# MNG Solas Tender Response 2415-SF-N Creative and Digital Campaign Services.docx
# Tender: Solas-Creative-WON

Tender Response Document To create a Framework Agreement for the provision of Creative and Digital Campaign Services Tenderer Details Name Marketing Network Group Contact Padraig Smith Phone No 0872362012 Email Address padraig.smith@marketingnetwork.ie -30289483185 Tender Reference: 2415-SF-N eTenders ID: 4748541 Issue Date: 28 November 2024 CONTENTS Table of Contents 2 Section 1 – Instructions to Tenderers 3 Section 2 - Standard Tenderer Information 4 Section 3 - Selection Criteria 5-11 Tax Clearance Details 5 Economic and Financial Standing 5 Insurance 5 - 6 Previous Experience – Client References 6 - 11 Section 4 - Award Criteria 12 Criteria 1 Cost 12 Criteria 2 Examples of previous work 12 - 17 Criteria 3 Understanding of requirements 18 -21 Criteria 4 Service methodology 22 - 25 Criteria 5 Quality and experience of the proposed team 26 - 38 Criteria 6 Environmental and social considerations 39 - 40 Appendix 3: Tenderers’ Statement 41 -42 Appendix 4: Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer 43 - 45 Section 1 – Instructions to Tenderers 1 All fields in the Call for Tender Response Document where applicable should be completed by the Tenderer. 2 Tenderers must complete and submit all documentation requested in this CfT Response in full. 3 Tenderers should not include a cover sheet and/or an executive summary in the Tender Response Document (“TRD”) document. Please note a cover sheet and/or an executive summary WILL NOT BE EVALUATED by SOLAS as part of the selection or award criteria. 4 Tenderers are reminded that each award criteria have a maximum page limit. Any pages over the award criteria limit WILL NOT BE EVALUATED by SOLAS as part of the selection or award criteria. 5 SOLAS will ONLY consider the information provided in the relevant award criteria section of the Tender Response Document (“TRD”) when evaluating that specific award criteria. i.e. SOLAS will NOT consider responses in other award criteria when evaluating a specific award criteria. 6 Tenderers are reminded that additional information provided as appendices is NOT permitted in response to the award criteria. Any such information provided WILL NOT BE EVALUATED by SOLAS as part of the selection of award criteria if relevant. 7 The Tender Response Document (“TRD”) must be submitted in English and TRD Pricing Schedule in Euro (€). Section 2: Tenderer Information Full Legal Name of Candidate (Firm) Marketing Network LimitedD4, D04 T6Y2 Trading Name (if different) Registered Company Address Marketing Network House, Argyle Square, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. D04 T6Y2 Telephone Number 01 662 7111 Email Address padraig.smith@marketingnetwork.ie VAT Number IE4805574A Withholding Tax Number 4805574A Company Registration Number 111462 Date of Registration Dec 1985 Country of Registration Ireland Legal Status (if any) (e.g. Limited Company, Partnership, Sole Trader etc.) Limited Company Section 3: Selection Criteria Tax Clearance Details Tenderers must supply current tax clearance certificate details. Rule: Pass/Fail Applicant Name Marketing Network Applicant PPSN/Tax Registered Number 4805574A Access Number 531627 Annual Turnover Requirement Tenderers must demonstrate a minimum annual turnover (ex. VAT) of at least €100,000 relevant to the services outlined in this CfT, for each of the last three (3) financial years or where the date of establishment of the Tenderer is more recent, Tenderers should provide information on turnover details for each year(s) of establishment below. Candidates must provide in the table below details of turnover for their organisation in respect of the past 3 financial years as appropriate. Rule: Pass/Fail Financial Year 2021 2022 2023 Financial Year Turnover 1.578M 2.018M 1.42M Insurance Tenderers must confirm that they will have the following insurance in place if successful. Insurance Type SOLAS Requirements Levels held by Tenderer Professional Liability €1m for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence €1,000,000 Public Liability €6.5m for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence €6,500,000 Employers Liability €12.7m for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence €12,700,000 I confirm that if successful, where the levels required under the contract are higher than those currently in our possession, I will be able to put the required forms and levels of insurances required in place promptly. Yes X No ☐ Evidence of Previous Experience providing Creative and digital campaign services Client Reference 1 Contracting Party/Client Name: Capita plc - Eircode Contract Contact Name: Alan Dignam Position in Company: Commercial Director Email Address: Alan.Dignam@eircode.ie Telephone Number: +353 87 957 8870 Address the Contract was delivered: Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2 Value of the Contract: (min value €***) €150,000 PA Date of Commencement of the Services: April 2014 Date of Completion of the Services: Ongoing April 24 – Dec 24 Nature and description of services provided: Key team: 7 Kieran Killeen - Account Director/Planner Robert Doran - Digital Director Elsie Arayes - Creative Director Conor O’Neill - Account Executive Paul Lucaci - Digital Animator/Videographer Matthew Sharry - Social Media Content Creator Graham Stewart - Copywriter The agency works with the Eircode team at Capita, who report into the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Having worked with a range of senior officers in DECC we are well aware as to the pressure on government to deliver value to the electorate while also ensuring that the messaging surrounding state initiatives are inclusive and meet the criteria laid down under the principals of Universal Design. We commence planning each year in the preceding summer months with a view to having full sign-off by year-end. From research, we identify personas where Eircode usage could be increased, and these target audiences sit at the heart of the creative brief. In 2024 we focused on ‘carers’ and ‘tradespeople’ as two core groups while not ignoring the mass market audience. Project brief - Actively communicate the benefits of Eircode to the national audience of carers and tradespeople in the community, while ensuring that the mass market are reminded of the efficiency of using eircode. Creative process - the agency is process oriented and for every initiative a creative brief is developed. Insights from research drives the respective objectives and from this the creative team develop content that reflects on a problem, with Eircode being the solution. Each campaign has a campaign plan with specific strategies, goals, KPIs and budget and following each initiative a measurement report is produced showing effectiveness and recommendations for future activity. While activity has run each year since pre-launch the activity for 2024 demonstrates the level of integration taking place: Carers: - Jan-Feb – Public Service campaign in association with the National Ambulance Service. Communication across RTE television, RTE Radio (all channels), RTE.ie, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube Jan-Mar, Nov - Information leaflets and video content displayed in GP surgeries nationally. Print material provided a perforated card for carers to complete that allowed them to retain the Eircode of the person they are caring for. Also promoted on Eircode SM channels and promoted posts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn Mar - June - Sep - Nov - 15” animated TV ad focusing on the benefits of homeowners who use medical services in providing their Eircode to service providers. Tradespeople: - Jan-May – Campaign targeting tradespeople (driver of positive B2C messaging). Communication through TalkSport App (radio style), Online video promoted on You Tube and Eircode SM channels. Mar - June - Sep - Nov - 15” animated TV ad focusing on the benefits of tradespeople requesting an Eircode from homeowners who seek a call out. Mass Market - Mar-Dec – Campaign promoting usability. Communication through a suite of seven 15” animations broadcast on Virgin Media TV (1,2,3,4) and on Eircode SM channels. Nov – Campaign bringing the consumer on a journey with Eircode to promote multiple brand touchpoints. Communication, through animations broadcast on Eircode SM channels. Nov-Dec – Activity to promote product usage during peak postage and online shopping periods. Communication through animated content and consumer prizing initiative on Eircode SM channels and via paid advertising across multiple digital platforms. Outdoor 6 sheets and Digital screens have been used to promote the use of Eircode while online shopping, ordering takeaway and in the event of an ambulance being required. The relevance of including Eircode as a case study is that from a standing start in 2015 the agency has been the sole provider of creative services. Eircode entered the market to a swathe of negative commentary from consumers and media who questioned the outlay from the state and concerns regarding privacy. With ten years of consistently targeting a range of personas through multiple touchpoints Eircode is now recognised as a valuable service and media and public opinion is now wholly positive. In the latest independent research over 95% of consumers now know their Eircode by heart and usage among all target groups is above 80%. Our work assisted in changing consumer behaviour and creative positive dialogue has a direct correlation with the requirements of SOLAS. (see PDF for creative or download from this link) Evidence of Previous Experience providing Creative and digital campaign services Client Reference 2 Contracting Party/Client Name: MyWaste Contract Contact Name: Will Mitchell Position in Company: Waste Prevention Officer Email Address: will.mitchell@dublincity.ie Telephone Number: + 353 86 838 9895 Address the Contract was delivered: Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Office C/O Dublin City Council, Motor Tax Office, Floor 2 Blackhall Place, Queens Street, Smithfield, Dublin 1. Value of the Contract: (min value €***) €60,000 Date of Commencement of the Services: April 5th, 2024 Date of Completion of the Services: May 30th, 2024 Nature and description of services provided: Key team: 8 Padraig Smith - Account Director Linda Strange - Account Manager Kieran Killeen - Planning Robert Doran - Digital Director Elsie Arayes - Creative Director Alan Ruane - Art Director Paul Lucaci - Digital Creative &amp; Animator Graham Stewart - Copywriter We have worked with MyWaste throughout 2022 and 2023 developing a series of campaigns in areas including MyWaste: Electronics Recycling Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Circular Economy Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Greener You Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Spring Clean Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Sustainable Christmas Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Fast Fashion – Textile