Hästens South Africa paid tribute to Swedish icon and screen legend, Ingrid Bergman, through a screening of the classic, Casablanca last week at the first Hästens Movie Night. In celebration of Casablanca’s 70th anniversary, the opulent bed brand’s Green Point showroom was transformed to resemble a cinema and guests, including some media, were treated to gourmet food, health cocktails and movie treats like popcorn and candy. In a sublime twist, the usual cinema seating was replaced with Hästens state-of-the-art adjustable beds. All this made for a most luxurious movie night experience.

This is not the first time Hästens has added an unusual but exciting touch to the lifestyle scene in Cape Town. A traffic activation with TRUTH coffee earlier this year added some buzz to Green Point’s Somerset Road. The brand has been in Cape Town for nearly three years now and is on a mission to introduce locals to luxury sleeping. With more lavish events planned for the remainder of 2012, there’ll be plenty of reasons to become a fan of Hästens’ master-crafted beds.

For more information visit http://on.fb.me/K62sgs

Favourite city landmark, Winchester Mansions, has long been an iconic part of the famous Sea Point Promenade. Overlooking the Atlantic Seaboard, this gem has over the years, steadily grown in popularity amongst local and international visitors alike. And what the luxurious hotel lacked in star rating, it has always made up for in charm.

Having started out as an apartment block, the hotel has “gone glam”, effortlessly combining classical elegance with a contemporary feel, and offering a space that, while it maintains its colonial roots, embraces the modern twists that come from being situated in such a stunning location.

To get the full story on this glamorous makeover, Chatroom Director, Gordana McNamara, and I, seek the insight of owner and Creative Director of LSDA, Loy Serfontein, who together with his team has transformed the (now even grander) “old lady”. Chatting to Loy is not only a welcomed lesson in interior design, but also in the significant impact the brand has had on Winchester Mansions’ refreshed look and feel.

We meet Loy at the hotel and agree to have our interview on the terrace, where we soak up the sun and the breathtaking view of a buzzing promenade. “It was in 1996 that we did our first design project at Winchester Mansions,” he says. A lover of timeless design, Loy and his team “don’t subscribe to trends”, but instead use their training, years of experience and versatility to “create work that transcends time and fashion”. “It’s been a long journey, built on many years of trust from both the owners and the trustees, and with the foresight and guidance of the Managing Director,” he tells us.

Coming from the agency that is responsible for Winchester Mansions’ current branding, we can appreciate the sense of satisfaction he so clearly exudes as he talks about this project. When Chatroom began its journey with the hotel, Winchester Mansions had for many years struggled to shake off a long-standing reputation that it catered for an older, more international crowd; its Cape Dutch architecture often leaving both guests and media, feeling that the space was imperial – a far cry from what it is now revered for.

The decision to recommend a revamp of the brand was not taken lightly. With many years of experience in branding, Chatroom was fully aware of the financial implications of such an undertaking. The agency’s holistic approach and an understanding that a brand doesn’t begin and end with a logo, name and slogan, allowed for client buy-in to occur with relative ease. Chatroom understood that to simply develop a new brand identity was not enough. Their method was therefore strategic, ensuring that other than the elements of design, the brand could ‘live’ in the hotel’s mission, vision, values, service, personality, it’s people and in the every touchpoint or interaction that set it apart from its competition, no matter how small.

With foresight, creative strategy, and backing from management, what started out as a series of workshops, has now found life even in the hotel’s interior design. “The interior exhibits exactly the ‘classical elegance’ that Chatroom and Winchester Mansions’ management determined the brand to be. We’re thrilled that what we created through branding inspired this outcome,” explains Gordana. “We were not involved in the development of the brand, but were able to ‘pick it up’ quite organically. We worked purely on the ‘feeling’ we got; it all happened intuitively. Chatroom created a brand that could lend itself to a modern elegance – a brand that would not alienate existing clientele, but instead make room for a younger, trendier group of guests.” Loy Serfontein adds.

Providing both direction and leadership throughout the project, was MD, Nils Heckscher. Who better for the job than the man who knows the hotel best? “Changes to the hotel have happened over many years, but this has been the biggest project we’ve undertaken. It was essential that the hotel’s interior express what we, together with Chatroom, had already created through all the other aspects of branding. Although the revamp project itself took a considerable amount of time and effort, the designers’ interpretation of the brand happened almost seamlessly,” he says. “We are excited to offer our guests a more elegant setting in which to take refuge. In addition to that, they can continue to expect more of the professional and friendly service they are accustomed to here at Winchester Mansions,” he concludes.

