Company Profile 2008

Imagination and creativity translated into meaningful communications

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2

contents

THE FUTURE GROUPTel. (012) 993 0710

Fax. (012) 993 2881

E-mail: derek@futuregroup.co.za

THE FUTURE GROUP

Introduction

Vision and mission

The team

Group Structure

Service

Clients

Empowerment

Project Approach

Executive Summary

PORTFOLIO PROJECTS

Corporate ID and Brand development

Illustrations

Annual Reports

Press Advertising

Publications

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 3

INTRODUCTION

The Future Group, a highly skilled international communications groupwith specialist divisions focusing on the various components of bothTraditional and New-Media Communications.

The Future Group consolidates the entire skill set required in Advertisingand Pre-Press and is well positioned in this field. By combining thestrategic, creative and production services, the group is able to provideand manage the entire production process under one roof.

The groups methodology has been widely accepted by business as themost cost effective approach to their communication requirements. Thishas been based on our philosophy of “create once for all mediums”.

One brief for the various communication requirements, preparation ofcontent in the correct format for both conventional and new media.Selection of mediums based on target market and reach and not bias toin house capabilities. Consistency of brand and minimisation of bothcreative and production replication.

The Group also expanded its Southern African presence with the opeingof a production office in Zambia. With a presence in South Africa andZimbabwe, the opening of an office in Zambia is an important step inthe roll-out of a strategic Future Group network throughout AFRICA.

INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGYcommunication

Communication always speak to people, weather they areAnalysts, CEO’s, Employees, or Governments.They are people first.

Our goal is to create or facilitate communications that isunderstandable, meaningful and compellingto the company’s diverse audience.

We utilise the spectrum of advertising mediums tocost effectively reach our target market and buildbrand equity.

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 4

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

STATEMENT

To become Southern Africa's leading Creative ITC company.

[Information, communication technology]

operating within the internet and conventional communication mediums.

Through innovative solutions and world class service standards.

To provide seamless communication services using both the

old and new media technologies.

To empower our clients and staff financially with responsible use of

effective communication.

To successfully consolidate communications across the African continent.

vision

mission

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 5

FUTURE CREATIVE(PTY) LTD

LASSY CHIWAYO (Pending Registration)

A leading young and successful black entrepreneur, political activist and former RobinIsland prisoner, leader of the ANC youth league’s national executive committee, Memberof Parliament, MEC (Minister) for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture as well as Financefor the Mpumalanga Provincial Government. He is currently a member of the ANC PECin the province of Mpumalanga.

Lassie’s business interests ranges from the ICT, Management Consulting, and PropertyDevelopment to Mining.

Lassy Chiwayo is a Director and Shareholder of various companies and brings with himextensive experience and expertise within the public development and managementarena. His experience includes, Planning, Allocating and Presiding over a budget ofR15 Billion.

DEREK FLAXMAN

Derek joined the communications industry in 1981 in the graphics department ofPromedia Publications, a large printing company in Pretoria. His career led him to afreelance graphic designer servicing the local advertising market in 1986. In 1987 heformed Ink Design Studios, one of Pretoria’s largest Design Studios offering leading edgecommunication solutions. During 1998, Ink Design Studios amalgamated it’s assets &services with Future Graphics forming one of South Africa’s most comprehensivecommunications companies, offering Strategy Planning, Creative Services, New Mediacapabilities and strong Pre-press Production under one roof. As one of the FutureGroup’s founding members, Derek now heads the Creative and Consulting functions ofFuture Creative.

FANNIELMOSEAMO

Fannie completed his studies at Pretoria Technikon with a National Diploma in GraphicDesign in 2001. Commenced his graphics career in 2002 with a Pretoria based adver-tising agency and later joined Umhlaba Graphics as senior designer. In February 2005Umhlaba Graphics amalgamated with the Future Group’s creative division.

Fannie now heads the creative division specialising in corporate communications andmultimedia development.

COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE

management

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 6

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

SO

UT

HA

FR

IC

AG

RA

PH

IC

SA

FR

IC

A

CR

EA

TI

VE

PR

EP

RE

SS

PR

ES

S

CO

MM

UN

ICA

TIO

NS

ZA

MB

IA

CO

MM

UN

ICA

TIO

NS

ZI

MB

AB

WE

100%

66%

26%

66%

Inter

ests

inRe

giona

lBus

iness

arer

etaine

dbyi

ndivi

dual

shar

ehold

erso

ftheF

uture

Grou

p

Regio

nalO

pera

tions

Loca

lOpe

ratio

n

Group Structure

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 7

PROFESSIONAL

TURNAROUND AGENCY

With the advent of the information age the company seized the opportunity

to create once for all media’s, alleviating the problems of degradation through second and third

generation replication. By traversing the gap it is possible to produce cost effective, quality

communication.

1) BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND PLANNING

A wealth of media communication experience and creativity is applied to the client's objectives via a

strategic communications planning process. This process could include the following components:

Needs Analysis

Communication Strategy

Branding and Marketing Strategy

Corporate Identity Standards

Website Strategies

Content Management

e-Business Solutions

2) CREATIVE TREATMENT AND DESIGN

A highly creative team of Future Group design specialists apply their skills to the development of an

effective communication campaign that subscribes to the client’s needs and that is directed at the

correct target audience.

Areas of specialisation include:

Corporate Identity

Advertising

Interactive Multimedia

Website development

Content enriched e-mail

Point-of-sale

Brochures and publications

Exhibition design

Packaging

Photography

3) PRINT PRODUCTION

By combining advanced technology with more than 100 years of combined pre-press and print

experience, the Future Group print production team produces high quality print products. Services

include the following:

Colour scanning

Data capture

Digital proofing

Printing

Poster plotting

services

CREATIVE & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 8

The market has undergone numerous changes in the last 20 years.The company prides itself in keeping abreast with the shifts in the industry andremains a leader in the multi-disciplines of information and communication technology.

The company has 8 years experience in doing business outside the borders of SouthAfrica and it’s brand is well known in blue chip company circles.

The Group currently services over 200 clients and below is listed a few.

SOUTH AFRICAN CLIENTSGOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Dept. Environmental AffairsDept. Provincial and Local AffairsDept. Education, GautengDept. Public Service and AdministrationDept. Trade and IndustryDept. JusticeSouth African Sports commissionMpumalanga Dept. of RoadsNkangala District MunicipalityNuclear RegulatorNational Electricity RegulatorNuclear Energy Corporation of South AfricaCity Council of PretoriaIndependent Electoral Commission

PRIVATE SECTORABSATelkom SASouth African Mint CompanyHuman Science Research CouncilPharmaceutical Manufacturing AssociationMaskew Miller LongmannAlnet Shadenets & CordageLever PondsLandbankDenel

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTSDelta Corporation Limited (Zimbabwe)First Banking Corporation (Zimbabwe)Colcom Limited (Zimbabwe)McCann Advertising (Botswana)Commonwealth Development Corporation (Zambia)Swaziland Post and Telecommunications (Swaziland)Swaziland Broadcast Authority (Swaziland)Echo Star (USA)Sterling Sat (India)

OUR CLIENT

relations

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 9

GROUP EMPOWERMENT STATUS

The company is concluding an empowerment deal which

involves 50% ownership of PDI.

The group’s initial transformation process began with the opening of

Tirisanang Publishers a 51% owned PDI company, responsible for

the production and printing of both commercial and educational

publications. (See registration documents herewith)

The group also subscribes to and is preparing a long term training

strategy to ensure the entire group is representative of the South

African population.

The view that viable affirmative action programmes are necessary to

overcome manpower shortages in the country and to redress the

legacies of discrimination based on sex, race and physical handi-

caps. In particular, the development of black business skills is critical

to the survival of corporations in the future. Affirmative action needs

to be properly planned and implemented and should not result in

mere tokenism. This approach is in line with the latest vision

adopted by the SA Government.

Empowerment

STAFF PROFILE WHITE PDI

Creative and Production 2 1 1 4

Reproduction 1 1 2

Administration 1 1 3 5

Dispatch 2 2

Total 4 4 4 4 16

This dedicated team has worked together for a minimum of 5

years and has a combined working experience of over 150 years

in the communications industry.

Wom

en

Men

Wom

en

Men

Total

T H E F U T U E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 0

SUPPLIERS AND LOCAL CONTENT

While quality and service remain the prime focus, the company

where ever possible will utilise an empowered supplier base.