Campaign 2022 - Link In March 2023 we were awarded a tender to develop creative assets for an educational campaign on Single Use Plastics. The EMRWMPO were looking to work with a creative company to develop a suite of communication assets that will engage the public as well as relevant retailers/food suppliers to raise awareness of what constitutes a SUP and that their production supply and use on the Irish Market is prohibited by law. The aim of the campaign was to inform the audience, both consumers and retailers alike, of their negative impacts. Target Audience - Consumer All teens and adults from age 13+ are likely to purchase products that use or are supplied with single use plastics. Target Audience -Retailer/Business All businesses that sell products that contain single-use plastics or supply single-use plastic products as a tool or accompaniment Campaign Timeline From final brief to finalisation of all creative assets, everything (50 different pieces of creative) was supplied to the client in a 3-week period. Insight - confusion as to the range of single use plastics available on the market required a hard-hitting campaign message Say No to Single-Use Plastics The matter of single-use plastics is a serious problem and the best way to address it is to be direct, clear, and concise. There is no room for discussion. “Say no to single-use plastics” applies to both retailers and consumers and it puts the power in their hands. We all have a responsibility to better our environment and the imperative form of the sentence makes that part clear. Introducing strong visual icons that already resonate with the audience created an immediate impact. We are all familiar with road traffic signs and the simple visual messages that they display, and this led our creative approach. From ‘no parking’ to ‘speed limits’ there is a universal understanding as to their meaning. We used comparable visual iconography to drive our message, by deliberately showing the primary offending items in solid black on a white background but surrounded by a red circle and diagonal red line. This delivers the message very directly and very simply and were utilised across posters, press advertising, digital advertising and radio in both Irish and English We had a very short turnaround for the delivery of all creative in Irish and English with over 70 pieces of creative being delivered from concept to final asset in 3 weeks. ● Awaiting research on awareness levels ● 2,137,476 impressions +25% above target with 0.19 CTR, 30% above target ● Digital Audio - 430,000 impressions with a 95% listen through rate . (see PDF for creative or download from this link) Evidence of Previous Experience providing Creative and digital campaign services Client Reference 3 Contracting Party/Client Name: Repak Contract Contact Name: Laura Sherry Position in Company: Head of Marketing Communications Email Address laurasherry115@gmail.com Telephone Number: 0876714630 Address the Contract was delivered: Red Cow Interchange Estate, 1 Ballymount Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Eircode: D22 HW67 Value of the Contract: (min value €***) €100,000 per annum Date of Commencement of the Services: March 1st 2018 Date of Completion of the Services: March 31st, 2022 Key team: 8 Nature and description of services provided Padraig Smith - Account Director Linda Collins - Account Manager Kieran Killeen - Planning Robert Doran - Digital Director Trevor Turner - Creative Director Alan Ruane - Senior Art Director Paul Lucaci - Digital Creative &amp; Animator Graham Stewart – Copywriter We worked with Repak for over 10 years developing both B2B and B2C campaigns around recycling, contamination, plastics, and their Prevent &amp; Save programme. As Repak is a Member-funded organisation, stakeholder management is key to success, with all campaigns requiring consumer, industry and member messages. Brief: - Following David Attenborough’s ‘Blue Planet TV programme, which created huge concerns from the public, industry, and government, our brief was to develop an integrated campaign targeting the general public, members, potential members and business, in general, to educate them on best practice recycling, encourage behavioural change and reduce contamination. Campaign Timeline: - Campaign assets were produced for each phase of the campaigns in a 4 - 5-week period Creative Response: - We developed Repak Team Green to both engage the consumer, recruit industry and hero Repak Members for their contribution to packaging recycling in Ireland. Insight - People were not engaged with recycling in the home or in the workplace and were confused regarding how and what could go into the recycling bin. Therefore, we developed a campaign which made packaging recycling relatable by demonstrating how, by small actions, individuals could make a difference Team Green ambassadors were recruited which included Paul and Gary O'Donovan, Roz Purcell, Paul McGrath, Annalise Murphy, Anna Geary and Bobby Kerr to encourage behavioural change in both consumers and industry by putting a relatable face on recycling. Influencers including James Kavanagh, Courtney Smith, were also used to deliver our messaging. Creative assets included print and press ads, Outdoor 6 sheets, 48 sheets, Digital screens, Luas takeovers, Bus wraps, Radio Advertising, A Schools education campaign with, video content, posters, information sheets, competitions, video assets, TV, digital and social content, display advertising and partnerships, exhibition and point of sale materials, website assets, webinar creation, Infographic and advertorials were also used to communicate the call to consumers and businesses.. The focus for the campaign evolved based on insights gained Phase 1: Recycle more (hard) plastic items Phase 2: Make sure your items are Clean, Dry &amp; Loose when placing them in the recycle bin Phase 3: You can now recycle your soft plastics Schools - We developed five videos and a suite of educational materials for primary schools focussing on the different types of materials used for recycling. Much of our work with Repak has been consumer focused. However, we have also played a major role in membership engagement campaigns. The Prevent and Save &amp; Plastic Pledge initiatives were designed to encourage members to look at their packaging inputs and outputs on the market. We developed a suite of sector-specific resources, including case studies on best practices. Assets included a packaging toolkit, Irish Case Study Information sheets, and A Packaging and Design guide for the Circular Economy Guide to encourage behavioural change by industry. We leveraged Team Green and member initiatives like the plastic pledge, with video content featuring our ambassador Bobby Kerr to encourage members to be more involved. We created member in-house communications to engage staff in member companies to become actively involved in Team Green including posters and information sheets as well as digital assets Results: Since Repak Team Green launched, the collective efforts of the public to recycle correctly has resulted in an increase of recycled plastic packaging tonnes by 22% or 17,472 tonnes. There has been a significant change in consumer attitudes towards recycling and plastics, with 75% of consumers believing recycling correctly is the first step in driving environmental change. Contamination reduced significantly, and 20,000+ consumers joined the Team Green database (see PDF for creative) . (see PDF for creative or download from this link) Section 4: Award Criteria Criteria 1: Cost – complete in the Tender Response Pricing Schedule document Mark Available: 200 See Separate Pricing Document Criteria 2: Examples of previous work Mark Available: 200 Minimum Marks: 120 Evidence of Previous Experience providing Creative and digital campaign services Eircode Contracting Party/Client Name: Capita plc - Eircode Contract Contact Name: Alan Dignam Position in Company: Commercial Director Email Address: Alan.Dignam@eircode.ie Telephone Number: +353 87 957 8870 Address the Contract was delivered: Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2 Value of the Contract: (min value €***) €150,000 PA Date of Commencement of the Services: April 2014 Date of Completion of the Services: Ongoing April 24 – Dec 24 Nature and description of services provided: Key team: 7 Kieran Killeen - Account Director/Planner Robert Doran - Digital Director Elsie Arayes - Creative Director Conor O’Neill - Account Executive Paul Lucaci - Digital Animator/Videographer Matthew Sharry - Social Media Content Creator Graham Stewart - Copywriter The agency works with the Eircode team at Capita, who report into the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Having worked with a range of senior officers in DECC we are well aware as to the pressure on government to deliver value to the electorate while also ensuring that the messaging surrounding state initiatives are inclusive and meet the criteria laid down under the principals of Universal Design. We commence planning each year in the preceding summer months with a view to having full sign-off by year-end. From research, we identify personas where Eircode usage could be increased, and these target audiences sit at the heart of the creative brief. In 2024 we focused on ‘carers’ and ‘tradespeople’ as two core groups while not ignoring the mass market audience. Project brief - Actively communicate the benefits of Eircode to the national audience of carers and tradespeople in the community, while ensuring that the mass market are reminded of the efficiency of using eircode. Creative process - the agency is process oriented and for every initiative a creative brief is developed. Insights from research drives the respective objectives and from this the creative team develop content that reflects on a problem, with Eircode being the solution. Each campaign has a campaign plan with specific strategies, goals, KPIs and budget and following each initiative a measurement report is produced showing effectiveness and recommendations for future activity. While activity has run each year since pre-launch the activity for 2024 demonstrates the level of integration taking place: Carers: - Jan-Feb – Public Service campaign in association with the National Ambulance Service. Communication across RTE television, RTE Radio (all channels), RTE.ie, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube Jan-Mar, Nov - Information leaflets and video content displayed in GP surgeries nationally. Print material provided a perforated card for carers to complete that allowed them to retain the Eircode of the person they are caring for. Also promoted on Eircode SM channels and promoted posts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn Mar - June - Sep - Nov - 15” animated TV ad focusing on the benefits of homeowners who use medical services in providing their Eircode to service providers. Tradespeople: - Jan-May – Campaign targeting tradespeople (driver of positive B2C messaging). Communication through TalkSport App (radio style), Online video