Chocs Away!

(Thanks for the line Michelle).



"They go like hot cakes!" is a well-used phrase to describe popular things (especially popular edible things). But judging by what's been happening here over the last couple of months - I think that phrase should be changed to "They go like Booja Booja chocolates!" You've got to be very quick off the mark to catch one of those babies around here!

With a winning combination of hand-made dairy-free chocolates and 'ice-cream' it's no wonder that Booja Booja has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years. And what better way to celebrate their success than with a brand new internet presence by GGS.

The design was inspired by Booja's unique packaging style and successfully evokes all things hand-made and delightful.

Right... I'm off on the hunt again (I think I remember seeing one lurking in the bottom of the fridge... there's lush!

New website for UK Investigation & Security Services

One of the first websites we built was for Bastille Security Services - and its sister company Broadland Investigations.

My how things have changed over the last few years! These familiar names in the security industry have now been brought together under a smart new group identity by GGS - and have expanded into services and provisions that address today's demands.

The new identity is now reflected in our successful re-launch of their websites at: www.ukiss.uk.com.

A strong design theme was used to provide all-important credibility and reassurance to site visitors - in what is after all a difficult and at times very challenging industry.

Honour and Offer

Over the last couple of years several people have won vouchers for a free Canvas Wrap from Pictures2Go ( an online division of GGS ) at assorted functions and events. Most have claimed their freebies but one or two haven't; possibly because their vouchers have expired. If you are one of those people then I am happy to let you know that we would be delighted to honour the voucher irrespective of the use by date. Pick up your free one and maybe order another as well!

If you haven't won a voucher don't feel left out, though. I have great news... you are allowed to visit the site too! If you are stuck for ideas for a Christmas present (or three) how about a nice piece of wall art from your own photos? We have a 3 for 2 Special Offer on at the moment so check out the site and make an order. And remember; the great thing about canvases is that you don't have the additional cost of framing, which saves time as well as money. Perfect. Why didn't you think of it before?!

Images can be uploaded on line and prints delivered. Sure beats queueing up in an overcrowded and noisy shopping mall!

GGS namecheck in the EDP

We were pleased to see this piece in today's EDP which credited GGS for our input into the project.

The original treasured triptych was brought in to the studio to enable us to make a high resolution digital copy. An accurate, same size, replica was required that needed to be as faithful to the original as possible. So with the original to match to we produced a Giclee print using long life, fade resistant pigmented inks which was bonded onto three separate sheets of MDF. The Fairhurst Gallery in Bedford Street, Norwich then made the frame.

The replica will be on display at Norwich Cathedral until December 29. It moves to its new home at All Saints’ Church, Ashwellthorpe, early next year.


The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary

Things are getting pretty hairy at GGS

When Emily, the Studio Manager here at GGS, asked if I was going to be growing a moustache for Movember (sic) I, understandably I think, asked what (on Earth) she was talking about. Turns out that in 2003 a couple of chaps sitting about in Melbourne, Australia came up with a plan to bring the moustache back as a bit of a joke and to do something for men’s health. Ultimately this became a worldwide venture to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity which involved large numbers of people growing a moustache (or Mo') during the month of November.

I was inspired. No stranger to a bit of the old 'face furniture' over the years I felt this was a no brainer; especially as it didn't involve walking up Snowdon backwards with a jelly balanced on my head or eating my own weight in toenails or similar. Consequently, I simply avoided the upper lip and associated areas, when shaving, as of November the first. Paul, our Print Manager was persuaded to participate as well and between us we managed to raise over £520.00.

Almost 450,000 participants, globally, with over 111,000 being in the UK, have, at the point of writing, raised a staggering £39,498,381!

Well done Mo' Bro's (and Sistas)!

Chris

ps It's coming off at the weekend, if not sooner. I've decided the 70's throwback look is not for me.

New website for Simon's Landscaping...

Even one of the best known local companies needs to look to its web presence from time to time and ask whether it conveys the correct impression. This need prompted Simon's Landscaping to give us a call for help.

No problem... we were on the case straight away and happy to work with Simon, Sharon and Paul to develop a fresh new look. But it wasn't just about that, it was also about providing a better vehicle to present their comprehensive services to customers old and new.

This new website is now live for all to see at www.simonslandscaping.co.uk.

