Telephone: 01584 881 651
Rest In Peace, John Pickering - 27th December 2022
It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of John Pickering during the Christmas week. John retired about ten years ago but will be remembered by many as a Director of Birmingham-based agency Threes Company Communications, as an innovative designer, a brilliant photographer, a multi-talented artist and a singularly unique Creative. He was also a gentle and private man who managed to influence and inspire many around him, without ever asking for the role or seeking recognition.
John was a mentor and father figure to Mandi Doyle and helped her to create the M partnership in 2000. For the following 12 years, John travelled thousands of miles with Mandi and Guy, capturing WOW film photography that created a look and a style that you can still see in the way that numerous housebuilders position themselves today.
Sleep well, our very special friend. Mandi and Guy Boardman
Making branding work …
As a part of our strategic marketing support for our client We Are The Missing Link, we have just secured an eCommerce presentation at the Hereford & Worcester Chamber of Commerce Growth Forum. This is an excellent opportunity for a small family business to position itself prominently amongst the right business people in West Mercia.
December 2022
Client collaboration inspires emerging talent …
We have brought together our client – Cleftbridge Limited and Hereford-based NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering) for mutual benefit. Cleftbridge have positioned themselves as a local firm seeking to support education and the future of the coatings industry. Whilst the Institute were able to put real-world / commercial challenges in front of students as a part of their course curriculum. A great PR story all round.
November 2022
Refreshing the Lifestyle image library …
Marketing, Corp. Comms. and H.R. at Taylor Wimpey in High Wycombe have pooled budgets and briefs to create a radically refreshed portfolio of lifestyle imagery. Our team, together with 30+ Taylor Wimpey staff (now known as the super models!) created scenarios from “At Home”, to the sales environment and outdoor living.
October 2022
Vistry account grows …
Vistry Cotswolds – part of the Vistry Group that includes the Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands – have appointed us; having seen our recent work for their Mercia Division. Our first day of WOW photography will feature show home interiors at a new build in Cheltenham.
September 2022
Supporting Plant Supports …
Worcestershire-based Plant Supports UK came back to us to refresh and redesign their sales brochure for 2022/23. The A5 20pp brochure features all products, specifications and imagery; much of which is captured from their own beautiful gardens … right next to the production facility!.
August 2022
Big diggers ‘strike a pose’ ! …
Corporate comms. at Taylor Wimpey UK have asked us to capture a portfolio of construction imagery, at a flagship build in Aylesbury. Images will feature everything from pavers to roofers and from whackers to tele-handlers; all illustrating ‘how we operate’ to best, current working practices.
July 2022
Putting a gloss on it . . .
Having seen business recover and grow steadily this Spring, our appointment by Cleftbridge Coatings of Ledbury adds further to a workload that is starting to feel like normal again. We have been asked to play a supporting role in providing PR, social media, copy writing and strategic marketing input, whilst focusing on targeted areas for new business.
June 2022
Fifteen to one . . .
Having just been appointed to provide WOW photography for Taylor Wimpey Manchester region, we can now celebrate working for 15 of TW UK’s 23 regional business units across England, Wales and Scotland. …First job is to capture location photography in several Lancashire towns to provide strong visual prompts for new homeowners to “live here”.
May 2022
We Are The Missing Link . . .
… are a Herefordshire-based company that provides comprehensive and highly specialised services including web design and build, eCommerce platforms and a robust integration of all company activities online and in-house. We are now their external marketing department and will start with the creation of brand guidelines, PR, adverts, networking attendance and social media support.
April 2022
Growing, naturally . . .
Taylor Wimpey UK have commissioned us to provide a portfolio of images that illustrate their commitment to future sustainability and the environment in which they build. The portfolio will include everything from swale systems to bat boxes, attenuation ponds, insect farms, play areas made from sustainable timber and electric car charging points.
February 2022
As our reputation builds . . .
Having been appointed to provide WOW street scene and stylised interiors photography for Bovis Homes last Spring, we have now been asked to do the same for Linden Homes. Both are part of the Vistry Group and we hope to catch the eye of other divisions, beyond Vistry Mercia.