In such endeavours the Group’s largest print production (Edgars Club

Magazine - Zimbabwe) is printed by PRINTABILITY one of SA’s

largest empowered web printing companies. This publication consti-

tutes 30% of all out-sourced printing.

The majority of all material is locally sourced and stocks specified

are produced by local paper mills - Mondi and Sappie.

Recent sponsorship have included free creative and pre-press

production of several ANC publications and literature.

Submitions of a comprehensive range of AIDS educational books

have been submitted to DOE for approval. These books have been

produced for no cost.

Future Creative in a JV with Lidonga Holdings have submitted a

comprehensive communication strategy and marketing elements for

the GPG’s initiative for Community Development Centres.

CONTINUEDEmpowerment

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 1

Project approachIn line with the tender requirements and as standard work flow process.

The entire project will be managed by the Account Executive, with a second contact

person if the AE is not available. The Company operates an open-house policy and will

be available for on-site inspection at all times during the production process.

1 BRIEF AND BRAINSTORM

The Production and Creative Consultant meet with the client and relevant

stakeholders for open discussion and brainstorm creative themes, objectives,

target market, deadlines and technical criteria.

2 DESIGN STUDIO

Two design concepts are developed and presented for approval. Each concept to

express the brief in a different approach with alternative style sheets. Concepts to

include creative style, typography and layout.

3 FORMALISATION OF CONCEPT

A combination of, or alteration from the first concept submissions are represented

for final approval.

4 PHOTOGRAPHER BRIEFING

The selected photographer(s) are briefed in accordance to the approved design

concept.

5 THE CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION TEAM, in conjunction with the photogra-

phers and printers will compile a time schedule on which a weekly status report

will be delivered to the client.

6 DESIGN & LAYOUT

The Creative team will supply a full set of proofs at each stage for approval and

finalisation.

7 SCANNING

The Scan Studio will supply high resolution scans from a high end Crossfield drum

scanner. The images will be colour corrected and patch proofs checked before

image setting to film or direct to plate.

8 THE PRODUCTION STUDIO will image Litho Positives supply dyeline proofs and

the necessary colour proofs for approval.

9 PRINTING will be handled in-house or by one of SA’s top printers with the neces-

sary binding & finishing equipment.

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 2

SummaryEXECUTIVE

SKILL SET

Highly skilled personnel and world class methodologies for both conventional print and new

media digital processes. A complimentary mix of both creative and production experience.

CLIENT BASE

Established client base, including good mix of both government and private sector. Growth in

larger annual contracts is necessary.

COMPETITORS

The Group’s niche is medium sized below-the-line advertising campaigns, Annual Reports

and Pre-press production accounts where the Group’s infrastructure is suited to satisfy the

clients entire communication requirement. The only competitors with this service-offer, are the

larger advertising agencies with affiliate production houses. Theses organisations focus on

large annual advertising campaigns with large budgets and are not suited to small and medi-

um size contacts.

©

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 3

PortfolioThe following pages list selected samples projects developed over the

past 3 years.

A variation of Illustrative, photographic and typographic designs have

been included to demonstrate the varied styles and techniques.

A separate Digital portfolio of interactive samples is available on request

and includes a wide range of internet websites and interactive CD Rom

projects developed for clients such as:

Citybank Website

Nissan Diesel Website

Nuclear Energy Corporation Website

Dive Alert Network Website

Telkom SA ISDN CD Rom marketing tool

Unilever and Lever Ponds CD Rom training application

African Renaissance Conference CD Rom speaker assist

creativitycommunication

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 4

Portfolio Corporate ID

Client: South African Technology Agency

Project Scope: SITA was formed through the merger of the 3 major SA Government ITorganisations. The SA Police IT, Infoplan and the Departement of IT.

The company’s target market categories were identified as the SAGovernment, the IT industry and the general public.

The logo was developed through the 3 spheres symbolise InformationTechnology and Communication.

The spheres represents the 3 merging organisations.

The 3 flags emanating from Southern Africa form the shape of Africaand symbolises the organisations sphere of influence over the entirecontinent.

The 3 flags also represent the target markets.