Intuitive navigation, clear structure and rich content... the key essentials to a good website. As with all our solutions we see this new website for Simon's Landscaping standing the test of time - and acting as an online ambassador to what is after all a strong and well respected local company.

No doubt the team over at Simon's Landscaping are gearing up for an even better 2011 season as I write this!

35 years and one month

Yes, I'm still banging on about GGS having been in business for 35 years. I know it was a while ago but I've just received these shots taken at the Chamber of Commerce Business to Business exhibition just over a month ago at the Norwich City football ground. Thought I would give them a blogging.


The first shot is of Directors Chris Ball and Peter Griffin with Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of the Chamber cutting the birthday cake. Very kind of Caroline to don a GGS themed balloon hat for the shot..

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The Directors receive their award for Best Stand from Caroline Williams and Jonathan Wills, news presenter on ITV Anglia. No offence Jonathan, but can we have Becky Jago next time?

Sailing, climbing, walking, paragliding, power boating, ... oh... and Stand building

Same person, same shirt, different town.

Having had a week back in the office after Cairo, it was time for Duncan to depart for Cape Town for some sailing, climbing, walking, paragliding, power-boating etc... err... I mean stand building for the Africa Com exhibition held at the Convention Centre. This event was much larger than North Africa Com (the Cairo show previously documented) and with show space at a premium it was really important to cover all key requirements within a modest 6 x 3 metre space. So a working demonstration area, reception counter, store room, client seating and product display area were all incorporated into the design - not forgetting high level branding visible from all areas. The stand build went according to plan and Cambridge Broadband Networks had another successful show.

Hoorah for GGS!

Holidays for Duncan

Ancient artefact and a pyramid

Having been commissioned to design and build an exhibition stand for Cambridge based Cambridge Broadband Networks at North Africa Com in Cairo, it would have been foolish not to have also done a whistle stop tour of Cairo's main attractions - Pyramids, Egyptian Museum etc.

But this was work, and not a holiday (!), and needless to say the stand installation and breakdown went without a hitch. The client was absolutely delighted with the stand and the show was a resounding success.

Designed and built using existing GGS Octanorm modular hire stock, the stand was sent to the venue by air freight. Thankfully all of the kit cases were waiting on the stand space when Duncan arrived (phew); ready to build and install all the client's product /equipment.

Tomorrow duncan heads off to Cape Town to perform a similar exercise at Africa Com. This will also be built using Octanorm hire stock, but on this occasion due to higher air freght costs (bigger stand, further to go) we have partnered with a Cape Town based company who use exactly the same world leading Octanorm modular hire equipment as us. GGS will build the stand on site, install all the clients demonstration equipment, and be available for support for the duration of the exhibition.

And, no doubt, there will be some more sightseeing...

GGS in Africa

The exhibition stands we work on aren't just for events in the UK. A large number of them are in Europe; and Duncan Smith, Director in charge of the Exhibitions side of the business is currently overseeing the setting up of an exhibition stand we've been working on for a Cambridge based client at the North Africa Com telecomms exhibition in Cairo. http://nafrica.comworldseries.com/exhibition

Next month he's off to Cape Town for Africa Com, the leading pan-African communications event. http://africa.comworldseries.com/exhibition where he will be doing the same.

He'd better bring us back a nice present. I brought him back a crab when I did a photographic job in Cromer...

Quality pics of a quality product

Never being ones to turn down the opportunity to try a little tipple, we were pleased to receive a call from Mellasat Wines in Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk to undertake their photography. They specialise in wines from South Africa and we turned out some vintage quality (groan! - Ed.) pictures to match their superb wines – (they haven't asked for the bottles back yet. Probably just as well, hic!...)

Giving Inspiration to Students

Once again, Peter Griffin ABIPP, one of the GGS directors was invited to speak at the Creative Industries Student Convention about careers in photography.

Along with other speakers from across the spectrum of creative industries, including journalism, PR, music, radio and TV, Peter gave High School and College students from across the County an insight to the world of commercial photography. Emphasising the importance of top quality images in helping to drive British businesses forward and become more successful, Peter also showed examples of the difference good lighting makes to increasing the desirability of products.


The event was held at ‘Open’ and organised by ‘Shaping Norfolk’s Future’

Flipping book!