January 2022
As the supply chain returns to normality . . .
Taylor Wimpey North Midlands region have commissioned us to provide a series of show home interiors photography, in collaboration with their Midlands region counterparts. We treat each region as a client in its’ own right. Therefore, having now worked for more than half of Taylor Wimpey’s 23 regional business units this is a moment to celebrate.
August 2021
Location, Location, Location . . .
As the constructors of new homes struggle with a shortfall in materials, some of our housebuilders are asking us to capture area/location photography while they wait for new show homes and street scenes to complete. We’ve travelled from Porthcawl to Peterborough and from Wrexham to Guildford to capture the very best of “reasons to live here … …
July 2021
A Stunning Rural Idyll . . .
We have just been appointed to work for Kyre Park Antiques Barn; ‘just down the road’ here in Worcestershire. Mandi will provide the marketing support, design and PR, while Guy supports Mandi with the copywriting; starting with leaflets, guides, advert campaigns, social media support and event support. Go To www.kyreparkantiques.co.uk
July 2021
Thank You . . .
… to Malvern Hills District Council, for approving discretionary grant funding that will help us to pay the bills and protect the company
June 2021
PHOTOGRAPHIC NEEDS LEAD THE WAY . . .
Bovis Homes (Mercia Division) – now part of the Vistry Group plc - have again appointed us to provide street scene photography at new home developments across Staffordshire and the West Midlands. As a crucial part of our suite of creative services, it is reassuring to see the needs for WOW photography opening up again.
May 2021
NEW APPOINTMENT
Having previously met at Chamber of Commerce meetings, we have just been appointed by Montel Civil Engineering; a Worcestershire-based provider of multi-disciplinary construction and civil engineering services to the Midlands and South West England. First brief is to provide Director profile pictures (from a safe distance!) and imagery of groundworks on a new construction site; as well as ‘people at work’.
March 2021
Let it snow . . .
With a focus on ‘new homes through the seasons’, Taylor Wimpey UK have asked us to capture snowy street scene photography. Snow isn’t guaranteed every winter, so we were really lucky that it appeared just a few days after the brief. Checklist … Canon cameras, thick socks, hot flasks!!!
January 2021
We didn’t get to celebrate 20 years as The M Partnership in April 2020, so much time and trade lost; as for so many. But here’s the anniversary logo. Maybe this year?
January 2021
HERE’S TO A BETTER YEAR . . .
Our Directors, Approved Creative Partners and Suppliers have complied and survived 2020. We didn’t get to celebrate our 20th anniversary in April, but we are all here and all looking forward. We wish all of our clients, colleagues, family and friends a Merry Christmas. ‘Stay Safe’ and be smart.
December 2020
Gardening, a year-round love affair . . .
Plant Supports UK have expanded their product range and will need a new 24pp brochure in January 2020. First job when we return from the season of excess! … Before everything starts growing again!
December 2019
All Change . . .
No political opinions here, just an observation … with the demand for a General Election and the promise of Brexit in January, everything seems to have gone quiet … on hold … Most of our project photography is finished by autumn anyway, as usual. So, new design, PR, events and product launches will be followed up in January 2020 … as promised.
November 2019
Don’t say the “C” word . . .
Sorry, but we have to shoot seasonal imagery nice and early to meet the needs for brochure print, web and social media use in the run up to Christmas. Thank you to Taylor Wimpey UK for the mince pies … in October!
October 2019
Wedding brochure on course . . .
Hereford Racecourse is a beautiful location for a day at the races; and now they are promoting a new range of wedding packages as a unique wedding venue. We have just designed the artwork for a new, dedicated brochure. Visit the Events page and click on the brochure to view https://www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk/your-venue/weddings
September 2019
An expanding team of talent . . .
Completing photography for Bovis Homes - ‘close to home’ - has enabled us to train up two more photographers. Lucinda and Rhys are already experienced and talented; we just needed to fine tune their understanding of what makes the housebuilding and construction industries happy in terms of architectural imagery.
September 2019
Winning ‘by a head’ . . .
