Creating value in our assets!
Enhancing our assets in France, particularly our Le Mans site and the Lefranc Bourgeois brand, is a strategic objective that will build both our external and internal attractiveness, while amplifying recognition of our expertise as the leading house of sustainable creative brands.
During 2024 the first step has been to create a blue print to formalise how we manage visits from key stakeholders. To date this year, we have hosted nearly 30 visits across many engaged groups including:-
- 20 renowned artists;
- 100 customers including the Dalbe buying group;
- A major client from Shanghai
- International Distributors,
- 10 representatives from local authorities (town and province officials)
- 50 ambassadors from Sarthe (who promote the region)
- 10 researchers and national institutions (such as the French Museums Center)
- 15 regional and local journalists
Information boards in Le Mans
Maintaining and developing relationships with members of the Lefranc family has always been a way that the Lefranc Bourgeois brand has enhanced its rich heritage. The family have generously shared their personal archives with us and we have created a dedicated room in Le Mans to house historical catalogues, leaflets, technical guides, POS materials, products, awards, and much more. This initiative has enabled us to welcome prominent institutions to view the archives, including the French Museums Restoration Centre and UCL Projects Director, with invaluable support from Stephanie Nebbia (Colart UK), who has brought excellence to managing the Winsor & Newton brand archives.
Finally, you may remember that the Brand celebrated its 300 year anniversary in 2020 and TF1, the leading French TV network, featured us in its Sunday news report with a focus on both our support for the Impressionism art movement and world-class Le Mans factory. This show attracted an audience of 6 million views. Linked to this we are planning to create our own film in October which can then be used across multiple media to showcase all of the Brands made in Le Mans.
All of the above activities underscore our significant contributions to the fine arts industry, inspiring every artist in the world. So watch this space!
Visitors from Dalbe
Through excellent internal collaboration, we have developed information panels for our factory tours. These bi-lingual (French-English), easy-to-read panels are strategically placed at key points in the tour to highlight the unique features of the Le Mans site as our European centre of excellence in manufacturing and logistics.
The feedback from these visits has highlighted the importance and positive impression of Colart but our brands – all critical for driving transformation and the emotional connection with our various audiences. We are currently working on how the Le Mans can be a genuine destination for visitors of all types potentially including paying members of the public.
Monsieur Lefranc in conversation
It was great to be at the site the other day albeit briefly, in particular the information boards stood out for me.
great to read your feedback Ajita, showing how these boards create value in building a connection both internally and externally.
Great iniatitives that will help renforcing Colart Brands credibility and preference. Well done to the whole team!