Bolton Council has appointed us onto its framework of design suppliers to service its needs across a number of marketing channels. We’ve been taken on board for a three year agreement, following a lengthy procurement process that started in January 2008.
We’re absolutely thrilled to have been signed-up. The last few years have seen us working ever more closely with the public sector so we’re really looking forward to supporting Bolton Council in its creative development. The agreement began on 1 August 2009.

Our latest commission is to develop a website for Streetspeak, a North West initiative to improve young people’s literacy skills through poetry and their love of football.

Streetspeak is a three-year programme, funded by the Football Foundation, Arts Council and National Football Museum, that harnesses youngsters’ interest in football to engage them in writing and performing poetry, helping increase self-esteem and aspirations. It works in partnership with community groups across the North West, targeting areas of social deprivation in Preston and surrounding districts.

We won the contract following a two-month tender process. Our proposal for the site includes an interactive flash-based game, a football scores feed and the opportunity for young people to interact directly with poets. The creative execution will appeal to children and young adults alike.

The key to the success of this site is in finding a design balance that will appeal to a very broad target audience; acknowledging that the tastes and needs of an eight year old are very different to that of an 18 year old. It is also important that the site appeals equally to boys and girls. Our solution will be very easy to use with clear messaging, and above all fun for all ages of the target group.

Five companies pitched for the contract, but Corporation Pop was chosen because we demonstrated exceptional understanding of the age group and project requirements.

Lesley Parkinson, project co-ordinator for Streetspeak had this to say: “We are looking for a website that will enable young people to interact, sharing work and ideas in a fun environment. Corporation Pop approached the project with insight and creativity, demonstrating a very clear vision in terms of how powerful the site could be in engaging and communicating with the audience.”

The web development is now underway and the site will launch mid September 2009. We’ll update with visuals as soon as the site goes live.