Thanks to our membership of the regional Chamber of Commerce, we have just secured a short-term contract with Hereford Racing & Events. The aim is to drive PR and social media activities for the Cider and Sausage raceday in October; as well as supporting in-house efforts to secure exhibitors, traders and sponsors.
August 2019
“Let There Be Light” . . .
It’s always frustrating when we need sunny days and cloud intervenes. But June has been a great summer month this year for architectural photography … and it arrived in time to provide our newest client - Taylor Wimpey South Thames region – with some WOW street scenes.
July 2019
Food with Class … Art Deco-style . .
After a very successful launch for VIP’s, regional press and local suppliers, Centenary Lounge (Worcester) is now seeing great reviews coming through from the press and new customers. For us, the regular production of short films - including ‘Meet the Chef’ and food bytes, will now support and build on social media activities. Go to www.facebook.com/CentenaryLounge
May 2019
Bovis Homes appointment . . .
Our reputation for providing WOW photography to the housebuilding and construction industry carried across to Bovis Homes Mercia Division this month. We are starting with architectural, street scene photography, as well as show home interiors, throughout May and June.
May 2019
Big, Bright Launch . . .
The relaunched Great Malvern Farmers Market got off to a great start on 20th April. BBC radio presenter Andrew Easton ‘cut the cake’ to officially open the day, with music and the smells of fresh produce and all manner of prepared and hot foods wafting over Malvern. The vibrant, explosion of colour and our design work was a real draw for passers-by as they came to shop.
April 2019
From Saskatoon to Pershore . . .
We have just been appointed to help Pershore Juneberries with PR and marketing support, as well as social media activities. Juneberries are native to the prairies of Canada and 300 plants were shipped in a few years ago by Sophie Sidaway; to build a new and unique business for herself. The berries and juice are used in syrups and salad dressings, as well as gin - think cherry and almond flavour - with more goodness than blueberries!
April 2019
Talk about cross-marketing . . .
Having worked for a variety of food and drink businesses in the West Midlands - and now as business partners with Worcestershire Food & Drink - we have been able to offer so much more to Centenary Lounge. It felt really good to be able to introduce the owner, restaurant manager and chef to a dozen businesses in Worcestershire with a view to using their local produce in the new restaurant. From bread to beer, salmon to salt, chocolate to charcuterie and more . . . all sorted; orders to follow…
March 2019
Talk about cross-marketing . . .
Having worked for a variety of food and drink businesses in the West Midlands - and now as business partners with Worcestershire Food & Drink - we have been able to offer so much more to Centenary Lounge. It felt really good to be able to introduce the owner, restaurant manager and chef to a dozen businesses in Worcestershire with a view to using their local produce in the new restaurant. From bread to beer, salmon to salt, chocolate to charcuterie and more . . . all sorted; orders to follow…
March 2019
25 years of WOW photography . . .
Using John, Andy and Dean for their brilliant photographic skills, we have managed to retain the custom of Taylor Wimpey (it was Bryant Homes in 1995) for their national photography. This year will see us shooting street scenes, communities, show home interiors and local amenities in Scotland, Wales and England. . . time to service the cars then!
January 2019
Setting our stall out, so to speak . . .
Boffy Arts Markets have just appointed us to help relaunch the Great Malvern Farmers Market in Worcestershire. Showcasing local food and drink from April 2019, this will be a vibrant and high-quality outdoor market - adjacent to the impressive Abbey, right in the middle of town. We are designing a logo, stall bannering, flags, postcards, adverts, posters and a web page.
January 2019
2019 Twenty
Directors Mandi Doyle and Guy Boardman are looking forward to celebrating the start of our 20th year in January. No other news, in what is often our only quiet month; so “Merry Christmas, One and All!”
Christmas 2018
A brand-new window . . .
Well, if you’re here, you’ve seen it! We have designed and created a brand new-for-2019 M partnership website. Please tell us what you think at info@tmpartners.co.uk or via our Facebook page or Linked In profile.
December 2018
Worcestershire Food & Drink
We are proud to be a new business partner with Worcestershire Food & Drink – a non-for-profit organisation and a locally-funded LEP. Having already worked for bakers, brewers and food festivals in our area, we look forward to sharing our marketing & PR experience and providing design & photographic services to local member businesses.
