Were city firms asked to create new brand?

I WRITE with regard to the new city brand – 'Britain's Ocean City'.

Many in Plymouth will be pleased to see Positively Plymouth finally consigned to the waste bin, despite its cost and the fact that when it was launched we were promised that it had 'longevity'.

One of the reasons the previous brand failed was that it did not have widespread support amongst those who live and work in the city, despite what was, apparently, a wide consultation prior to launch.

It does not appear to me that there has been anything like that level of consultation for the new brand. I wonder also whether there is sufficient resource to support it, otherwise what chance of success does it have?

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My main question, however, is about the procurement process. I understand that the contract was issued by Destination Plymouth which is made up of three organisations all of which receive public funding. All three have policies with regard to procurement and I believe, from a quick internet search, that all should have obtained three written quotations for the work. Were these written quotations obtained?

I am sure that most of the creative agencies in and around Plymouth would have been interested in taking on this project. Plymouth is bidding for City of Culture status in 2017, there is no shortage of creative talent here but I have yet to find one agency who was approached on this matter.

Questions are being asked around the city, no-one seems to know the answers. Perhaps it is time for a little transparency.

ELLIE PRESTON

Via email