Q&A with Stuff International Design Architectural Services’ Neil Whitehead by Chelsea Harbour News

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  • Gourmet Hotdog rebranded "Empire Dogs" by Stuff International

    In June Gourmet Hotdog appointed Stuff International Design Limited to undertake their rebranding and to redesign their packaging, menus, website and do their advertising and messaging.  The new "Empire Dogs" branding was launched at the Olympia Speciality Fine Food Fair in September, drawing a huge amount of interest.

    Television presenter and food expert Gregg Wallace is also involved, helping to change public perception of the humble hotdog, advising on the recipes, taste and packaging.  Created by serial restaurateur Mark Yates (founder of Livebait and The Real Greek), the company has branches in Canary Wharf, Stansted Airport, Clapham Junction and Charing Cross and is planning to expand rapidly.

    Each hotdog is hand-made, steamed and smoked in their own kitchens in London Bridge.  They have less than 7% of saturated fats and are less than 350 calories per dog (including the bun) - so appeal to health aware consumers, as well as those seeking a wholesome snack.

    Stuff International focused on the company’s South London roots around the docks and the quality, provenance and taste created by using British meat and spices sourced from the around the globe. 

    The dogs include: The Duke of Cajun - Red Tractor Farm assured British chicken; The Earl of Frankfurt - outdoor reared British pork; The Baron of Pamplona - Red Tractor Farm assured British Beef.

    Neil Whitehead, founder of Stuff International said:

    "We are very excited about how much attention and sales have been attracted by the new brand and packaging we created for Empire Dogs.  To have a food product that is so low in fat, sodium and calories that tastes great has been a dream to work with and yet a challenge for us to develop an effective brand positioning and so we are pleased with customers' very positive reactions."

    The new brand and packaging has already resulted in a huge increase in interest and orders from supermarkets and particularly from those servicing airlines, trains, service stations and convenience stores.  With new flavours planned, the brand has strong growth prospects.

  • Barnes Old Sorting Office development granted change of use

    Stuff International is the architect and an investor behind a 5,000 square feet first floor development in Barnes, London. Planning permission has been obtained to change its use from office space to residential.

    Stuff International will transform the first floor of the Old Sorting Office into 6 luxury flats, located in the centre of Barnes and overlooking the famous pond.

      

  • Just Falafel opens two London outlets designed by Stuff International

    On 27 July Just Falafel opened its latest outlet in Croydon, Greater London, designed by Stuff International.

     

    Just 3 months earlier, in April, its Baker Street branch opened, opposite the Central London tube station, also designed by by Stuff International. Baker Street was the fourth Just Falafel to be opened in Central London and since then this tiny unit has won two awards as its top performer.

    Stuff is very pleased with customers’ response to the new outlets, which have drawn good crowds.  Healthy non-meat snacks are increasingly popular in the UK and worldwide and Just Falafel is seeking to expand rapidly in the UK.

  • Opera Tower Rises in Russia

    Designed by Stuff International, this iconic 43 storey tower being built in Yekaterinburg is steadily rising from the ground.  It is due to be completed in 2017 and is a mixed used development including commercial, residential and retail.  It will have an entertainment area with a bar, restaurant, seating zones, play area and gym.  There will also be a stunning roof top bar overlooking city.

     

     

     

     

  • New Iconic Building Designed for Qingdao Financial District, China

    Stuff International Design has been asked to design some buildings for the planned new financial district in Qingdao and is seeking to attract global financial institutions to locate here.  Qingdao is a stunning second tier City with a population of 7 million, bordering the Yellow Sea, with the biggest container port in the world, with beautiful parks and beaches.  We believe the buildings we have designed are iconic, symbolising the rising of a new, successful financial centre, not just in Qingdao, but within the whole China.

    To make it a vibrant new centre of the City, Stuff International is offering visitors, workers and residents in this area facilities where they can work, rest and play.  Besides its financial offices and facilities, we have designed a spherical museum to display a large Ming collection from a private owner (part of our team).  We have also linked these buildings creatively with the local metro, roads and infrastructure, offering shops, service outlets, restaurants, bars and other community facilities.   Stuff International has partnered with Mike Dethick Partners.