promoted on You Tube and Eircode SM channels. Mar - June - Sep - Nov - 15” animated TV ad focusing on the benefits of tradespeople requesting an Eircode from homeowners who seek a call out. Mass Market - Mar-Dec – Campaign promoting usability. Communication through a suite of seven 15” animations broadcast on Virgin Media TV (1,2,3,4) and on Eircode SM channels. Nov – Campaign bringing the consumer on a journey with Eircode to promote multiple brand touchpoints. Communication, through animations broadcast on Eircode SM channels. Nov-Dec – Activity to promote product usage during peak postage and online shopping periods. Communication through animated content and consumer prizing initiative on Eircode SM channels and via paid advertising across multiple digital platforms. Outdoor 6 sheets and Digital screens have been used to promote the use of Eircode while online shopping, ordering takeaway and in the event of an ambulance being required. The relevance of including Eircode as a case study is that from a standing start in 2015 the agency has been the sole provider of creative services. Eircode entered the market to a swathe of negative commentary from consumers and media who questioned the outlay from the state and concerns regarding privacy. With ten years of consistently targeting a range of personas through multiple touchpoints Eircode is now recognised as a valuable service and media and public opinion is now wholly positive. In the latest independent research over 95% of consumers now know their Eircode by heart and usage among all target groups is above 80%. Our work assisted in changing consumer behaviour and creative positive dialogue has a direct correlation with the requirements of SOLAS. (see PDF for creative or download from this link) Evidence of Previous Experience providing Creative and digital campaign services MyWaste Contracting Party/Client Name: MyWaste Contract Contact Name: Will Mitchell Position in Company: Waste Prevention Officer Email Address: will.mitchell@dublincity.ie Telephone Number: + 353 86 838 9895 Address the Contract was delivered: Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Office C/O Dublin City Council, Motor Tax Office, Floor 2 Blackhall Place, Queens Street, Smithfield, Dublin 1. Value of the Contract: (min value €***) €60,000 Date of Commencement of the Services: April 5th, 2024 Date of Completion of the Services: May 30th, 2024 Nature and description of services provided: Key team: 8 Padraig Smith - Account Director Linda Strange - Account Manager Kieran Killeen - Planning Robert Doran - Digital Director Elsie Arayes - Creative Director Alan Ruane - Art Director Paul Lucaci - Digital Creative &amp; Animator Graham Stewart - Copywriter We have worked with MyWaste throughout 2022 and 2023 developing a series of campaigns in areas including MyWaste: Electronics Recycling Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Circular Economy Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Greener You Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Spring Clean Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Sustainable Christmas Campaign 2022 - Link MyWaste: Fast Fashion – Textile Campaign 2022 - Link In March 2023 we were awarded a tender to develop creative assets for an educational campaign on Single Use Plastics. The EMRWMPO were looking to work with a creative company to develop a suite of communication assets that will engage the public as well as relevant retailers/food suppliers to raise awareness of what constitutes a SUP and that their production supply and use on the Irish Market is prohibited by law. The aim of the campaign was to inform the audience, both consumers and retailers alike, of their negative impacts. Target Audience - Consumer All teens and adults from age 13+ are likely to purchase products that use or are supplied with single use plastics. Target Audience -Retailer/Business All businesses that sell products that contain single-use plastics or supply single-use plastic products as a tool or accompaniment Campaign Timeline From final brief to finalisation of all creative assets, everything (50 different pieces of creative) was supplied to the client in a 3-week period. Insight - confusion as to the range of single use plastics available on the market required a hard-hitting campaign message Say No to Single-Use Plastics The matter of single-use plastics is a serious problem and the best way to address it is to be direct, clear, and concise. There is no room for discussion. “Say no to single-use plastics” applies to both retailers and consumers and it puts the power in their hands. We all have a responsibility to better our environment and the imperative form of the sentence makes that part clear. Introducing strong visual icons that already resonate with the audience created an immediate impact. We are all familiar with road traffic signs and the simple visual messages that they display, and this led our creative approach. From ‘no parking’ to ‘speed limits’ there is a universal understanding as to their meaning. We used comparable visual iconography to drive our message, by deliberately showing the primary offending items in solid black on a white background but surrounded by a red circle and diagonal red line. This delivers the message very directly and very simply and were utilised across posters, press advertising, digital advertising and radio in both Irish and English We had a very short turnaround for the delivery of all creative in Irish and English with over 70 pieces of creative being delivered from concept to final asset in 3 weeks. ● Awaiting research on awareness levels ● 2,137,476 impressions +25% above target with 0.19 CTR, 30% above target ● Digital Audio - 430,000 impressions with a 95% listen through rate . (see PDF for creative or download from this link) Evidence of Previous Experience providing Creative and digital campaign services Repak Contracting Party/Client Name: Repak Contract Contact Name: Laura Sherry Position in Company: Head of Marketing Communications Email Address laurasherry115@gmail.com Telephone Number: 0876714630 Address the Contract was delivered: Red Cow Interchange Estate, 1 Ballymount Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Eircode: D22 HW67 Value of the Contract: (min value €***) €100,000 per annum Date of Commencement of the Services: March 1st 2018 Date of Completion of the Services: March 31st, 2022 Key team: 8 Nature and description of services provided Padraig Smith - Account Director Linda Collins - Account Manager Kieran Killeen - Planning Robert Doran - Digital Director Trevor Turner - Creative Director Alan Ruane - Senior Art Director Paul Lucaci - Digital Creative &amp; Animator Graham Stewart – Copywriter We worked with Repak for over 10 years developing both B2B and B2C campaigns around recycling, contamination, plastics, and their Prevent &amp; Save programme. As Repak is a Member-funded organisation, stakeholder management is key to success, with all campaigns requiring consumer, industry and member messages. Brief: - Following David Attenborough’s ‘Blue Planet TV programme, which created huge concerns from the public, industry, and government, our brief was to develop an integrated campaign targeting the general public, members, potential members and business, in general, to educate them on best practice recycling, encourage behavioural change and reduce contamination. Campaign Timeline: - Campaign assets were produced for each phase of the campaigns in a 4 - 5-week period Creative Response: - We developed Repak Team Green to both engage the consumer, recruit industry and hero Repak Members for their contribution to packaging recycling in Ireland. Insight - People were not engaged with recycling in the home or in the workplace and were confused regarding how and what could go into the recycling bin. Therefore, we developed a campaign which made packaging recycling relatable by demonstrating how, by small actions, individuals could make a difference Team Green ambassadors were recruited which included Paul and Gary O'Donovan, Roz Purcell, Paul McGrath, Annalise Murphy, Anna Geary and Bobby Kerr to encourage behavioural change in both consumers and industry by putting a relatable face on recycling. Influencers including James Kavanagh, Courtney Smith, were also used to deliver our messaging. Creative assets included print and press ads, Outdoor 6 sheets, 48 sheets, Digital screens, Luas takeovers, Bus wraps, Radio Advertising, A Schools education campaign with, video content, posters, information sheets, competitions, video assets, TV, digital and social content, display advertising and partnerships, exhibition and point of sale materials, website assets, webinar creation, Infographic and advertorials were also used to communicate the call to consumers and businesses.. The focus for the campaign evolved based on insights gained Phase 1: Recycle more (hard) plastic items Phase 2: Make sure your items are Clean, Dry &amp; Loose when placing them in the recycle bin Phase 3: You can now recycle your soft plastics Schools - We developed five videos and a suite of educational materials for primary schools focussing on the different types of materials used for recycling. Much of our work with Repak has been consumer focused. However, we have also played a major role in membership engagement campaigns. The Prevent and Save &amp; Plastic Pledge initiatives were designed to encourage members to look at their packaging inputs and outputs on the market. We developed a suite of sector-specific resources, including case studies on best practices. Assets included a packaging toolkit, Irish Case Study Information sheets, and A Packaging and Design guide for the Circular Economy Guide to encourage behavioural change by industry. We leveraged Team Green and member initiatives like the plastic pledge, with video content featuring our ambassador Bobby Kerr to encourage members to be more involved. We created member in-house communications to engage staff in member companies to become actively involved in Team Green including posters and information sheets as well as digital assets Results: Since Repak Team Green launched, the collective efforts of the public to recycle correctly has resulted in an increase of recycled plastic packaging tonnes by 22% or 17,472 tonnes. There has been a significant change in consumer attitudes towards recycling and plastics, with 75% of consumers believing recycling correctly is the first step in driving environmental change. Contamination reduced significantly, and 20,000+ consumers joined the Team Green database (see PDF for creative) . (see PDF for creative or download from this link) Criteria 3: Understanding of requirements Mark Available: 150 Minimum Marks: 90 SOLAS is the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland, with an overriding focus on the needs of learners and apprentices. SOLAS are leading an ambitious National FET Strategy, Future FET: Transforming Learning and driving change and reform across the FET system – providing easier access; simplified