A Waterford branding business won two major European awards recently as it looks to doubling its size in the next three year in the wake of recent client successes.

Totem won a Best Naming Strategy award and a Best Brand Development Project accolade for its work with the global life sciences company, Aton.

The company, which has its headquarters in County Waterford and also has a base in Cork, also announced ambitious plans for substantial growth in the wake of its success at the prestigious Transform Europe Awards.

Founded in 2002 by Creative Director, Colin Byrne, Totem set to double its size and its team within the next three years with the overall aim of expanding its international presence following several recent client successes and in the wake of acquiring new business in Ireland, Europe and the US. Totem works with Irish and international clients across a range of industries such as life sciences, technology, pharmaceutical, fintech, education, tourism and engineering and aviation. The Transform Awards Europe is one the most prestigious international awards schemes for for branding and brand communications. Some of the biggest global brands and agencies were shortlisted for this year’s awards. 

Totem took home the bronze award for Best Naming Strategy (Rename) and the Waterford business was also highly commended for Best Brand Development Project. 

The awards were presented for Totem’s work with Aton, formerly known as Hybrigenics, which is a leading bioscience company based in Strasbourg, France.

It underwent a transformative rebranding process, led by Totem, that included a new name, positioning and tagline, brand structure and identity, website, and narrative.

The work undertaken by Totem reinvigorated Aton and helped re-position it as a partner to leading life science enterprises, paving the way for future growth in the pharmaceutical sector, as it sets its sight on the US market.

Commenting in the wake of the awards ceremony, Colin Byrne, Totem’s Creative Director, said: “To see a business which started in my garage 22 years ago, be recognised on such a renowned stage for our business is truly surreal. We’ve been so lucky to work with a fantastic array of clients and guiding them through their brand trajectories and growth strategies has been privilege for me and my team.” “These awards are recognition of our hard work and dedication to the business and our clients, and I’m looking forward to bringing new clients on the journey with Totem for years to come as we strive to expand our horizons beyond Ireland and into Europe,” said Mr Byrne.

Totem specialises in helping ambitious leaders propel their companies to the next level through transformative branding strategies and distinguishes itself through its emphasis on building meaningful relationships, taking a customer-first approach, and identifying what sets its clients apart from competitors.