Founded in 2008, Open has acknowledged the changing nature of the digital landscape and, according to MD Al Kennedy, invested heavily in its own agency practice to best navigate whatever the future holds.

Built from a strong design and technical background, and gaining glowing recognition from industry peers, clients and attaining RAR status, Open has continued to develop, respond and innovate in a sector where things move very quickly.

Over the last year they have consistently delivered the digital strategy and development for waste management group SITA’s numerous UK websites. As part of the project Open developed an ‘online visual language’ alongside interactive games, animated waste journeys and banners to enhance user experience.

They also continued their working relationship with WREN, one of several clients in the environmental sector. Their newly designed, structured and developed website will communicate more effectively in line with WREN operating policy. It will minimise administrative costs, freeing up money for projects. It will support and guide applicants through a straight-forward application process with minimum confusion, therefore becoming a truly effective marketing and administration tool for the future.

Alongside client-centred projects the team has been focused on working with clients to help them understand the power of digital communications to deliver ‘social good’. “This focus is a natural progression from our work in the environmental sector and our belief in delivering innovative digital communications for positive social change,” says Kennedy.

As a result, Open is developing a charity support service where it uses its expertise to help charities make the most out of social digital communications and harness the power of their networks. The first project of the scheme is with The Forest of Avon Trust.

They are also very involved in the environmental and sustainability agenda in Bristol, being actively involved in the Green Capital Momentum Group, The Bristol Green Capital Pledge and 10:10 initiative.

“Over the next few months we are looking to develop an online portal presenting a dynamic ‘hub’ for best environmental practice and sustainability communications within the creative industries within the South West region”, says Kennedy

The team cite their most significant contract as the ongoing development of Unilever brand Comfort’s online presence. The brief involved the creation and development of an online experience and brand ‘toolkit’, leading to the ‘House of Comfort’ concept; a physical brand stewardship environment in the UK and Singapore.

From here Open developed an immersive digital application that would contain all brand assets, interactive content, film archive downloadable strategy and research presentations. The team also created a 90 second animated sequence and voiceover for Comfort Global Brand strategy to illustrate the brand development across all ranges of bottle packaging.

2010 promises to be another positive year for Open with lots of new projects in the pipeline and ongoing client relationships coupled with ambitious plans going forward.