pathways; a consistent learner experience; and a stronger identity. The SOLAS vision is” to power the potential of individuals, communities and enterprise through lifelong learning and workforce transformation”. The Ambition: is to grow from one-in-ten adults impacted in some way by learning supported by SOLAS, to a further half-a-million people by 2026. This will be achieved by providing easier access simplified pathways a consistent learner experiences and a stronger identity FET is available for everyone in every community in Ireland, and offers every individual, regardless of any previous level of education, a pathway to take them as far as they want to go. It can offer personal development and fulfilment, a link to community and social networks, and a range of supports that reflect the diverse base of its learners. It also offers great opportunities to move into exciting and interesting vocations and careers, or a platform to develop the skills that will allow someone to flourish if they go on to further study. Participants/Targets can be divided as follows the school leaver. the lifelong learner. the employee looking to up-skill. the marginalised who want to re-engage in education; and the employers and the communities which FET helps to serve. Over the coming 3 years, the Enterprise, Employees &amp; Skills unit (EES) in SOLAS intends to run a series of promotional campaigns on Further Education and Training (FET) targeting employers, employees, and the enterprise community to access in person, blended, and online learning. A key element of the FET Strategy implementation plan is the positioning of FET Boards as a key resource for the local business community and showcasing nationally the contribution of FET in the development and growth of enterprise. The FET sector in Ireland faces several challenges in addressing the diverse upskilling needs of enterprises and employees. Below is an outline of these challenges, along with insights into the evolving demands of the labour market and the implications for skills development: Meeting Rapidly Changing Skills Demands Technological Advancements: -The rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation requires constant updates to FET curricula. Industry-Specific Skills: - Enterprises in sectors like ICT, green energy, healthcare, and construction have specialised and rapidly changing skill requirements. Shortage of Future-Ready Skills: Soft skills (e.g., adaptability, critical thinking) and technical skills (e.g., programming, data analysis) are in high demand. Sectoral Imbalances: - Certain industries face acute skills shortages. Accessibility and Inclusion: - Limited participation from marginalised groups, including low-skilled adults, migrants, and those with disabilities. Alignment with Enterprise Needs: - Ensuring that FET offerings align with the evolving needs of businesses. Strengthening industry partnerships for co-designing and delivering relevant programs. Lifelong Learning and Upskilling: - Encouraging a culture of lifelong learning among workers and employers. Recognition: - Enhancing the visibility and perceived value of FET programmes as viable and attractive pathways for career progression. Overcoming societal perceptions favouring traditional higher education over FET routes. We will need to develop targeted creative campaigns which demonstrate that Solas can assist enterprises meet their staffing and skills needs and employees can progress their career development through the broad range of FET courses. We will also need to communicate the accessibility of these courses through eCollege and the 16 Education and Training Boards nationwide. Upskilling Needs of Enterprises and Employees The FET sector plays a critical role in equipping learners, employees, and enterprises with the skills necessary to adapt to a rapidly changing economy and labour market. Our expertise in this area is grounded in an appreciation of the following elements: FET’s Contribution to Workforce DevelopmentThe FET sector provides tailored learning pathways for individuals at various career stages, from school leavers to mid-career professionals. It emphasises learner-centric, flexible programmes that cater to diverse needs, including those of SMEs, Diverse Upskilling Needs of Enterprises and EmployeesWe recognise that enterprises and employees face unique challenges and opportunities: Enterprises, particularly SMEs, require accessible, high-impact training to boost productivity and competitiveness. Sectors experiencing rapid technological and economic changes rely on FET to ensure their workforce remains agile and skilled. Employees, especially those in vulnerable or lower-skilled roles, seek pathways to career advancement or job security. The FET sector addresses these needs through targeted programs like Skills to Advance, which supports individuals in vulnerable sectors, older workers, and those in roles at risk of displacement. Integration of Digital and Flexible Learning ModalitiesWith initiatives like eCollege, Solas provides online and blended learning opportunities, making upskilling accessible to employees balancing work and education. These platforms offer flexible, industry-recognized certification. FET’s Alignment with National and Regional GoalsAs outlined in the FET Strategy 2020-2024, the sector's focus on building skills, fostering inclusion, and creating pathways aligns closely with national and regional priorities. Supporting regional economic development and addressing emerging skill needs are key components of this strategy. Supporting SOLAS in Promoting participation in FET Initiatives We will work with SOLAS to assist in promoting the FET sector's offerings through innovative, audience-focused campaigns that: Highlight the tangible benefits for enterprises and employees. Use compelling messaging to engage diverse audiences, including SMEs, older workers, and individuals in emerging industries. Leverage data-driven insights to ensure campaigns resonate with target demographics and achieve measurable outcomes. Demonstrate success through case studies, FET advocates and testimonials from both employers and employees Use partnerships with complementary organisations such as Citizens Information, The Wheel, INTERO offices etc to access communication channels to target all cohorts of our target audience cost effectively Understanding and Capacity to Deliver on SOLAS Briefs Having previously worked with SOLAS, we have a broad understanding of the communications requirements. In the preparation of this response, we have familiarised ourselves and understand SOLAS's objectives to promote employee development, the FET for Enterprise initiative, and eCollege as key pillars of its strategy to enhance Ireland’s workforce. Once appointed as part of the framework, we will immerse ourselves in the FET environment through client meetings, research, and one to one sessions with those involved in the sector Through targeted campaigns, we will support SOLAS’ aims to empower enterprises and employees by providing accessible and flexible upskilling opportunities, fostering resilience, and driving innovation within the labour market. We will highlight and position the FET for Enterprise initiative as a critical resource for employers and employees, offering seamless access to tailored training solutions that meet specific business needs. Similarly, eCollege’s online learning platform provides industry-recognized certifications that enable employees to advance their careers while managing professional responsibilities. Our approach will ensure alignment with SOLAS’s focus on multi-channel campaigns by seamlessly integrating digital platforms, in-person engagement, and blended learning modalities. Through our examples of past work, we have demonstrated our ability and experience in responding effectively to similar briefs. Our comprehensive strategy will enhance the reach and effectiveness of our communications, engaging diverse audiences through tailored and innovative communication solutions. Our experience in developing educational campaigns that encourage behavioural change in recycling by both business and consumers for Repak through their school’s campaign, as well as campaigns for eircode which have resulted in eircode usage of over 95% is evidence of this. The Keelings Great Rewilding got Ireland planting 100m wildflowers in year 1 and 250m in year 2 and 3 by targeting a range of audiences. Our work with MyWaste in developing campaign tool kits which are useable throughout the year and multiple users with personalisation opportunities prolongs the life of assets providing better value for clients. Our agile creative process and ability to respond quickly to client needs is evidenced by a 3-week turnaround time of 3 weeks and we have previously turned around a campaign for the Department of Social Protection in 1 week. Insight will play a key role in development of all campaigns and campaign assets whether this is through the analysis of existing research or information or working with research providers to commission new research. Insight driven creative and campaign messaging has been key to the success of campaigns for many of our clients including those outlined above. Expertise and Practical Proposal for the Approach - Develop a Practical and Actionable Campaign Plan Our campaign plan will combine strategic stakeholder engagement, impactful behaviour change communications, robust outcome measurement, and efficient execution across multiple channels. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to deliver a high-impact campaign that meets and exceeds SOLAS’s objectives. Stakeholder EngagementWe see a critical stage to a successful execution plan being an effective stakeholder engagement campaign. Our approach includes: Mapping Stakeholders: Identify with you support key groups such as SMEs, employees, industry associations, and education providers (e.g., ETBs). Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Comms Plan: Establish communication channels for stakeholder Behaviour Change Communications (BCC)To resonate with our target audiences and influence behaviour effectively, we will: Audience / Target Segmentation: Analyse the demographic, psychographic, and behavioural characteristics of target groups, such as SMEs and vulnerable employees. Development of target audience personas. Tailored Messaging: Craft messages addressing specific barriers (e.g., time constraints, awareness gaps) and emphasise benefits such as career advancement and business growth. Storytelling: Use relatable success stories and testimonials to inspire action Behavioural Nudges and CTAs: Incorporate prompts like limited time offers, calls to action and reminders to encourage immediate engagement. Measurable Outcomes and Campaign Impact AnalysisWe will define clear, measurable objectives and track progress using: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Metrics such as website visits, course enrolments, event attendance, and social media interactions. Pre- and Post-Campaign Surveys: Assess changes in awareness, perceptions, and engagement among target groups. Engagement Dashboards: Use real-time analytics tools to monitor campaigns. Impact Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports that highlight successes, insights, and opportunities for improvement. Resources and Strategies for Timely Execution and Channel IntegrationTo ensure a seamless and timely campaign rollout, we will: Resource Allocation: Assemble a dedicated experienced team to project manage and deliver each campaign on time and in budget. Integrated Multi-Channel Strategy: Deploy synchronised messages across digital platforms, traditional media, to ensure consistent comms in the market. Project Management Tools: Utilise platforms like Monday.com to track milestones, assign responsibilities, and ensure deadlines are met. Content Calendars: Develop detailed timelines for content creation, approval, and dissemination to maintain consistency and coordination across channels. Contingency Planning: Include buffers in schedules and backup resources to address unforeseen challenges without disrupting the campaign timeline. Ensuring Accessibility Through Universal Design Principles Our campaign designs will prioritise accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all materials and channels are user-friendly and engaging for diverse audiences, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. For clients including eircode, ComReg, and Citizens Information, we follow the guidance provided by the Customer Communications Toolkit for the Public Service — A Universal Design Approach covering our written, spoken and digital communication including. 1. Inclusive Content Creation 2. Digital Accessibility Standards 3. Physical Accessibility for In-Person Campaigns - should this be required. 4. Feedback and Iterative Improvement By embedding Universal Design principles into the campaign planning, creation, and delivery processes, we will ensure that SOLAS’s messages reach and resonate with the widest possible audience, fostering equity and inclusion. Criteria 4: Service methodology Mark Available: 150 Minimum Marks: 90 With over 30 years’ experience in communication campaign strategy, planning development, and campaign execution, we bring significant expertise and robust internal processes to ensure the smooth development of communications campaigns on behalf of SOLAS. Our project teams are structured to ensure that should any member of the team become unavailable or incapacitated, there is always a support team member available to step into their shoes seamlessly. This ensures that the project can run with no interruption. We follow a rigorous procedure to ensure quality and timely delivery. Depending on client/project requirements, we meet clients weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. The agency prides itself on its operational capability, and this has served us well over many years. The process adopted is as follows: A creative brief is prepared for each campaign. Weekly Progress Report template developed. This is circulated weekly each Monday to the client. It covers all initiatives in progress and confirms the status of each project. (see sample below) A Budget is developed and presented to the client prior to costs being incurred. Weekly meetings are agreed in advance of the project and run face-to-face or on Zoom/Teams as required. Information-sharing platforms (i.e. Microsoft Teams) may or may not be used depending on client preferences. Our Quality Management Process works via the operational process outlined above in addition to: Second eyes team(unconnected) review materials prior to artwork approval form submitted for any print project (signed off by agency and client). Video material is supplied in draft phases using Frame.io – a shared platform that allows all those working on the project to comment directly on the content. Revisions are managed by the Account Manager who oversees the output created by the creative and visual production teams. As an agency, we are not in the business of ‘nickel and diming’ clients and do not charge for revisions unless there are significant amends, the hourly rate agreed is applied to outputs using data from our real-time time-management system. Where additional costs are likely to arise, the client is immediately informed, and no work is commenced until these costs are signed off. Creative File Management System - The agency has access to dedicated servers and content is also backed up in the cloud. Each job is filed in its own unique folder and all previous iterations are retained for 1 year. Service levels are monitored on a weekly basis by the Account Director. Budgeting - Our internal buying team seek quotes from approved suppliers to assess the best price/quality options. Budgets are provided to the client in advance of project commencement. The client provides a PO on budget sign-off. Agency bills as agreed. Updated budgets are provided where the project scope changes, which must be signed off by the client prior to any additional costs being incurred. We operate with full transparency with “No Surprises”. Production - All production requirements are managed and monitored by our skilled agency production manager in conjunction with the agency team. Evaluation – The agency and client evaluate activity against pre-set KPIs. Once appointed, the Agency client service team will meet with client to review our tender response, discuss client requirements and agree on efficient ways of working, including an approach to responding to queries. This will enable the agency to develop a full-service level agreement, which will include. Management of satisfaction levels and quality of service. Performance reviews including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Quality Assurance. Reporting requirements, content required and formats. An outline communications plan with timings and key milestones. Finance requirements including budget management. Invoicing and purchase orders, details required on invoices and payment schedule. Dispute resolution and escalation procedures. Contingency Arrangements – Risk analysis. Agency team contact details. Notification of holidays for team members. Agency response times Team Structure and ContinuityOur project teams are structured to guarantee continuity and reliability. If any team member becomes unavailable or incapacitated, a trained support team member is ready to step in seamlessly. This ensures that projects run uninterrupted, maintaining high standards of delivery regardless of unforeseen circumstances. Project Management Tools: Monday.comWe leverage Monday.com, a robust project management platform, to streamline workflows, track timelines, and monitor deliverables. Monday.com allows us to: Centralise Project Details: All project information, task assignments, and timelines are stored in a single, accessible platform, ensuring transparency. Track Progress in Real-Time: Dynamic dashboards provide an up-to-date view of project status, making it easy to identify potential delays or bottlenecks. Facilitate Collaboration: The platform enables seamless communication among team members and with SOLAS, ensuring that everyone remains aligned with project objectives. Manage Timelines Effectively: With built-in scheduling tools, we can create detailed timelines, set reminders, and ensure deadlines are met. Progress Reporting and Client CommunicationWe produce a detailed weekly report, referred to as ‘progress control,’ which serves as both a meeting agenda and a record of minutes in the form of a contact report. This report is shared with the project team within 12 working hours of the meeting. The use of Monday.com enhances this process by enabling automated updates and notifications for clients, ensuring consistent and timely communication. Internal Workflow ManagementInternally, our entire team meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to review workflows, timelines, and quality assurance processes using Monday.com to maintain team cohesion and address any immediate issues, ensuring that timelines and quality standards are always upheld. This has proven highly effective and ensures that SOLAS campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard of quality. Evaluation &amp; Reporting: Campaign tracking and evaluation is key to on-going success and learning for the future. As part of our response to any brief, we will look to agree SMART KPI’s with the client (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). Once the campaign has been finalised, we will review it against the agreed KPIs. Where possible, we look to A/B test creative particularly on digital platforms to ensure best results. We also look to continually monitor performance and where possible refine creative to improve performance By adopting this structured and data-centric approach, we aim to foster accountability, drive measurable results, and support our clients in achieving their objectives with confidence and precision. If in-campaign evaluations reveal that we are not meeting the established targets, we take a proactive approach to course correction. This involves implementing an adaptive strategy that leverages A/B testing to identify what is and isn’t resonating with the target audience. By comparing different variations of key campaign elements—such as messaging, creative assets, or channel strategies—we gather actionable data to refine our approach in real time. This iterative process ensures we are continuously optimising campaign performance, addressing underperforming areas, and steering efforts toward achieving the desired outcomes. Irish Language Act The Official Languages Act (Amendment) 2021 has seen the need for state bodies to allocate 20% of their media spend to Irish language advertisements with 5% of the budget being spent on Irish language media channels. The agency understands the requirements of the act and has been working with multiple clients on the output of Irish language content since Q3 2022. We work with an experienced team of translators to ensure all creative is translated to the highest standard. Data Storage &amp; Compliance We operate as both a data controller and data processor depending on client needs. All data is securely stored either in Ireland or within the EU on servers which are fully protected. Where a third party stores data on our behalf, we ensure that this is stored securely within Ireland or the EU. When acting as a data controller and we engage the services of a data processor, we take the necessary steps to ensure that data protection standards are maintained in line with Article 28(3) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Before the start of the processing operations, we enter into a written legally binding agreement to define their respective roles and responsibilities including The subject matter. Duration, nature and purpose of the data processing. The type of personal data being processed. The categories of data subjects whose personal data is being processed. Our obligations and