Havant & South Downs College

When Hampshire based colleges Havant Sixth Form College and South Downs College merged to become the new, multi-campus Havant and South Downs College (HSDC), we were commissioned to design, develop and deliver a complete new brand for HSDC, including pre-launch and launch campaigns leading up to the official launch event.

The brief was to reflect a dynamic, forward-thinking college; celebrating the strengths of both campuses and responding to the needs of its students and business community to create the ultimate student journey.

The six-month creative process was all inclusive – liaising regularly with focus groups of students, parents, staff and college governors. We worked closely with Principal Mike Gaston; hailing from a background in fine arts, Mike was keen to move forward with an edgy, confident and vibrant new look and feel … the key things which make up their brand’s DNA.

A social media campaign was rolled out, and the hashtag #BeMore subsequently became the overall message for the college – being bigger, being better, being more.

HSDC now provides over 150 academic, vocational and professional courses and apprenticeships, linking with 80 universities and a host of businesses including Google and Microsoft.

“From start to finish, Buzzword were integral in helping us create a dynamic brand reflecting the vibrant community-feel of our new dual-campus college. They understood not only the brief but interpreted our vision and nuances of a newly merged college to deliver a clear narrative. Nothing was lost in translation.

Their skilled team worked with our own marketing team over a six-month process, working on a new Havant & South Downs College identity which we wanted to be forward-thinking, confident and unique. Buzzword delivered that for us and helped us to shape a brand which tells our students that Havant & South Downs College is the first choice for further education in the area.”

Mike Gaston, Principal & CEO

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