  • Russian Accelerator Programme in St Petersburg: Advising SMEs

    With the support of the Russian Government, the Chamber of Commerce in the Leningrad District, Neil Whitehead of Stuff International Design has been giving lectures to, advising and mentoring 50 SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) with Russian colleagues ISM (International Strategic Management) in St Petersburg.  “We have been helping these entrepreneurs to develop their business strategies and supporting them to produce effective sales tools.”

    Members of the SME programme (photo left): An evening in St Peterburg with the owners of SMEs (Neil is in the blue shirt centre right) after a day’s work relaxing and brainstorming together in the Chamber of Commerce

    The main goal of the programme is to mentor the businesses over a nine month period in order to help them to generate more revenue.  Neil and his colleagues meet the companies every two months; the programme started on 30 March 2015, with other meetings in May, July, September, November and December.  In between these events, the mentoring continues via Skype, email and phone.  As the programme evolves we introduce appropriate specialists to guide the businesses on their logistics, sales, methodology, business planning and management skills.

    Neil works with the business owners to assess:

    - Strategic positioning:  Who are your customers? What is the uniqueness of your brand? What is your vision for their company - today and tomorrow?

    - Product line logic:  What potential is there for future product development and within existing product lines?

    - Sales vision:  Can we enable multi-product sales by widening the product range? Can we develop Solution Selling rather than Product Selling?  Can we create compelling stories that enable customers to see the total potential to the product/s, rather than perhaps their most limited use?  This approach supports the existing product and its brand, enabling sales growth and offers the opportunity to sell in additional products.

    - Brand strategy: Creating a brand strategy – this might require adopting a new product or business name, modifying the logo, finding better brand solutions, improving sales materials to enable sales teams to be more effective and targeted.

    Stuff International then provides art direction materials, so that the business owners can take their new vision to local agencies to produce the work.

    Below are some examples of the work done and being done with Neil and the SMEs.

    Cosmos

    Cosmos is a security company, operating in the private home market, previously known under a family name, but it was agreed to change it to Cosmos as it was felt to reflect more effectively the quality services provided by the company.  Having assessed the company and established a potential vision for it the with the owners, Stuff International summarised their conclusions in a draft of a sales tool, or hand-drawn “scamp” that could be developed into a brochure or used as a guideline for creating other sales tools or redesigning their website, which can be done by local agencies.

    The scamp shows how Cosmos could highlight its range of three security solutions for homes and how diagrams can help customers see more clearly the range of products and their use, leaving the company to add their words.

    3D Photography Business

    Neil assessed the company’s main 3D product, which requires special glasses in order to view the images.

    He worked with the company to enable it to think more broadly in order to improve potential sales.  They came up with ideas such as using their technology to do more types of 3D printing, perhaps producing sculpture for events, so that they could provide unique 3D solutions for promotions and so be different to all other event organisers.

     

     

    Noble Fish

    The owner of Noble Fish is based in the countryside outside St Peterburg and supplies fresh Sturgeon and Salmon (sometimes live) to local restaurants.  Neil worked with the owner to develop a new name and logo for the company.  Inspiration came from the story that she had a cat who used to go to waterfront to try to catch the Sturgeon and Salmon

    The name came from her supplying the King of Fish – Noble Fish.

    To encapsulate the new name and brand identity, Stuff International put together a draft sales document aimed at focusing on the hotel and restaurant market. The products were divided into fresh fish (Salmon and Sturgeon) and caviar.  They assessed delivery methods, prices, price lists and packaging and how to seek out new customers in the region. They also discussed creating a range of prepared food and perhaps opening a combined restaurant and fishmonger.

    Seasoning company

    Two young business owners have developed seasoning for direct application to plated food.  They currently have three recipes for meat, fish and all food.  They have just started selling into Spar and other retailers are lining up.  Neil worked with them to assess their business strategy and branding.

     

     

     

     

  • "Cohort living" the art of designing a happy city

  • Narrative Branding: Essential for Business Success Today

  • Дезайнерский проект Стафф Интернэшнл Дизайн Лимитед выиграл Российскую награду за Дизайн Коммерческого Проекта

    On 21 June the winners of Commercial Real Estate Federal Awards were announced. The gala dinner, held on the beach in Sochi, was the climax of a several day Summit, announcing the best real estate buildings put in operation in 2007 in different parts of Russia.