rights as the controller and the specific obligations of the data processor. When collecting data, we ensure that all communications materials contain the appropriate data protection clause and information for the data subject. All communications to data Target Audience &amp; Persona Development A key element of our communications strategy will be to identify and understand our target audiences. These will be identified based on historical experience, research and client/agency insights. Once we agree on our target audience, we will look to develop personas to allow us to identify communication channels and messaging. Personas are simulated profiles that represent the audience we are attempting to communicate with. They are snapshots that enable us to develop a more sophisticated and targeted style of communication and messaging and reach people on a more personal level. When developing personas, we have an opportunity to deep-dive into our audience, focusing on micro segments with specific characteristics within these groups. It is important to have personas that can be targeted via multiple touch points, with key messages throughout the year Criteria 5: Quality and experience of proposed team Mark Available: 250 Minimum Marks: 150 Biographical Details Name PADRAIG SMITH Position in Firm Client Service Director Role Director No of Years Experience 30+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Bachelor in Business Studies 1984 Trinity College Dublin Strategic Marketing Course 1986 Marketing Institute of Ireland Better Client Service 1998 Dale Carnegie Executive Leadership 2005 Leadership Management International Strategic Digital Communications Insert Year Marketing Institute Strategic Creativity 2021 Irish Advertising Practitioners in Ireland Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 1992 - Present Various 2008 - Present Client Service Director 1997- 2008 Director 1994 - 1997 Account Director 1992 - 1994 Account Manager Direct Concepts 1986 - 1992 Account Executive Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Padraig has been with the agency since 1992 and has vast experience of the Irish market. He holds a BBS Honours Degree in Business Studies from Trinity College and is a Member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Padraig also acted as the Irish representative on the Board of the European Association of Agencies as well as being president of the Integrated Marketing Communications Council. He is Client Service Director and a shareholder in the business, with over 35 years’ experience in marketing communications, advertising, digital and social media marketing. Padraig is actively involved in communications strategy development and account direction for blue chip brands both Irish and international, semi state bodies and government organisations, developing successful marketing communications programmes for clients including Love Irish Food, Bord Bia, Keelings, Manor Farm, Citizens Information, Dept. of Social Protection, Abhaile My Waste and Repak. Most recently Padraig has led the agency team responsible for the development of the new ComReg consumer facing brand – ComReg Connects and is currently the lead communications consultant for the new PSU Communications Strategy and Plan. As Account Director, Padraig will lead the development of all communications campaigns for SOLAS. Working closely with the relevant SOLAS project lead and their team, he will identify and address the key challenges, and develop the communications strategies for each campaign including messaging, communications channels and goals. With the support of his team he will manage the execution of the plan including creative development, campaign timings and roll-out. He will attend all meetings both virtual and in person with the SOLAS Team. Padraig will be supported by the agency project team to ensure the best outcome for Solas.. Previous and Relevant Experience Details As outlined in the case study, Padraig has worked with Repak for over 10 years, developing communications strategies and campaigns. During this time, he has observed the ever-changing attitude towards recycling, especially plastics and was instrumental in the development of the Repak Team Green campaign focusing on behavioural change amongst the Irish public. Since the launch of Team Green, and the simplifying of such a complex message, awareness levels and the understanding of correct recycling practices, have significantly increased amongst the Irish public. Padraig has worked with Keelings for over 10 years and has been instrumental in developing their marketing communications. Most recently he has played a key role in developing the Keelings Great Rewilding campaign which drives consumer awareness and behavioural change around the importance of pollinators in Ireland and encourages people of all ages to get involved in rewilding their garden and local community. Padraig has managed the development and roll-out of the Abhaile Communications Strategy under the remit of the Citizen’s Information Board. This was a particularly complex communications campaign involving the Departments of Social Protection, Department of Justice, the Courts Service, The Citizens Information Service, MABS, The Insolvency Service of Ireland as well as several other stakeholders. In developing the campaign, Padraig worked with the stakeholder groups developing a multi-faceted campaign communications strategy and plan and oversaw its execution, resulting in awareness levels for Abhaile reaching 40% within the first 6 months. Padraig has managed the development of the marketing communications strategy and plan for the ComReg Product Safety Unit with accompany campaign creative assets for the yearlong communications plan many of which will be reused in future years. Biographical Details Name KIERAN KILLEEN Position in Firm Managing Director Role Managing Director No of Years Experience 35+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body MBA 2008 University of Liverpool Better Client Service 1998 Dale Carnegie Executive Leadership 2005 Leadership Management International Marketing Institute Ireland Member 2008 MII Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 1996 to date Managing Director Marketing Network 1986-1996 Account Director Golley Slater Beckett 1983-1986 Account Manager Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Kieran was a founding member of Marketing Network and has been the Managing Director since 1996. Having worked in the marketing services arena for over thirty years he brings a wealth of experience in delivering successful breakthrough communications programmes. There is not a business sector for which his services have not been sought - FMCG Food and Non-Food, Professional Services, Broadcast, Entertainment, Retail, Wholesale, Motor, Finance, Education, IT, Medical, NGO’s, Government. Kieran is Past President of the Marketing Agencies Association Worldwide and Past President of the then Irish Direct Marketing Association. He was a Board member of the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland from 2003 to 2014 and sat on the Complaints Committee of the ASAI from 1997 to 2003. Kieran holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool and is a member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland. He was a founding member of the charity Operation Childlife having previously served on the Board of the Friends of St. Luke’s Hospital. Although Managing Director of the agency, Kieran also plays a planning role within the agency and acts as Account director with a number of clients including Eircode, Aircoach and Ayvens Ireland. Kieran will work closely with Padraig on strategy and planning for the SOLAS campaigns. Kieran will ensure the programme of work developed at the outset and agreed with the client is being delivered. He will engage with Padraig and his team throughout the project timelines to ensure effective resource management is in place. He will also lead any research requirements as regards creative concept testing and tracking of awareness levels throughout the duration of our working relationship. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, Kieran has the depth of experience to step into the Client Lead role and will be fully updated on a weekly basis as part of our internal project team Previous and Relevant Experience Details Having been ever-present on the Eircode account since prior to the launch of postcodes in Ireland, he has worked with the internal agency team to craft all marketing campaigns undertaken by Eircode in the past nine years. This has spanned stakeholder engagement including engagement with DECCE and brand activation across TV, Radio, Online, Press, Digital including social media, Sponsorship, Events and Public Relations. With 97% of consumers now knowing their Eircode by heart this is seen as a national success story. Kieran has worked in a planning role for ComReg, My Waste, Repak and many other agency clients. Kieran was the Account Director on the SOLAS account for the period 2016 - 2019. During this time the focus was on building participation in apprenticeship programmes nationally. During the campaign period activity was focused on building engagement online with a focus on young women, teachers and the parent body. The experience gained in working with the team at SOLAS was significant and led to the agency becoming involved in promoting advertising as a career within DEIS schools on northside Dublin. Biographical Details Name Linda Strange Position in Firm Account Director Role Client Service No of Years Experience 10+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Batchelor of Business Studies 2013 University of Limerick Certificate in Copywriting 2018 IAPI Certificate in Digital Communications 2020 Marketing Institute Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 2020 - Present Account Director 2018- 2020 Senior Account Manager 2017 - 2018 Account Manager Ask Direct 2013 - 2017 Account Executive Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Linda joined the team in 2017 having spent five previous years with Ask Direct who specialise in developing Direct Marketing Campaigns in the not-for-profit sector. