
  Club LS1
  3 Albion Place
  Leeds
  LS1 6JL
  
  Using industry case studies and examples, Neil will show delegates how and where to use research, irrespective of industry size or type. Neil will also show you how to access valuable information very cost-effectively. Finally, Neil will reveal how access to research data will change in coming years, and what this will mean to your business.
  
  Registration from 08:00; breakfast will be served at 08:15, the presentation will start at 08:45 and the event will finish at 10:00. This is a CPD category 10 event. If you are non EU resident, please call the events team to make your booking.
  
  Price information:
  Member: £10.00
  Studying Member: £10.00
  Student: £10.00
  Guest: £10.00
  Breakfast is included in the price. Please contact the events team with any special requirements.
  
  Alternative Pay Details: Please book online for this event. If you cannot do so please call The Chartered Institute of Marketing on +44 (0)1628 427340.
  
  Contact: Region and Branch Events
  Contact Email: cimevents@cim.co.uk
  
  http://www.cim.co.uk/Events/EventDetail.aspx?ObjectID=45155 

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Things we've heard

• Leeds College of Art students win placement at Gratterpalm

  Students from the Leeds College of Art have ... : The Drum 17/05/2012

• Stobart Barristers launches brand and website with The Foundry

  The Stobart Group has created a brand and ... : The Drum 17/05/2012

• RAPP appoints associate creative directors

  RAPP has appointed Russell Garn as associate ... : The Drum 17/05/2012

• Radley Yeldar designs new identity for 3i

  Radley Yeldar has created a new identity ... : The Drum 16/05/2012

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