Effective collaboration is all about the people involved
Mike France, co-founder at watchmakers Christopher Ward, identifies the specific traits every collaborative project needs to succeed.
Negative reviews from customers are a window into my business
Christopher Ward co-founder Mike France explains why he doesn’t look at negative reviews as something to hide from in today’s digital age.
Industry awards – are they worth it?
Black tie dress code and glamorous locations, industry awards are a great opportunity for business promotion – but only if targeted in the right way.
Why everyone, including the CEO, must muck in during seasonal rush
Not afraid to get his hands dirty on the shop floor, Mike France explains why the seasonal rush helps bring everyone together to meet the customer needs.
Location is everything, but does the London label actually have a brand impact?
When we think about premium brands, it can be all too easy to be drawn in by the flashing lights of the city. London, Paris and Milan are hotbeds of the high-end, and buzzwords of bespoke after all.
Customer service goals: Driving 300 miles overnight for an emergency wedding delivery
When you start a business you must find something that you do better than anyone else, that sets you apart – or why bother?
Raising capital – Tales of success from a watch brand
For your business to reach the next stage of growth, raising capital might be a necessity. Serial entrepreneur Mike France has some tales from the trenches.
My take on building a successful business by thinking different
His is a business located in a very competitive market, but Mike France has some useful advice on thinking different for those in a similar situation.
Building up a successful business by being different
In keeping with our goal of being different, this month we were delighted to be awarded the esteemed D&AD Wood Pencil award for our 2016 company rebrand, which sought – amongst other things – to reflect the way our business and identity differ from those of our industry competitors.
Celebrity endorsements: Essential or expendable?
Last month I discussed our approach to our annual budget, one aspect of which is considering how much we spend on sponsorship and influencers to engage with the Christopher Ward brand.
Your annual budget: Opportunity to stick, twist or go bust
As a new financial year approaches, Mike France and his firm are laying out the next annual budget – and he has some wise words for others doing likewise.
Digital advertising strategy: Have we reached a tipping point?
For a consumer brand like Christopher Ward, having an advertising strategy that provides evidence of success or failure is key for Mike France and his team.