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from University of Limerick, along with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing Strategy from Dublin Business School. With over 10 years of industry experience, Linda now works as an Account Director for a range of clients whilst also continuing to account manage on a range of client projects. Linda’s most recent clients include Construct Innovate, ComReg, Repak, Circol ELT, Aircoach, Bord Bia, Keelings and Manor Farm. Linda will Account Manage all the SOLAS campaigns from start to finish, supporting Padraig in his role as Account Director. She brings focused project management skills and will coordinate the day-to-day operation of all aspects of the communications campaigns, ensuring that all team members are delivering on the requirements of the Solas. She will oversee reporting and management to ensure deadlines are met. Linda will also be responsible for updating and issuing weekly progress and analytics reports. She will also assist in the development of support documentation. Linda will always be fully up to date on all aspects of SOLAS campaigns, ensuring that the project team is fully aware of where we are in the process and that we are keeping to the project plan. Linda will also be responsible for budget management Previous and Relevant Experience Details As outlined in the case study, Linda supported Padraig on Repak assisting in the development of communications strategies and campaigns. including the development of the Repak Team Green campaign focusing on behavioural change amongst the Irish public. Linda has also worked with Keelings for over 5 years and has been instrumental in supporting Padraig and the creative department, developing their marketing communications. Most recently he has played a key role in developing the Keelings Great Rewilding campaign. Linda managed the development and roll-out of the Abhaile Communications Campaign under the remit of the Citizen’s Information Board. working our creative and digital teams developing a multi-faceted campaign communications strategy and plan and oversaw its execution. Linda has managed the development of the marketing communications strategy and plan for the ComReg Product Safety Unit with accompanying campaign creative assets for the yearlong communications plan many of which will be reused in future years. Biographical Details Name Alan Ruane Position in Firm Senior Graphic Designer Role Creative Development No of Years Experience 15+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing 2014 Digital Marketing Institute BA, Graphic Design (Visual Communication) 2007 Thames Valley University BA, Design (Visual Communication) 2006 Waterford Institute of Technology Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 2013 - present Senior Graphic Designer Snap 2010 - 2013 Graphic Designer Freelance Designer 2007 - 2010 Graphic Designer Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Alan joined the Marketing Network creative team in 2013 having worked in a range of graphic design studios in Ireland. He has wonderful technical capability and has a comprehensive understanding as to the roll-out of brand communications across multiple platforms. He is skilled in all areas of graphic design, finished artwork and infographic design. Alan has a BA (hons) in Graphic Design from Thames Valley University in Reading, UK. He also holds a graphic design qualification from Waterford Institute of Technology where he was awarded the President’s Prize. Alan will be responsible for developing the creative elements required to deliver on the SOLAS communications campaigns. Starting with the creative brief, he will work at the outset with Padraig and Linda to ensure that the creative team has a full understanding as to what is required by SOLAS. Alan working with Elsie and the rest of the client service team will deliver 3 initial creative directions for each campaign to ensure all routes are covered. He will then review and refine the preferred, to ensure the most effective campaign creative is delivered for SOLAS. Alan will provide support in visualising key messaging, developing infographics and iconography to communicate with SOLAS target audiences. This will include the design of print and digital advertising, posters, flyers, infographics, OOH advertising, event stands and collateral and merchandise. Alan will also ensure all creative content development is in line with the principles of Universal Design. Previous and Relevant Experience Details Since joining the agency Alan has worked on campaigns for client including Keelings, Repak, Eircode, Aircoach, Citizens Information, Dept. of Social Protection ComReg, MyWaste and Abhaile.. Alan was lead designer for all print elements for Eircode MyWaste and Repak Team Green campaigns and is highly experienced in delivering quality artwork. Biographical Details Name Elsie Arayes Position in Firm Creative Director Role Conceptual Development and overseeing all creative output No of Years Experience 9 Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design 2015 Notre Dame University - Louaize - Lebanon Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Brandit 2015 - 2016 Junior Designer Feer McQueen 2016-2022 Senior Art Director Marketing Network Group 2022-Present Creative Director Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Elsie joined the Marketing Network creative team in 2022 having led the creative team at a high-profile independent agency in Lebanon for several years. Elsie mastermind’s creative strategies supported with exceptional conceptual thinking. She is also highly skilled in artwork creation and also has in-depth understanding of social media advertising creative and photography. As Creative Director, Elsie works with the creative team on devising the best possible creative executions across TV, Radio, Print, OOH, Digital and video. Elsie’s broad church of knowledge and expertise touches all campaigns executed by the agency. Previous and Relevant Experience Details Elsie has worked on the creative development of all campaigns for clients such, Eircode, Keelings, Aircoach, LeasePlan, Manor Farm, Sicín Sásta, Circol ELT, Love Irish Food. Elsie has a real skill in being able to integrate campaigns across a range of platforms to deliver messaging in a clear concise way. Biographical Details Name ROBERT DORAN Position in Firm Digital Director Role Digital Strategy, Planning and Creative No of Years Experience 15+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Diploma in web design 2006 Dublin Business School Diploma in Graphic Design 2007 CDCFE BSc in Multimedia 2012 Dublin City University UX Design Certificate 2014 UX Training Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 2009-2012 Digital and print designer Marketing Network 2012-2014 Digital Producer Marketing Network 2014-present Digital Director Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Previous and Relevant Experience Details Robert has worked with a wide range of clients during his time at the agency, including SOLAS, Keelings, Repak, Manor Farm, Abhaile, Eircode, Aircoach and LeasePlan. He played a key role in the development of the Keelings Great Rewilding digital strategy and execution identifying and targeting multiple consumer groups. His work with Repak delivered an extremely effective digital strategy which achieved extremely high engagement and resulted in proven behavioural changes amongst the general public. Robert also continues to play a key role in Eircode’s digital activation strategy and execution including social media advertising, content creation (social and web), website design and digital advertising (AdWords and display). Having worked on the digital strategy and execution of the SOLAS apprenticeship programme when the agency was appointed following a successful tender process a number of years ago, Robert brings experience and expertise and will be invaluable in enhancing the communications activity. Biographical Details Name Paul Lucaci Position in Firm Digital Creator &amp; Videographer Role Development of digital creative, animations and video content No of Years Experience 8+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Diploma in Digital Creative 2016 Polytechnic University of Bucharest. Certificate in Motion Design 2020 Griffith College Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Freelance 2017 - 2019 Digital Creator Marketing Network 2019 - present Motion Designer &amp; Videographer Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Paul Lucaci hails from Romania and achieved his qualification at the Polytechnic in Bucharest. Having seen his exceptional talent grow and prosper on his own social media platforms under his personal handle DublinFX the agency hired Paul in 2019. A highly proficient digital designer who is also a polished videographer with significant postproduction skills. Paul has been a fantastic appointment given his diverse range of skills in the creative digital space. He also has strong capability in animation and photography. Paul will assist in developing digital creative and lead the creation of video and animated content for SOLAS, for use across multiple communications channels including website, social media and ezines. Previous and Relevant Experience Details Paul played a key role in the creation of video content and animations for Repak Team Green which was featured across Video on Demand, Social Media and OOH Digital Screens across the country. Some of his more recent work includes a range of sustainability videos for MyWaste, Circol ELT, AIB, Brown Thomas, Meta and the creation and execution of a suite of usage focused 15sec TV stings for Eircode and a suite of stakeholder testimonial videos for Tallaght Hospital. Paul also recently completed the new 2-minute animation explaining what Circol ELT does and the importance of Tyre recycling. Biographical Details Name Matthew Sharry Position in Firm Digital Content Creator Role Development of digital content No of Years Experience 1+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Marketing Innovation &amp; Technology 2024 Dublin City University Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 2024 - Present Digital Content Creator Specialist Knowledge - Experience, Competencies and Skills Although relatively new to the agency, Matthew brings an incredible knowledge and youthful exuberance to his role as a digital content creator. His understanding of the 16 - 24 age demographic has proven invaluable for a number of clients, developing engaging content which delivers above average results. Previous and Relevant Experience Details Matthew has worked on content development campaigns for Eircode, Aircoach, Burns Pet Food, Sicín Sásta, Manor Farm, developing social content that works across all platforms. Biographical Details Name Graham Stewart Position in Firm Senior Copywriter Role Copywriting &amp; Copy Platform Development No of Years Experience 15+ Qualification Details: Educational/Professional/Training Record Description Year Obtained Accreditation Body Degree in English 1998 Trinity College Dublin Employment Record Employer Period Role Held Marketing Network 2020 - Present Copywriter Freelance TBWA/BBDO/Rothco 2000 - 2020 Copywriter Previous and Relevant Experience Details Graham Stewart has been Senior Copywriter in creative agencies including TBWA, ROTHCO, BBDO and McCann. He has created work for many of the country’s (and the world’s) leading brands across the automotive, financial, public, technology and telecommunications categories, with client experience that is a genuine A-Z all the way from AIB to Zurich. Criteria 6: Environmental and social considerations Mark Available: 50 Minimum Marks: 30 Our Sustainability Ambition Our sustainability ambition sets out our belief as a business, to drive sustainability performance throughout the lifecycle of what we