For this part, I will be looking at the potential clients and employers, and analysing them by a PEST analysis.
Local:
P- Political factors that may have an effect on Edge is the environmental factors, as Brigg is a very small town close to Scunthorpe, which seems to be losing a lot of it's main businesses due to recession. It is too early to comment on the San Francisco development, but this will bring a complete cultural shift in their approach to design.
E- Some factors that may alter the operation of Edge Interactive is the recession, as companies may be cutting down on outgoing spends, although, all companies need good Graphic Design to sell themselves. Another factor relating to this is the increase in VAT. Although, they currently have a sale on some of their promotional items.
S- Lifestyle trends is definitely something Edge can be affected by, as they have done a lot of work for the NHS, particularly on promoting awareness for the growing increase in chlamidya, and I have noticed more of these particular campaigns they do around Scunthorpe. Their services to the NHS span from Wakefield to Nottingham, Leicester, North Lincolnshire, Leeds and various other primary care trusts.
T- Although Edge do web design a lot of their work is print based, with the further advance in technologies and marketing methods, particularly for screen (social networking sites, internet, iPhone etc.), this may have an effect on their demand.
National:
P- The company has offices in Manchester and London, meaning any national laws and regulations will apply, but the company is represented by other companies to direct commercials in America and Asia, meaning considerations to their laws to be taken. Trading policies and war and conflict could be factors that may take an effect at some point- with the further afield companies).
E- Exchange rates will need to be considered for the jobs out of the country. The rates that Mainframe charge will have been effected by the latest VAT increase. Looking through the portfolio, they are very high end, with some impressive clients, including Ferrari, Paramount, Nickelodeon, Virgin Media and Nike, so monetary issues are probably not a major factor for a company like this. This is not to say, that they won't encounter problems, especially in a recession, as luxury goods markets tend to be hit less hard by recession, although Ferrari did have a slight decline in the peak of it all. Companies like Virgin Media will always need graphics to promote, especially motion graphics to reach out to its existing customers and potential new consumers.
S- Lifestyle is quite an important factor operating here, as long as there is a demand for TV, which I think there always will be (unless some new fancy technology comes out), and there is a demand for luxury goods, Mainframe will always have work to do. Their clients may change to other companies for a different style of work, but a successful company like this, should not really worry. The demographics and trends will alter for each project and client, but again it is something that will affect their work.
T- With companies who are producing motion graphics, all the highest quality up to date software is required, especially as the devices used to view the finished products are becoming more and more up to date, with the popularity of HD and 3D arising, and the talk of
Super Hi-Vision ready to hit the technology world, it is imperative to be up to date.
Transnational:
P- Laws and legislation may have an effect on the company, as they will have to abide by certain rules from external organisation such as their clients and also the government.
E- It seems there would be no monetary issues for a company like this, as long as the big television companies are creating exciting, innovative adverts, and films requiring animation and VFX to be added, MPC will be raking it in. The rate charged to add animation, e.g. smoke/ flame is £700.
S- The company will be influenced by consumer attitudes as the post production they do is directed at consumers (film watchers and television watchers), so they must create a high quality standard that will sell.
T- Being the kind of company that MPC is, they use the latest software and equipment. "Digital connectivity means no communication boundaries when working on international projects. Work in progress can be transferred between Clients and MPC for approval and we are proud to offer remote Telecine grades between the MPC bases in London and Santa Monica."