November 2018
Construction, Communities and the ‘Customer Journey’
Corporate Communications at Taylor Wimpey UK have asked us to provide a specific, varied and comprehensive portfolio of images. We are bringing together a photographic team, providing project management and art direction . . and catering for nearly 40 models . . . including dogs and children!
September 2018
Newfangled . . .
We are providing concept designs and finished artwork for new business literature, to WiRE member Ali Sherlock at Crescendum. Ali provides friendly information and ‘at home’ support for people needing to know the basics of I.T. and modern communication channels. A clean and simple logo, a square business card and a pocket-sized 6pp leaflet are perfect for the job.
August 2018
On the West Wall . . .
‘West London’ is the latest regional Taylor Wimpey Business Unit to appoint the M partnership. We have been asked to recce and select some ‘best of what we build’ images at a number of their new home developments; so that they can display them around a new regional office. Further interiors and street scene photography is planned for this summer and autumn.
July 2018
Networking is working . . .
Since joining WiRE and attending a variety of regional meetings, we have acquired ten new clients and provided a wide variety of design solutions, PR activities and social media support. Most recently - Steph The Chef, Cakes & Catering in Hereford, Crescendum Limited and Long Barn Home have ‘joined the family’.
June 2018
Chamber of Commerce . . .
The M Partnership hopes to play an active role in supporting Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce members, since joining ourselves in May. Always seeking new work!
May 2018
Food & Drink to the fore . . .
‘Steph The Chef’ in Cleobury Mortimer has come to us for a new branding - including a logo, signage, vehicle graphics, stickers and banners; to help build awareness of her lovely tea room, local meeting place and cake-decorating supplies. A place for “cakes, coffee and conversation . . .
April 2018
Duchy Organics Farm . . .
More than 40 attendees saw our Creative Director – Mandi Doyle, present “ The need for Marketing, for All ” at a Herefordshire WiRE morning session at the Duchy Organics Farm.
May 2018
Wye Get Active?
This is a sub brand that works alongside Way 2 Go Adventures and we are now providing both with engaging, co-ordinated and ongoing social media support on a variety of platforms. We write, upload, respond to and manage this essential C21st marketing activity for a number of clients.
March 2018
Visit Here . . .
Visit Herefordshire, in association with Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, have asked us to deliver a presentation on ‘The Basics of Effective Marketing’ to their members at a regional forum. For mutual benefit, we will be extending the offer of free Marketing Appraisal Workshops to Visit Herefordshire members in Spring 2018.
March 2018
WOW photography, please . . .
‘Thank you’ to Sales & Marketing at Taylor Wimpey’s UK head office, who have commissioned The M Partnership to provide WOW photography once again. This year, new development street scenes and interiors with a “Lived-In and Inviting” style will be captured from across the UK.
February 2018
Way 2 Go Adventures
Gloucestershire-based Way 2 Go are now organising wonderful yoga retreats in the Forest of Dean / Wye Valley from May, complete with secluded Yurts, meditative activities and stand-up paddle boarding! Hopefully our web copy and social media posts will help to make them a great – and very relaxing – success.
February 2018
A second life for post-modernist . . .
Couture Upholsterer Una Labistour is setting up a new Shropshire-based business – Deuxième Vie – and has asked us to create and issue a local launch press release; as well as providing ongoing marketing support. We wish Una “bonne chance” for the future.
January 2018
Workshops for local women . . .
Through January and February, we will be holding a short series of free, half-day Marketing Appraisal Workshops exclusively for WiRE members (Women in Rural Enterprise). A really positive response from so many already tells us we should probably repeat this offer later in the year.
January 2018
New Homes, new brochures . . .
To see the year out, Taylor Wimpey have asked us to project manage and art direct an important portfolio of “At Home” lifestyle photography, for use in re-designed brochures for 2018.
December 2017
On and On and On . . .
Experience counts for a lot in this business and Mandi Doyle - our Creative Director, started at a small graphic design company 28 years ago. Mandi lends the same enthusiasm as ever, with a level of strategic and creative experience that few can match . . . probably. (View Mandis profile on Linked In).
December 2017