produce and the services we provide. It is based on 3 key pillars: Planet, People and Partners. Our ethos is to ensure that we look after our clients, our people and our planet to ensure that we minimise our impact on the environment. We have signed up to the Ad Net Zero initiative. The Ad Net Zero commits us to reducing our operational carbon emissions to achieve net zero. To do this, we are measuring our carbon footprint data, reducing our emissions as far as possible (with a focus on minimising air travel and funding the installation of LED lighting in our leased premises). We also encourage our team to understand and take ownership of their own personal carbon impact and to adopt sustainable behaviours. Our work with MyWaste, Repak, and Circol ELT has highlighted our awareness of the need to ‘walk the walk’ and this is carried through into our reduction in print procurement unless our print partners are providing carbon off-sets. Local Sourcing We try where possible to source from local suppliers to ensure that there are no long distances travelled by items we purchase. Utilisation of Environmentally Friendly Inputs and Outputs We have made every effort to reduce the use of paper and printed materials by encouraging our clients to go digital with their communications where possible. If paper communications are needed, we always specify forest-friendly paper and inks. Our office has been made paperless with all client communications and presentations provided in a digital format. Our Office Environment As part of developing Team Green in the workplace, we have introduced a fully segregated waste policy in the workplace as well as eliminating single-use plastics from the office. We also carry this policy through to all external video production with external suppliers requested to follow suit. Travel &amp; Fuel Consumption Where possible we encourage both suppliers and clients to meet virtually and reduce travel, particularly for those travelling long distances. Where in-person meetings are needed, we encourage the use of public transport and carpooling. Charitable Partnerships Having developed several pro-bono initiatives for charitable partners, we also look to donate all set pieces, props and wardrobe that were not rented or could not be returned after use in video production. People &amp; People Development Our people are our greatest asset, Marketing Network Group is committed to Diversity, Inclusion and Equality as part of our agency culture and values, including: • Leadership and unconscious bias training • Policies on Diversity &amp; Inclusion • Recruitment &amp; Selection • Anti-Bullying and Harassment at Work policy. We are holders of a bronze award from the Irish Centre for Diversity for our recent total team training in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and are currently working through the Silver Award accreditation process. As part of Marketing Network’s personal development commitment to our staff we offer a 5% training bonus to undertake courses of their choice to assist in their personal development. As part of our membership of IAPI (Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland) we encourage participation in many of their wellbeing initiatives and training courses. Sustainability as Part of Our Work with Solas For our work with Solas, we will: • Use electronic communications with the client and all suppliers. • Hold meetings virtually where possible and reduce travel to actual meetings by use of public transport or car sharing • Request that all suppliers undertake similar commitments • If OOH sites are being booked, we will look to recommend digital rather than paper based/print sites. • Where video/animation rendering needs to be done, we will look to do so either off peak or at night. • We will look to ensure that all partners and suppliers are committed to diversity and inclusion policies within the workplace. Appendix 3: Tenderers’ Statement [Tenderers shall complete and return the following form of Tenderers’ Statement printed on the Tenderers’ headed notepaper and signed by the Tenderer.] TENDERERS’ STATEMENT TO: SOLAS RE: Call for Tenders for the Provision of a Framework Agreement for Creative and Digital Services Having examined your Call for Tenders (CfT) including the Instructions to Tenderers, Selection and Award Criteria, Requirements and Specifications, Terms and Conditions of the Services Contract, we hereby agree and declare the following: We understand the nature and extent of the Services required to be delivered as described in Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications to the CfT. We accept all the Terms and Conditions of the CfT, the Services Contract and the Confidentiality Agreement and agree if awarded a Services Contract to execute the Services Contract at Appendix 5 to the CfT and the Confidentiality Agreement at Appendix 6 to the CfT. We accept all the Selection and Award Criteria as set out in Part 3 of the CfT. We agree to provide SOLAS with the Services in accordance with the CfT and our Tender. We confirm that we have complied with all requirements as set out at Part 2: Instructions to Tenderers, of the CfT. We confirm that all prices quoted in our Tender will remain valid for the period commencing from the closing date for the receipt of Tenders as specified at paragraph 2.10.5 of the CfT. We agree that, if awarded any Services Contract, we shall, in the performance of such contract, comply with all applicable obligations in the field of environmental, social, and labour law. We shall, if awarded any contract under the CfT, have in place on the Effective Date of the Services Contract all insurances (if any) as required by paragraph 2.21.1 of the CfT. We confirm that all Data Subjects whose Personal Data is provided in our Tender have consented to the processing of such Personal Data by us, SOLAS, the Evaluation Team and the supplier of the etenders.gov.ie website, for the purposes of our participation in this Competition or that we otherwise have a legal basis for providing such Personal Data to SOLAS for the purposes of our participation in this Competition and that we will provide evidence of such consent and / or legal basis to SOLAS upon request. Signed: Name in Print PADRAIG SMITH Date: 17/1/25 Position: Client Service Director (To be signed by a Director or Partner of Company) Appendix 4: Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer Re: Call for Tender for the Provision of a Framework Agreement for Creative and Digital Services NAME OF TENDERER: Marketing Network Group ADDRESS: I, Padraig Smith [insert name of Declarant] having been duly authorised by Marketing Network Group, sincerely declare that Marketing Network Group itself or any person who has is a member of the administrative, management or supervisory body of Marketing Network Group or has powers of representation, decision or control in Marketing Network Group – Has never been the subject of a conviction for participation in a criminal organisation, as defined in Article 2 of Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA. Has never been the subject of a conviction for corruption, as defined in Article 3 of the Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union and Article 2(1) of Council Framework Decision 2003/568/JHA as well as corruption as defined in the national law of the Contracting Authority or Marketing Network Group. Has never been the subject of a conviction for fraud within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention on the protection of the European Communities’ financial interests. Has never been the subject of a conviction for terrorist offences or offences linked to terrorist activities, as defined in Articles 1 and 3 of Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA respectively, or for inciting or aiding or abetting or attempting to commit an offence, as referred to in Article 4 of that Framework Decision. Has never been the subject of a conviction for money laundering or terrorist financing, as defined in Article 1 of Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. Has never been the subject of a conviction for child labour and other forms of trafficking in human beings as defined in Article 2 of Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. Is not in breach of its obligations relating to the payment of taxes or social security contributions. Has, in the performance of all public contracts, complied with applicable obligations in the field of environmental, social and labour law that apply at the place where the works are carried out or the services provided, that have been established by EU law, national law, collective agreements or by international, environmental, social and labour law listed Schedule 7 of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 (Statutory Instrument 284 of 2016). Is not bankrupt or the subject of insolvency or winding-up proceedings, its assets are not being administered by a liquidator or by the court, it is not in an arrangement with creditors, its business activities are not suspended nor is it in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure under national laws and regulations. Is not guilty of grave professional misconduct. Has not entered into agreements with other economic operators aimed at distorting competition. Is not aware of any conflict of interest due to its participation in the Competition. Has not had any prior involvement in the preparation of the Competition. Has not shown significant or persistent deficiencies in the performance of a substantive requirement under a prior public contract, a prior contract with a contracting entity, or a prior concession contract, which led to early termination of that prior contract, damages, or other comparable sanctions. Is not guilty of serious misrepresentation in supplying the information required for the verification of the absence of grounds for exclusion or the fulfilment of the Selection Criteria for this Competition and did not withhold such information and did not fail to submit supporting documents in respect of this Competition as required under Regulation 59 of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 (Statutory Instrument 284 of 2016). Has not undertaken to unduly influence the decision-making process of SOLAS in respect of the Competition or obtain confidential information that may confer upon its undue advantages in respect of the Competition; or negligently provided misleading information that may have a material influence on decisions concerning exclusion, selection, or award. I understand and acknowledge that the provision of inaccurate or misleading information in this declaration may lead to my business/firm/company/partnership being excluded from participation in this or future tenders, and I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the Statutory Declarations Act, 1938. This declaration is made for the benefit of SOLAS. Signed: Name in Print PADRAIG SMITH Date: 17/1/25 Position: Client Service Director (To be signed by a Director or Partner of Company)