From opulent revamps to the grand Harvey Suite to upgrades to its entire public areas and amenities, the newly refreshed hotel now offers guests a more spacious and modern setting. Harveys bar, which is currently one of the trendiest spots on the Atlantic Seaboard, was among the first spaces to receive a luxurious makeover. It is now fitted with stylish furniture, contemporary light fixtures and bronzed mirrors that incorporate the hotel’s signature crest, giving guests the perfect combination of chic and comfort.

Admiring the new-look Harveys restaurant, we can’t help but notice that the décor revamp has also changed the mood of the space. Elegant simplicity takes the stuffiness out of fine dining and leaves only a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy the many delectable offerings from Executive Chef Jochen Riedel and his team. The restaurant tastefully integrates marble flooring and bespoke furniture pieces to create a space that is both inviting and chic. The continuous light pouring in from outside adds both life and depth to the surroundings.

One of our other favourite revamped spaces is the Harvey Suite, where old and new collide in harmony, and the contradiction is surprisingly inviting. The suite subtly shows off trendy pieces that evoke a fashion-forward spirit. The highlight though, is definitely the impressive en-suites, with ample space, stunning finishings and somewhat more than the comforts of home.

A notable element is that many of the pieces used in the refurbishing of the hotel were locally made – from the chairs and fabrics to the bronzed light fixtures. “We believe in supporting local businesses,” Loy says, and it’s no wonder. From one revamped space to another, each piece is more impressive than the last – a clear indication of how much the design industry in South Africa has flourished. Over the years, with the skills of many in the trade being developed and with the country boasting such iconic sights as the Constitutional Court, African design has certainly begun to show off a more elegant side.

The journey of this icon has been a particularly long one for Frances Weinford, whose family has owned the building since the early 1900s. Describing her connection to the hotel as “deeply emotional”, we are moved by Loy’s recount of her reaction to the dawning of the Winchester Mansions’ awning. “She stood beside me on the promenade looking across at the hotel and said ‘I feel my parents beside me and I know they agree with what we’ve done’”.

With its historic nuance, classic elegance and a charming hospitality you won’t find anywhere else in Cape Town, we can’t help but hope that Winchester Mansions will be as inviting and picturesque as it is at this moment, decades from now.

Here are some trends in branding and PR that you’d be wise to keep in mind.

1. Online is expected

We don’t have to tell you how crucial establishing your brand online is in today’s business. In 2012, being online is expected, but being active on social media no longer makes you stand out from the crowd. So take things to the next level, try something different to gain attention, engage your customers to generate content.

2. Quality over quantity

With the increasing amount of information available online, your audience becomes overwhelmed. It’s therefore more important than ever to create distinctive content that not only entertains and informs, but that, above all, offers value.

3. Your brand doesn’t sleep

Promoting your brand must be continuous and always up-to-date with what’s current. Useful tools such as TweetDeck or HootSuite can help you manage social media profiles, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, WordPress and Foursquare. These tools might not necessarily be new, but the need for them is ever-increasing in today’s fast-paced business world.

4. More effective communication by videos

Keeping in mind the rising use of smartphones and tablets, making content available via video is a smart move. Videos allow a shift from overwhelming text information towards richer and more effective communication. A great developing tool is Qwiki, which presents the information that you are researching in an interactive, multimedia presentation. With tools like this, you will soon be able to put aside your portfolio and instead create a customized presentation about your brand, accomplishments, clients and experience.  

5. Decentralised Social Media

A trend that seems to be gaining momentum in social media is decentralisation. This enables each and every employee to represent the company, even on their private accounts. Content from your employees is perceived as more real, because it is about people and not logos.  Empower your employees to be different faces of the company.

Opulent bed brand Hästens, in partnership with TRUTH.coffee, is adding a touch of excitement to morning traffic. If your route to work takes you via the intersection at Somerset and Ebenezer Road in Green Point (opposite the Victoria Junction Hotel), then you've no doubt seen the Hästens/TRUTH promotion currently running. What started out as a Twitter conversation between Chatroom and David Donde has since turned into a treat for connoisseurs of all things opulent.

Passersby are treated to the perfect pick-me-up and prompted to step into the stylish Hästens showroom where they get to experience the wonder of the beds. After that, all it takes to stand a chance a to win a weekend away at the luxurious Lanzerac Hotel and Spa in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is to simply complete an in-store entry form sharing how the bed made them feel. To those familiar with these beds, you will know, this is the easy part.

Adding to the excitement is Hästens' first ever showroom model sale, giving even those with a more modest budget, the opportunity to take home a piece of Hästens luxury by choosing from a selection of master crafted beds, so they too can experience best sleep.

