grow adds digital dimension

The necessary technology infrastructure and digital standards required to service an ‘always on’ culture requires speedy implementation if Qatar is to remain at the vanguard of new technology and business growth in the region.

From a development perspective, Qatar needs to embrace technological innovation from granddad to grandson. This extends from websites that are not fit for purpose, unimaginative and dull, to mobile phone network coverage. The ‘price issue has to move towards the ‘value’ issue i.e. technology is not a cost; rather it’s a necessity to service a burgeoning population as Qatar competes for business globally.

So what is the roadmap for improvement? Education, knowledge sharing, transparency and active participation are pre-requisites from top down to bottom up. There is still a cultural and generational divide, and until this investment of time and channeled funding has time to take effect, the serious risk is that Qatar will suffer a digital divide and lose its sense of competitiveness regionally.

Digital is not an afterthought. It is imperative and one-dimensional websites have to become integrated online presences allowing businesses to have a 1 to 1 dialogue with customers, suppliers and shareholders and not one to many. The technology will create greater transparency and accountability in terms of measuring performance and activity thus providing an opportunity for improvement. Clearly many challenges lie ahead, but at least now Qatar is showing promise and initiative through the work of Qatar Foundation and ICT Qatar to address the digital divide and make real steps towards necessary change. A change to impact everybody’s lives for the good.

grow appoints new Director of International Business Development

As part of grow's continued expansion the agency has appointed Barry Flaherty as the new Director of International Business Development. Boasting 15 years experience at the front line of Sales, Marketing and Strategic Business Development, his career has taken him to London, Portugal, Amsterdam, Seattle and now Doha. He has worked at some of the World’s leading Marketing Communications, Channel Marketing and Digital Agencies including PMG, Hawkeye Communications, Intuitive Group and Harte Hanks Inc. He has established several start-up businesses in the new media and digital space, with a strong focus on e-commerce, social media and video production across multiple channels.

He has gained vast experience in many areas including Technology, Telecoms, FMCG, Finance, amongst others. Barry has been actively involved in creating bespoke solutions around integrated marketing and sales acceleration for HP, Cisco Systems, Intel, Vodafone, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, EMC, and numerous others.

Barry is a member of many online and offline technology forums and is a regular speaker at Digital marketing events. Outside of work, Barry enjoys tennis, running, yoga and video production, having made a documentary on the Future of Electronic Dance Music in 2006.

grow appoints new Design Director

In response to new account wins grow has appointed Phil Percival as the new Design Director. Armed with an degree in Communication Design Phil Percival launched his career in 1993 working for award winning design agencies in London. His career has taken him to Singapore, Dubai and now Doha. He has worked at some of the World’s leading Brand Identity Agencies including Wolff Olins, Landor, Enterprise IG and Futurebrand.

He has gained vast experience in many areas including Aviation, Finance and Hospitality, amongst others. Phil has been actively involved in Designing accounts including The Burj Dubai, NBK National Bank of Kuwait, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and numerous other projects from baby care to the World’s tallest tower.

Doha Tribeca Film Festival branding

grow’s logo was selected from a strong field of competitive designs. The logo capitalizes on typographical artistry, creating a distinct identity. The typographical blend of English and Arabic script places Doha on the international stage.

In developing the identity, our aim was to integrate the cultural essence of Qatar with the values of Tribeca. We found the common ground to be ‘community’ which we represented with the intertwined typographic forms. The marque is a tribute to Arabic calligraphy and a new play on traditional forms.

The Festival promises to play a key role in encouraging cross-cultural integration.

Double recognition for grow logos

Two logos designed by grow were chosen to appear in
LogoLounge’s first Master Series Book featuring the cream
of logos from around the globe. One of the winners appears
here. It’s a personalised logo for a local businesswoman.
It features the letter ‘A’ expressed in an elegant script style
laced with floral motifs.