    Among the winners of the prestigious ‘Golden Brick’ awards was the RADUGA shopping center in Chelyabinsk, which was chosen the best small sized shopping centre in Russia. The centre was brought to life by developer OOO Center-M and designed by Stuff International Design Ltd.

    The Stuff team is proud of this remarkable achievement and sends it sincere congratulations to the RADUGA team on the victory!

    www.cre.ru

  • Краски «Сайпс» выходят на рынок с новым дизайном, разработанным Стафф Интернэшнл

    4 January 2013

    Sipes, Egypt's second largest paint manufacturer, has today launched its exciting new product packaging designed by Stuff International Design Ltd.

    Stuff International Design Ltd has unparalleled experience in the European paint manufacturing and retail market, especially in Egypt where it has worked with all the key operators.  Working with Sipes required a significant understanding of its business, its positioning, knowledge of its products, the sales and market of each, leading to the science of their line logic.  The result has been the development of this new packaging, the first of which was launched today.

  • Начинается строительство нового торгового центра «Галактика»

    10 February 2013

    Today construction began of Galaxy, a retail development whose concept was designed by Stuff International Design Ltd.  The development is to be over three floors with a footplate of 60,000 square metres.  Stuff also undertook all the branding and way-finding concepts, reflecting the brand name. It is due to be completed this year.

  • Джаст Фалафел утвердил Стафф Интернэшнл Дизайн Лимитед своим представителем

    22 November 2012

    Just Falafal today appointed Stuff International Design Ltd to adapt and redesign its Master Concept and to develop the new format across a number of different locations in the UK.

    Just Falafel is a master franchise originating from the United Emirates. It is a new vegetarian fast food concept, with an image that is fresh and bold.  Its parent company, The Veg Zone Limited, is looking to expand the franchise across the UK and Europe.

    The first project is to adapted the design of the Baker Street outlet, with a small footprint, that requires a skillful planning configuration in order to maximise its operational efficiency and is due to open in March 2013.

  • Краски Джи Эл Си Пэйнтс выпускаются под новым логотипом, выполненным Стафф Интернэшнл Дизайн Лимитед

    GLC Paints today launched into the Egyptian paint market its new brand identity, designed by Stuff International Design Ltd.  It is the start of a process which will see this new look implemented across all items ranging from the paint and other product packaging (from January 2013), to letterheads.

    GLC Paints is a family German-Lebanese paint manufacturing and sales company and is the third largest in the Egyptian market. Stuff International Design Ltd was commissioned to create a new brand identity and product line logic for their products.

    Once their new factory is completed in April 2013, the new product ranges will be launched and the aim is for this redesign to take them into second position in the market.

  • Сегодня сеть гостинниц Рэддисон заложила камень в основании нового отеля в Екатеринбурге

    Stuff International Design Ltd has designed a 43 story mixed use building and today the foundation stone was laid as building began.  Stuff International Design Ltd was commissioned by Atomstroy, one of the largest developer construction companies in the Russian Urals, to undertake a master plan and concept design for a 43 storey mixed used development and it will be the second tallest building in Yekaterinburg.

    The aim was to create an iconic building that would be a new focus in this growing city.  The plan for this complex building blends and mixes the commercial office space with residential, leisure, retail and hotel use.  Stuff had to comply with traffic requirements for the city and also planned the parking for both the commercial and retail elements.  Completion is due in 2015 and Stuff International Design Ltd is overseeing its design development during this process.

  • Начались экскaвационные работы на месте нового города Копатыка, выполненного по дизайнам Стафф Интернэшнл Дизайн Лимитед

    10 December 2012

    The new town of Copatyka is being designed for Atomstroy by Stuff International Design Ltd. Today the ground works began for the infrastructure of this exciting development, which will soon be inhabited by a population of some 17,000 people, including homes, offices and leisure on the 70 hectare site.

    Inspired by the world’s new towns, including Milton Keynes and Welwyn Garden City, it is located in the most beautiful area, an hour’s drive from the centre of Yekaterinburg.  Atomstry, one of the largest developer construction companies in the Russian Urals, will move its Head Office here.

    Stuff has organised all aspects of the site, from roads and parking, to housing, commercial, offices, retail and leisure.   The aim is to create a real community that will be able to enjoy its beautiful surroundings, so Stuff International has planned the orientation of the development to afford attractive views and integrate it with the natural environment.
    Stuff has created a unique design and range of buildings that incorporate a flavour of the vernacular and work with the extreme weather conditions of the region.