The competition ends on 29 Feb and the sale on 15 Feb.

For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/H%C3%A4stens-South-Africa/276771749032483

It’s not every day I find a client in as exciting a list as Therese Owen’s annual Best & Worst. So, imagine my surprise when I found our client, Winchester Mansions, listed amongst the journo’s best of the year for “most imaginative launch”. Even more surprising was that the launch mentioned took place in late November. Talk about saving the best for last.

But the story didn’t exactly start there.

It was almost three years ago (long before my time at the agency) that Chatroom began its journey with the hotel. Although amongst Cape Town’s iconic seafront hotels, Winchester Mansions had struggled to shake off a long standing reputation that it catered mainly for an older, international crowd, its Cape Dutch architecture often leaving guests and media alike, feeling that the space was imperial – a far cry from the classic elegance it is now known for.

Chatroom, together with Winchester Mansions Managing Director, Nils Heckscher, took a chance that would move the hotel firmly into the 21^st century; feeling and (certainly) looking better than ever before. A series of brand development workshops resulted in a Brand Identity revamp throughout all applications. And a two-year long redesign project headed by architects LSDA, and guided by the MD’s vision, transformed Winchester Mansions into a setting that perfectly combines classic elegance with a more contemporary feel.

Bringing the hotel to life

Fully understanding the power of integration, we sought to go beyond the usual press release announcing the changes to the establishment. We wanted to take guests on a journey through the revamped spaces that would leave them excited to see more. We enlisted the talent of Global Shack, a small industrial theatre group run by Junaid Booysen of Kat and The Kings fame, and together we created tours of the hotel the media would not soon forget.

Each newly refreshed space was turned into a scene from an iconic film, musical, opera or era. From Pretty Woman and Grease to a brief trip to the 1960s to hang out with a few guys who resembled the Rat Pack, each scene was more surprising (and comedic) than the last. Experts in the art of improv, the drama ensemble changed-up certain scenes to include the various members of the media, which made for some funny twists. The tours wouldn’t have been complete though, without a charming tour guide who knew all there was to know about the hotel. It was only fitting then when the role was given to Nils Heckscher, who dazzled with hotel history stories, renovation anecdotes and upcoming plans for the hotel. To top it all off, guests were treated to some of Executive Chef, Jochen Riedel’s favourites from the hotel’s summer menu.

Attendance by journos with a good sense of humour from publications like Marie Claire, House & Garden and One Small Seed ensured that the launch was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. “It was by far the most entertaining and hospitable event we've attended” said Urban Edge’s Nick Kruger, while Ellen Raubenheimer at Get It called it “unusual and lots of fun”.  The success of the launch was much more than we could have imagined, so thanks Therese Owen.

After months of hard work and strategising, winners of the 2011 JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge have been announced. After a year of investing a virtual million rand, being amongst the winners in this exciting financial literacy competition is no small feat. It’s only fitting that these top teams be honoured for their consistently stellar performance at the awards ceremony to be held at the JSE on 28 October.

Prizes amounting to R60 000 per portfolio will be awarded to the winners. For the winning university students, a prize of an all expenses paid overseas trip, plus R25 000 will also be awarded.

Winning teams:
Soweto schools had their eye on the prize this year and showed great investment skills. With three schools from the area occupying the top positions in the Income Portfolio, Soweto seems set to produce some of South Africa’s finest investors. Taking first place is Kwadedangendlale High School’s “The Bears” team with an impressive income of R66 628.27. Not too far behind them is “Aurora 6” from Aurora Girls’ High School, who managed an income of R60 171.36; and in third place is Emdeni High School’s “Emdeni E” team who achieved an income of R59 711.67.

Finally, rounding up the Income Portfolio winners are two equally impressive teams – “JR Investors” from Jimmie Roos School with R54 637.82, and “Professional EL” from JF Mati High School with R52 755.08.

No strangers to the winners’ podium, Eden College Lyndhurst’s “BADJ is Back Again” take first place in the Equity Portfolio with a capital growth of 75.6%. Coming in second place is a team that won the monthly rounds as recently as August. “Genius Investors” of Maritzburg College achieved a capital growth of 64.8% in the runners up position.

Both these teams have continued to show financial insight and a flair for making the right investment decisions. They are joined by Hoërskool DF Malan, who’s two teams “Beat Us” and “Die Kommuniste” occupy positions three and five, with growths of 55.48% and 36.56% respectively. Coming in fourth place is yet another team from Maritzburg College. “Super Heroes in Training” added another notch on their schools belt, with a growth of 45.3%.

