In our capable hands
Talk about a “hands-on” approach.
The British based Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is a well-meaning organization that aims at “improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement”.
More of a let’s not leave things be, let’s make stuff happen sort of cool attitude.
You got the name, you got your mission statement, all you need is a chic logo and some well needed marketing. And that’s what they did. Unfortunately for the distinguished group of gentlemen and ladies, there was a bit of a hiccup at the design level. Oh, it looked sleek and matter of fact, minimalist and yet modern … but let’s say it needed a bit of lateral thinking!
Once OGC had paid a hefty £14 000 for their logo and unveiled it to their eager staff members, a most unbecoming picture came to light. As the delightfully tickled staff pointed out, when you turned the fancy logo vertically, the image gave a whole new meaning to “tight fisted” approach.
Needless to say, all marketing stationary bearing the embarrassing logo was quickly packed away.
As one spokesperson for OGC said: “It is not inappropriate to an organization that’s looking to have a firm grip on Government spend.”
This is the wrong instance to say firm grip.