    The building of this town will be phased over the next 10 years.

  • В 2013 году Стафф Интернэшнл отмечает 8-летие

    2 January 2013

    Stuff International Design Ltd today celebrated its 50th project in its 12th city in Russia.  Since the company was founded in 2005, eight years ago, Stuff International has been commissioned to create master visions and design these projects, many of which have been mixed used and retail developments.  Stuff brings an international flavour to Russian developments and a vast amount of experience in how to maximise their commercial potential.

  • Пицца Хат с Доставкой открыла 25-ый киоск, выполненный по нашему дизайну

    2 February 2013

    Pizza Hut Delivery has today opened its 25th outlet designed by Stuff International Design Ltd.

    Stuff developed a new modular stand-alone system to enable franchisees to improve the look of their units.  These also have made a positive impact on the high street, while optimising the unit's space and minimising expenditure, with the modular format ensuring very rapid installation.

    This modular design has appealed to many franchisees and so seen the designs rolled out across the UK – with today's announcement of the opening of its 25th unit.  Franchisees have found that with the new concept, sales have improved, in spite of the difficult economic environment.

     

  • Торговая сеть «Радуга» приветствует миллионного посетителя

  • Южная Набережная Темзы привлекает малого предпринимателя

    6 March 2013

    At London South Bank University’s Launch of the “Enterprise Network”, Neil Whitehead was the keynote speaker as LSBU’s Entrepreneur in Residence and Founder and Director of Stuff International Design Ltd.  Held at the Keyworth Centre, Southwark Campus in London, it was an opportunity to meet like-minded business people, student and graduate entrepreneurs; exchange best practices, network and gain insight into what support is available to businesses.

    Winner: Charlotte Beck, CEO of Saint ClinX Alternative School Provision, with Neil Whitehead (right) with Dragon's Den's Richard Farleigh (second from left)

  • Стафф Интернэшнл Дизайн Лимитед заключил партнерское соглашение с Русланом Мизеркевичем на разработку проектов на Украине

    12 March 2013

    Stuff International Design Ltd has formally appointed Ruslan Mizerkevich as Project Manager of Stuff International Ukraine.  Having worked with Stuff International for a number of years on a variety of large scale developments and their fund raising, with more opportunities in the Ukraine arising, it was felt important to formalise the relationship.

    Ruslan is based in Donetsk and brings his project management, tenacity and language skills to the team. Euroinvest Group Ltd is Ruslan's own investment development, construction and sales company in the Ukraine.  With Ruslan, Stuff International Design, as an international concept architect can deliver all concepts, approvals and construction for developments in Ukraine.

    Stuff International Design’s founder, Neil Whitehead, said:
    “The Ukrainian market's growth and demand for international design is looking promising for us and so we are pleased that Ruslan is formally joining us as a partner.  Our goal is to build a better quality of life for all in Ukraine and we can showcase our experience in Russia, where we have just completed our 50th project.”

  • Марк Дауни стал партнером Стафф Интернэшнл Дизайн Лимитед на Среднем Востоке и в Африке

    13 March 2013

    Mark Downie has been appointed a partner by Stuff International Design Ltd, to set up and run its Middle East and Africa Office in Dubai. The new venture is based on the growing financial strength of these regions, with many businesses creating local brands that are now fit for international expansion.

    Just Falafel, a business created in Dubai, is one of the brands Stuff International Design is assisting in its expansion in the UK.  Its fast food offer is based on traditional regional non-meat street food.

    Mark’s expertise in is New Product Development, Marketing Promotion and Management Consultancy.  His experience includes working with Unilever, Beecham Products International based in the Chairman’s Strategic Development Group overseeing several product categories globally, and for various clients in FMCG and consumer durables in Europe, the Middle East, USA and Russia.  He is also a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold many companies, was born in Scotland and is a graduate of Edinburgh University in Psychology and International Business.

    Stuff International Design’s founder, Neil Whitehead, said:
    “Dubai, the Middle East and Africa are very exciting markets for us.  We are seeing the development of products and brands that are now well placed, with our assistance, to be expanded and introduced to new markets globally.  So we are very pleased to have Mark Downie on board, who has lived and worked in Dubai for many years, and we are already assessing many opportunities for future projects.”