British Horse Industry Confederation Appoints Underwired for National Website Redesign

April 10, 2006 - Press Dispensary - The British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC), the umbrella body comprising four major equine organisations, has appointed award winning digital agency Underwired (http://www.underwired.com) for the re-launch of its website at http://www.bhic.co.uk.

Funded by DEFRA - a government body that champions the sustainable development of the environment, countryside and rural economy - the BHIC website has been redesigned by Underwired to strengthen the online presence of the confederation and reinforce its brand.

BHIC helps the equestrian industry speak to the British government and other authorities as a single, united voice. Its new site will act as a central communications point for those in the equine industry - including breeders, vets, professional and recreational riders, pony club members, lobbyers and policy makers.

Susie Reed, project manager at Underwired, says: "By adopting a fresh look and feel, BHIC has gained a defined and individual online identity. The result is a simple yet classic design that allows a site heavy in content to be inviting and elegant.”

Tony Williamson, head of the Horse Industry and Rural Stakeholder Engagement team at DEFRA comments: “Underwired has provided a strong service, rising to the challenges of the BHIC brief. The resulting website is clear and easy to navigate, which meets our primary requirements. We’ve received favourable feedback about the site so far.”

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About Underwired
Underwired was set up in 1996 and is headed by Felix Velarde (managing partner), Jason Holland (creative director) and Lazar Dzamic (planning director). The specialist digital agency creates websites, eCRM programmes and online marketing campaigns for clients including Virgin Holidays, Harrods, the Barbican, AXA PPP healthcare, Start-rite Shoes, Penguin Books, Friends Reunited, Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign, National Missing Persons Helpline and AAR. Underwired’s fee income grew by 50% in 2005, helped by the expansion of its eCRM activities, which earned the agency a BIMA Award for Best eCRM/Email Campaign, along with commendations at both the New Media Age Awards and Campaign Digital Awards.

About BHIC
BHIC was set up in 1999 so those in the equestrian industry could to speak to the British government and other authorities as a single, united voice. BHIC comprises the British Horseracing Board (BHB), British Equestrian Federation (BEF), Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and British Horse Society, (BHS). It also has direct representation from the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

For further information please contact:
Felix Velarde, managing partner, Underwired
Tel: +44 (0) 207 012 3992
Email:
Site: www.underwired.com