The CNS Main School and Sixth Form prospectuses are now on-line at the school's web site. http://www.cns-school.org/prospectus

Concept, design, artwork, photography and print management all done in-house; and printed beautifully by Breckland Print in Attleborough. Easy for the school and simpler for us. You can't beat a one-stop-shop.

I love the way these 'flipping book' things work, too...

50pc increase in photography

Here's a cutting from Thurday's EDP. Nuff said...

Born out of passion, thriving on creativity (and cake!)

In 1975 GGS Photography was formed, operating from small premises in Pottergate, Norwich. Today we celebrate 35 years in business! The name has shrunk a bit - now simply GGS - but the company has grown. Larger premises, more staff and a larger range of services. As well as Commercial Photography we provide Exhibition and Display solutions from banner stands and pop-ups to full set builds in the UK and abroad, large format digital printing, graphic design and web design.
Today we celebrated with champagne and, of course, a cake!
With candles!
Founding partner Alan Griffee and his wife, Beulah, joined the merry throng for a toast at GGS HQ on Hall Road.

(In case you are wondering; GGS came from the initials of the surnames of the Partners - Peter Griffin, Alan Griffee and Bill Skipper. There's only a Griffin left now,but there is a Ball and a Smith instead. GBS? Didn't seem much point. If it ain't broke etc...

New website for Panel Graphic...

A good few years ago we designed and developed a website for Panel Graphic that remained live for longer than anyone expected it would. The client was very much aware that change needed to happen, but their growing business activity prevented any possibility of setting aside some 'focus time'.

Eventually however an opportunity arose for us all to get together and formulate a fresh new website solution to reflect Panel Graphic's latest generation of products and services - and their forward-thinking approach to their craft.

This new website is now live for all to see at www.panelgraphic.co.uk.

The client knows that we are just a phone call away - for on-going support whenever its needed. And it was this reassurance, together with our approach to billing clarity, that was the key factor in their decision to remain with us now - and into the future.

Adrenaline rush

The perfect antidote to a week at work - the Giant 3G Swing at Extreeme Adventure High Ropes Course at Weasenham (http://www.extreemeadventure.co.uk) WOW! - I need say no more...

Ice cream made from nuts...? Surely not.

Just tried Booja Booja Hunky Punky Chocolate 'Ice Cream'(we are doing a load of product photography) and it is DELICIOUS! Easily as good as any of the top brands; if not better. Why the inverted commas round 'Ice Cream'? This stuff is made out of organically grown Cashew Nuts, Agave, Cacao Powder and Water; nothing else! It is Dairy, Cholesterol, Soya and Gluten free with no added sugar - too good to be true! Four more flavours to try before the day is out - can't wait. YOU GOTTA GET SOME.

A bit of trumpet blowing...

It's great to have satisfied clients, and thankfully, we have a lot. But I think we should make more of a song and dance about it - so here is a quote from a recently received email relating to a large photography and design project. All the photographs were taken in our studio and the design, proofreading and brochure production was done in house. 'One stop shop' triumphs again!

Peter, Michelle and Chris

I would like to thank your combined skills in turning a vague concept into a top quality reality. Having just received our 3 different brochures in time for an important sales meeting I am delighted with the end result; it is everything I could have hoped for. From photography through design to the final printed article it has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of professionals.

Once again many thanks!!

Tony Millar Millar West office interiors

Just a suggestion...

May we suggest you look at some lovely pictures and food ideas at the Tesco website. We think the photographs are lovely because, of course, we took them! It was an exciting project for our client Turton Middleton, who act for Tulip International, who in turn are suppliers of a huge range of ham and meat products to Tesco. Over 50 different products needed a photograph to show a new range of recipe suggestions for tasty meals and snacks.
The whole job had to be completed quickly, to meet a launch deadline, so we worked long days with our food stylist to achieve top results in time.
Why not try a few out to see how tasty the suggestions are- as seen in our pictures. Enjoy.

Posh Watch

If like me you like a nice watch on the end of your arm, I currently wear a Tag I bought with some money I made on a boat sale a couple of years back, then take a look at our client Since 1853 Ltd's website. Not only can you view the distinquished Swiss range of Revue Thommen, but brothers Peter and John Carmichael are now also the UK distributor of the Alessandro Baldieri Collection which Chris has recently photographed for them. They have several Norwich distributors including Dogfish, S Michlmayr & Co Ltd and the Leadenhall Suit Company.

