COI launches regional framework

The Central Office of Information has launched a new framework of regional design consultancies and marketing groups.

Among appointments made yesterday by the COI to the Regional Integrated Agency Framework was Elmwood, which has an office in Leeds, and will service the needs of Government agencies in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber.

Leeds-based graphic design group The Consult will also serve the same region. The two consultancies are among a handful of design specialists on a list of 45 groups.

Manchester’s Origin Creative Design will work for COI clients in the North West, while Bournemouth-based Mad River will operate in the South East.

The successful groups fought off competition from 160 others to win the five-year contract, which covers design and branding, digital, direct marketing, advertising and public relations.

Phil Fraser, head of the COI’s regional client account team, says, ‘This framework allows us to provide in-depth regional support for clients who want to tap into that experience.’

Before creating the new framework, the COI drew upon its existing design, advertising, marketing and communications frameworks and a preferred supplier list in each region.