OGC's firm grip on reality

I saw that the Office of Government Commerce in London has an impressive, new logo to show off. It was unveiled just a few days ago and, according to the OGC (a UK Treasury division), the logo signifies a bold commitment to the body’s aim of “improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement”.


Unfortunately, neither the OGC nor its designer had ever thought about turning the graphic 90 degrees on its side. Just take a look. What does it suggest to you? It's enough to make the hardest man blush.

Anyway, the OGC in its enthusiasm went ahead with making mousepads and pens but the moment the logo was launched, it immediately became the talk of the office. And they've all gone missing. Become collector's items. Maybe, you'll find them on eBay.

So is it back to the drawing board for the OGC? Not yet, if this comment from an OGC spokesman is anything to go by: “It is true that it caused a few titters among some staff when viewed on its side, but on consideration we concluded that the effect was generic to the particular combination of the letters OGC - and it is not inappropriate to an organisation that’s looking to have a firm grip on Government spend.”

I would say that the OGC has a firm grip on something else!