Thunder Toffee Vodka - Sharing my Experience

Whilst on a recent visit to the Food & Drink Expo at the NEC, I was offered a sample of ice cold Thunder Toffee Vodka and all I can say is Wow! I am not normally a vodka guy but this was fantastic and I will definitely be ordering a bottle or two! For further information go to www.thundervodka.com

GGS on Google Earth

Want to see what the GGS building looks like? Well we are currently one of the few locations in Norwich that has a 3D model on Google Earth. How did it get there? Simple - we made it ourselves.

Just type NR4 6DG under the 'fly to' tab in the search section and zoom in.

Once I've worked out how to add a direct link here I'll do it.

GGS on Masterchef

Walked into the living room last night where the Good Lady Wife was watching the Masterchef final, and what's the first thing I see? The Jenny Lind Children's Department sign that GGS printed for the Hospital Arts project at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as part of their commission for a large amount of wall and ceiling art. 'Look!', I shouted. 'GGS printing on the telly! We did that!'. Too late, the images were fleeting. 'Did what?' came the reply. To be honest I think she was more interested in the cooking for some reason. I carried on watching and several other pieces were also seen in the background as finalist Tim Kinnaird was filmed at work. But I don't think she was as excited about it as I was. Strange.
Thinking about it, I guess the title of this blog is a tad misleading; but hey...

Who is this Nigel Williamson anyway?

Remembering the birth of
UK punk...
(on the anniversary of the death of Sid Vicious from a heroin overdose).

OK... let's look the facts, it was a long time ago, so forgive me if I struggle with clarity and detail on this one.

Think hard! Ok, it must have been during my first year at Ravensbourne College (www.rave.ac.uk) when I witnessed the event - and I must have been around 18/19 at the time. When I think back from where I am now (working at GGS as a website designer/developer/administrator), to those heady days as an art college student in London, seeing the birth of a new revolution in music genres. Wow... that was a lifetime ago!

Our union team consisted of a pro-active bunch who were always on the look out for new ways to entertain the the student masses (us). But as luck would have it - this time they didn't have try too hard, for the band came to them, kind of cap in hand I seem to remember. A call was taken in the union office from the band's representative (I'm thinking this could well have been Malcolm McLaren) asking if it would be possible to play a gig at the college. He mentioned being friends with 'Skidmarks' who were our resident band at the time, so I guess the consensus was that he was kosher.

I was studying Graphic Communications and remember seeing a fellow course student struggling with a new brief. He was racking his brains, trying to come up with poster/flyer ideas for for a forthcoming gig at the college featuring this new band called "The Sex Pistols". He opted for a literal solution I seem to remember. Talk about spelling it out... how did we get that one passed the powers that be?!

The morning of the event saw us building the stage in the main hall. I remember a flurry of activity around us as we worked - culminating in the arrival of the band. Outside the relatively small (but fast growing) London punk scene - these guys were unknown at the time, so no one payed much attention to them. And don't forget - we're talking about an art college here, so dressing 'individually' was the rule, not the exception.

I seem to remember we ended up building the stage together... chatting and helping each other. All hands on deck as it were. The staging system was modular and went together quite easily. Consequently we were pretty much done by lunchtime. Time has taken its toll and memories blur, but I have this abiding memory of ending up in the local pub that lunchtime... us and the band. I can't remember what we were talking about exactly, probably the gig, the punk scene and college life. This must have looked pretty weird to the locals, for the college sits firmly in the 'stock broker belt' of south east London. But I hear that's all about to change with a sparkling new campus being built on the Greenwich Peninsula.

The night of the gig came and went and the place was packed. But was it memorable? Well it was for me because I was there getting involved for most of the day. Although has to be said that I don't remember much about the gig itself, other than the spitting and the obscenities. Whether it was a memorable gig depends upon the individual spectator I guess. Punk was this scary new thing with a pulse that demanded to be noticed. In time bands like The Clash would emerge with pure raw talent. Whether the slightly more 'manufactured' Sex Pistols package could ever be compared favourably is a question that has been asked many times over the years.

And so to the question asked at the beginning of this blog...
Who is this Nigel Williamson anyway?