This project was won over 5 of SA’s leading CI Design Agencys and the3 concept proposals submitted were short listed in the top 5 selectedsymbols

Project elements: Logo and standards documentStationeryFull page advertisement for pressCompany ProfileWebsite

The following pages list some samples projects developed over the past 3 years.

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 5

Portfolio Corporate ID

Client: Coca-cola [5 SADC Countries]

Project: Cool Summer Promotion - Under the liners competition

The campaign involved the complete strategy, competition mechanics, creative and production.

Upton Fulton McCann Advertising were responsible for Media.

Project elements: Promotional iconPress AdvertisementsPoint of saleOut door AdvertisingPromotional Items

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 6

Portfolio Corporate ID

Client: Wezacom [Angola]

Project: CI and Launch Campaign

The campaign involved the brand positioning and 8 month launchcampaign. The design and supply of all below-the-line elements fora local Angolan agency to manage translation and media.

Project elements Logo developmentStationeryPress advertisementShop-fittingBillboardsTelephone boothsSpeaker assist

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 7

Portfolio Corporate ID

South African Forestry Company Limited

SA Bonsai International Convention

South African Department of Education

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 8

Portfolio Corporate ID

helping to build your futureLisito - Dept. Public Works, Roads and Transport - SA

AfriOceans Conservation Alliance - SA

Dynamic Communications

Thabo Mbeki Development Trust - SA

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 1 9

Portfolio Corporate ID

Future Advertising - Zimbabwe

Roode Vallei Conference Centre - SA

Hyclien - SA

National Centre for Curriculum Research & Development

T H E F U T U E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 0

Portfolio Callendars

T H E F U T U E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 1

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 2

We have featured one projectthat was developed for a pro-posed bank that was unableto obtain a banking license.The illustrations have beenarchived for later use.

Design BriefDevelop a series of illustra-tions to be used in an invest-ment profile.

The theme of Chess [involvingstrategy and competitivethinking] and a nature aspectwere combined in an abstractillustrative style.

A combination of 3D graphicsand photographic manipula-tion was used.

Vision and Mission

Moving the boundaries through the effective use of technology

Lines of business and services

Portfolio Illustrations

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 3

A new way in doing business- breaking boundaries

A team of leaders

Icons to be used throughout the layout.

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 4

PortfolioDelta Corporation Limited - Zimbabwe - Annual Report 2003

Design BriefDelta Corporation’s demerger of nonebeverage businesses and focus onbuilding brand equity. Zimbabwe’sleading cold beverage business.

Design themeDelta Corporation is the custodian ofZimbabwe’s beverage brands.

The design focused on the labels ofthe various brands and the design ofcustom neck labels as design ele-ments.

The cover illustrates a label withoutthe bottle, with a typographic designon page 1 strengthening continuity inthe label and beverage theme.

The review of operations continued tobuild on this theme with the messageof “a brand for every occasion.”Duotone images of the occasion withinsert photos of the product to asso-ciate the brand.

Cover:Full colour with spot blue. Matt lamination with spot UV Varnish andblind emboss of the label.

Text Pages:Full colour with 5th spot blue.

Binding:Section sewn with cover drawn on.

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 5

Workflow case study

This production was developed incooperation with a local AdvertisingAgency in Zimbabwe.

Concept presentation was developedat the Future Group design studio and Pdf files e-mailed to theZimbabwean office for mounting anpresentation to the client

The photos were taken on location by the Group’s photographer, usingthe latest digital Canon Eos 1Ds.

Photographs were presented andapproved on a laptop during the photoshoot.

Low resolution images were mailed to the SA office for layout, while high resolution photos were written to CDRom and couriered to SA.

The first draft layout was prepared atthe SA office and mailed to the ZimAgency for proofs and corrections.

Once the layout and text wasapproved in Zimbabwe, the final document sent to the SA office forfinal production and print.

The print production was handled inSA due to the paper selection andbinding processes. The final projectwas delivered by road transport toZimbabwe.

In this process, the Client interfacewas with the local Zimbabwean officeand the use of the internet and pdftechnology allowed the seamless integration between the 2 operations.

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 6

PortfolioPress Advertising

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 7

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 8

Portfolio Publications

T H E F U T U R E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 2 9

T H E F U T U E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 3 0

Portfolio Exhibition and Shop-fitting

T H E F U T U E G R O U P 2 0 0 6 3 1