The ability to strategise is a key skill in the high risk Speculator Portfolio, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem for the five teams who won in the final standings. Parktown Boys High School is represented by two teams. The “Enterprise V 1.2” team takes first position with a capital growth of 62.15%, and they are joined by school mates “Inglorious Brokers” who take fifth position with a capital growth of 11.88%. In second position is Bishops Diocesan College’s “Bishops 123” who grew their capital by 18.59%. And rounding up the top five Speculator Portfolio winners are “Orient Fantastic Four” from Orient Islamic School in third place and “PBHS TMC” from Pretoria Boys High School in fourth. The teams managed growths of 18.39% and 13.68% respectively.

For the high schools in first place, each of the four team members will receive R4000; second place team members receive R2500 each, third place R2000 each and in fourth as well as fifth place, receive R1000 each. In addition to the learners being rewarded, successful schools and their mentors also take winnings home.

“The JSE Education department takes great pleasure in announcing the JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge winners for 2011. We value the participation and dedication of the learners throughout South Africa and hope that the skills gained from the Investment.

Challenge can be implemented into their daily lives and beyond,” says Senior General Manager of JSE, Noah Greenhill.

In the university and college category, the University of Witwatersrand has come in first place, winning an all expenses paid overseas trip plus R25 000. The University of Pretoria takes second place, winning R20 000. They are followed by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in third place receiving R15 000.  All the universities and colleges participated in the speculator portfolio only.

Andrew Warren, Executive at Liberty Retail SA Marketing says, “We congratulate the 2011 JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge winners on their outstanding performance. We hope that the success achieved by these learners motivates other learners to participate in next years Investment Challenge.”

The JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge is an annual competition running in its 38^th year and is open to all South African high school learners as well as students from universities and independent colleges. The winners have gained exposure and experience on financial and life skills such as budgeting, economic research and team work. This in turn assists the learners in deciding on their future career paths.

To enter the 2012 JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge contact the JSE’s Challenge Coordinators on 011 – 520 7116/ 7344/ 7168. You can also have a look at the JSE/Liberty Investment Challenge Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/JSELiberty-Investment-Challenge/352982065154) which contains loads of information, complete with

instructions to register on Mxit, as well as the chance to interact with other registered participants sharing tips and ideas.  You can also follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JSELiberty_Game.

/ends

For media information please contact:

Chatroom

Gugu Sithole

P: +27 21 422 2806

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“If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning, I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land…” It could become the theme song of Bloy Resource Evaluation. The mineral resource evaluation consultancy, formerly known as BMRE, has introduced the new brand design for the company as well as for their interrelated Grade Control software at the International Mining Geology Conference in New Zealand – with, well, not quite a hammer but a hammer-sized pick…

In April, Peter Bloy, MD and founder of BMRE, had met with Chatroom to discuss a possible revamp of his company brand and a brand name and logo solution for his software package, a separate product. Bloy’s company services some of the world’s largest mining operations and therefore needed an identity that reflected the company’s expertise and professionalism. Additionally, the interrelated Grade Control software as a stand-alone product needed its own brand identity.

After defining the strategic framework for the Brand Development with the client, the Chatroom team was able to get creative. The first step in the branding exercise was name generation: BMRE was turned into “Bloy Resource Evaluation” and the software suite was named “Blockbuster”.

“We got Bloy to do it!”

Bloy’s reputation in the industry is so strong, that his clients and peers would refer to using BMRE’s services as “We got Bloy to do it!”. He is not just the founder of the company but the mastermind behind its services and product knowledge, growing his team according to his standards. We therefore suggested to follow the perception that was already out there.

To reference both Bloy’s team personality and focus of work, Chatroom suggested the Pay-off line “down to earth”.

The name “Blockbuster” is a play on block modeling, the three-dimensional method of estimating volume, tonnage and average grade of minerals in the earth. As part of the visual identity, again block modeling was used as a reference, with blocks represented in the colours used to indicate the presence of minerals in the ground.

A bashing success

With all brand development and production completed in time for the conference, the missing item was a clever and meaningful give-away. This is when Chatroom suggested the branded geology pick, following the company’s philosophy of bringing geology back into computing.

“Chatroom’s branding of Bloy Resource Evaluation and Blockbuster has been a resounding success. The interest and appreciation our brand received at the Mining Geology Conference was phenomenal” says MD Peter Bloy. “The Bloy G-pick attracted loads of attention and the old-school geologists loved it when I said ‘This is where it all starts; not with a computer but with geologists in the pit bashing rocks’. “

Chatroom is looking forward to Bloy, Blockbuster and the hammer becoming a smashing hit, “all over this land” and beyond.