Well, he's a well-respected article writer for The Guardian - and turns out he was there that very night. and with more clarity than I could ever muster he's recalled the event for us all to enjoy here.

OK, so he's trashed it, suggesting punk was a pile of Sh*t, but then... wasn't that the whole point?

If you're interested, I've found another link to the event - on 'The News Shopper' website here. This was (and quite possibly still is) a free-sheet newspaper for south-east London. It is at this point that I feel a confession needs to be made public here - after all these years of secrecy. For a very short while I was one of many 'paper-boys', delivering this free-sheet to the good people of Bromley to earn some beer money. It was impossible! No way could I deliver that many copies in time... before the next one came out. I was overwhelmed and my landlady (quite rightly) was taking issue with bales of 'The News Shopper' piling up on the stairs and landing. So what did I do? Well lets just say that a local church received more than one copy of 'The News Shopper' that week... and not through the letter box. I gave up that job soon after - and I'm heartened to see that 'The News Shopper' is still thriving, despite taking me on as a 'paper-boy'.

Keith Halliday
GGS

Oh, the ignominy!

The GGS team didn't exactly perform well at Thursday's Chamber of Commerce Networking/Bowling event at NUMBERten BOWL in Bowthorpe. The pins at the end of Lane 19 were relatively untroubled by advancing bowling balls and on the whole managed to remain in an upright position for a large portion of the game. As a result Team GGS were placed fairly low down on the leaderboard. At the bottom in fact. Yes; we came LAST!! Clearly every one else at the event cheated by using skill, manual dexterity, hand/eye co-ordination etc. which gave them an unfair advantage. (Some even used a cunning device which barricaded the gutters!) No sour grapes there then...
Thanks go to Peter Treglown of FOUR for stepping into the bowling shoes vacated by Peter Griffin. I suspect that our overall score would have been even lower than it actually was (hard to imagine, I know) if our Peter, whose sporting prowess is measured in minus figures, had managed to make it. We apologise unreservedly for letting him down with a performance the likes of which have not been seen since... the last time we were there.
Despite all team members being presented with a 'Losers' certificate we had a great time and are determined to improve for next time... when we expect to come second from last at the very least. Clearly we had better stick to our day jobs (which we are much better at - honest).

GGS, exhibition stands & the environment

Environmental issues and recycling are big issues in industry today and here at GGS we always aim to minimise our impact on the the environment. Every aspect of our business is conducted according to our strategy to do this and be an environmentally conscious and responsible company.

This is one reason why GGS has chosen to be a display partner with Octanorm, a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of modular aluminium systems for the exhibition and display stand industry. Using aluminium modular exhibition systems means that a large proportion of the exhibition stand can be reused, reconfigured or recycled after use.

When creating this exhibition stand (above) for WTA Books, we created it using the modular Octanorm aluminium structure so that the stand could be adjusted in size in relation to the amount of floor space available at exhibition events. Using modular exhibition stands in this way is both environmentally and financially beneficial to our clients.

Some other key areas of our environmental policy are to:

• Reduce consumption of physical resources, including energy and water, by increasing awareness amongst our staff and adopting good practices.

• Reduce manufacturing waste and administrative waste through consideration and good practice.

• Donate surplus material off-cut to Scrapbox for re-use in playgroups.

• Recycle waste materials wherever possible.

• Choose energy efficient, non-polluting technology when equipment needs to be replaced.

• Reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption by ordering stock in bulk to minimise long distance deliveries.

• Minimise pollution from printing processes by using low-emitting inks wherever possible and disposing of all hazardous waste inks in accordance with environmental legislation.

• Use only CFC free printing inks.

• Aim to use paper materials produced from sustainable forest wherever possible.

• Recycle electronic equipment where possible including digital ink cartridges.

• Discourage unnecessary document printing by providing our customers with emailable pdfs of technical information and user instructions for display equipment.
  

By implementing and continuously improving upon this strategy, we aim to fulfill our commitment to protect the world in which we live and work. About GGS - We are a design led visual media company providing a wide range of creative products and services to our clients. Our services include exhibition stands; pop-ups; banner stands; large format digital printing, graphic design, commercial photography and web design & hosting. Based in Norwich, Norfolk, England, GGS has been established for over 33 years and works with companies of all sizes to improve their image.