Bell has kick-started 2015 by being shortlisted for three prestigious Transform Brand Transformation Awards and a coveted DBA Design Effectiveness Award.

The Transform Brand Transformation Awards has shortlisted Bell for our work with the University of Reading in the categories Best Creative Strategy, Best Visual Identity and Best Brand Implementation. Bell has worked with the University to develop a brand strategy; refreshed visual identity across all channels; an integrated online/out-of-home student recruitment campaign and internal brand engagement. The results for year one speak for themselves. Reading rocketed into the top 10 universities in the Youth 100 – the UK’s top brands according to 3,500 18-24 year olds; awareness and familiarity with the brand have both increased, and this has translated into a 17% increase in open day attendance, with Open Day applications being closed down, for the first time ever, due to demand. Early indications suggest applications for 2015-16 are up 23%, against a nationwide trend of c.2% decline.

The shortlisted DBA project is for client CITB, the statutory body that represents the UK construction industry. Our task – to recruit young people into the industry. The Apprenticeships campaign delivered 273,693 unique visits – a huge 182% of the target. The Attracting Talent strand achieved 110% of target. The Facebook group went from 0 to 3515 members in just three months. Mobile PPC adverts delivered 8000+ clickthroughs – a CVR rate of 21%. But beyond awareness, the campaign also has successfully increased recruitment – with over 28,000 signed up for an apprenticeship place. This project has already won a prestigious Transform Branding Award.

Strategy & Creative Director Ian Allison said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted; this was a big team effort and our unique way of approaching design with a seamless blend of strategy and creative development continues to prove its effectiveness. Both projects were the result of a great team at the top of its game collaborating effectively with enthusiastic and expert client teams who were prepared to take measured creative risks.”

(Main image Copyright 2015 University of Reading: Open Day graphics implemented by the University of Reading team)