Having been originally briefed to create a revised and consistent approach to the portfolio, the design team has since introduced a fresh and innovative design theme that has been applied across all print and online material including the fleet newsletter, the internal staff magazine ‘Aspect’, staff briefings and the Arriva Trains Wales Pocket Timetables which are now on display at all ATW stations

Commenting on the new look, Head of Marketing for Arriva Trains Wales Vanessa Schotes says: “We are immensely pleased with the materials Washington Design has created for us. The design team at Washington took the brief on with great enthusiasm and energy, their concepts were well researched and backed up by a service that really has been focussed on getting the job done. The result is a design theme which is on-brand and delivers content in an inspiring and engaging way. We’re very pleased with the work.”

“As an agency, we’re delighted to be working with Arriva Trains Wales as our client portfolio continues to diversify and strengthen. Despite the odds, we’ve actually had a very strong trading year and are proud to now present our work,” adds Peter Marks, Director of Washington Design Consultants.

Established some 12 years ago, Washington Design Consultants works with a number of clients including the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Learn Direct, British Council, Carlyle Finance and Julian Hodge Bank.

As part of the Arriva Group, the Arriva Trains Wales network includes over 1,000 miles of track providing inter-urban, rural and commuter passenger rail services throughout Wales and the English border counties.

This debut album, whilst it sits in the upbeat folk genre, cannot be compared to Mumford & Sons mass produced Magners offering. This is a carefully crafted artisan brew utilising local organic ingredients. It explores the life youngsters find themselves slotting into. ‘We Are The Battery Human’ is pretty scary career option that many graduates face in a call centre. The album builds upon whimsy, nods to folk clues and the choral anthems of Arcade Fire.

Gosh more low-fi! This time with a tilt towards the Associates of Billy MacKenzie. Using high pitched vocals mixed with grab melodies and intriguing lyrics. Wild Beasts create a landscape of night-life that perhaps one would prefer not to remember. ‘We Still Got The Taste Dancin’ On Our Tongues’ is a particularly fine example of times best forgotten until one silently admits a guilt pleasure!

Low-fi indie sound that sneaks into the category of memorable sounds of the last year or so. Paired back vocals contrast with cool pop hooks. VCR stands out as the first track to penetrate and stay with you all day.

James Murphy third album contains a mixture of 70’s Eno and Bowie, smatterings of Krautrock and NY disco….but hey that’s some heritage. Through bouncy pop to spaced out electro via some good hard grooves that never fails to grab, it’s all there. My daughter’s boyfriend was listening to the album last night and seem happy enough that an older generation appreciates this effort. Murphy is 40 though!

The latest album from Southern Country rockers continues their exploration of the demons of drink, drugs and growing up in the south. ‘Birthday Boy’ celebrates with a visit to the ‘whore-house’ whilst ‘Drag the Lake Charlie’ is the outcome of yet another good night out or possibly the result of ‘The Forth Night of My Drinking’. The songs offer no recrimination or blame but rather a simple matter of factness – this is life! Great stuff.

The most restful and charming collection of songs that I have heard in a long time. All sung in Spanish so you don’t have to listen too hard – just get swept along with haunting melodies and the emotion expressed in the vocals. The album tracks the happenings of the week ‘Lunes’ through to ‘Domingo’ with an extra ‘Noches Dia’.