On 10th September the Haws team formally launched a new era at the Glee trade fair in Birmingham. Driven by the desire to take advantage of the nation’s renewed love of gardening, brothers Rich and Andy are once again celebrating their proud status as the big name in watering cans.
Rich says, ‘We are seeing a renewed interest in gardening and a new generation of gardeners coming through – micro gardens, urban gardening, grow your own and specialist plants – it is an exciting time and we need a brand that truly engages our customers.’
Not only are Haws the world’s oldest watering can manufacturer, every single metal can is still expertly hand crafted taking more than 200 steps to complete. It’s traditional British engineering at its finest, and all happens in their workshop in Smethwick, West Midlands. We’ve used our own expert craftsmanship to bring the brand up to date and set its course for the future.
From research, insight and workshops to naming, messaging and a complete design overhaul, we’ve been working with the new management team for over a year to refresh the Haws brand, making more of its ‘British made’ credentials whilst creating a brand and tone of voice relevant for the gardening enthusiast of today.
In addition to expanding the assets of the brand’s visual identity and comprehensive guidance for these, we have developed new packaging, art directed and built an image library with brilliant photographer Catherine Falls, and designed marketing and sales materials, including the stand at the Glee trade fair.
Whilst steeped in heritage and used for nearly 175 years, the watering can speaks to the concerns of our current age and is essential for the future.
Andy explains, ‘Using a watering can means much less water is wasted than with a garden hose and because our watering cans are designed to last a long time, (or a lifetime), we help avoid the need for landfill. Using a watering can also does good things for your health and wellbeing – fresh air, physical activity and food for your soul’.
We’re delighted to be helping Rich and Andy get the message out.