Brand the Bus competition supported by the BBC for 2021

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The continued success of the Brand the Bus project has led to the launch of the 2021 competition, and a new supporter

The Oxford Bus Company has launched the latest round of its annual Brand the Bus competition for a good cause to have its branding on a double-decker bus. It has pledged to continue the popular competition for the third year running to support good causes as they face increased challenges due to Covid-19. Entries are now open for good causes or their supporters to submit a short video or PDF presentation on why it should win and have its logo and messages proudly displayed all over an Oxford Bus Company bus which will operate across the city.

Girl Guiding Oxfordshire won the inaugural 2019 Brand the Bus competition and Home-Start Oxford scooped first place this year. Both good causes now have their branding emblazoned on a double-decker.

The 10 entries for 2021 that are deemed best according to a public vote will be shortlisted and examined by a judging panel. This time the Brand the Bus competition is being supported by BBC Radio Oxford and one of its presenters will join the judging panel.

Prizes will be awarded to the competitors who have, in the panel’s opinion, fulfilled the brief to the highest standard. The winning organisation will be invited to work with the Oxford Bus Company to design a bus wrap featuring the brand colours, logo, and messages of the good cause. Runners-up will receive support via digital on-board advertising.

Phil Southall Oxford Bus Company Managing Director said: “Our Brand the Bus competition has become a popular part of Oxfordshire life and provides excellent support to deserving good causes.

“The transport industry is facing significant challenges due to Covid-19, but we felt it was important to continue the Brand the Bus competition this year, at a time when good causes need more support than ever before. One of our core values is being socially responsible and central to this is giving something back to the communities we serve, and this competition has proved to be a great way to do that.

“It is a great opportunity for good causes to get involved and raise their profile. Many of the previous entrants and winners have fed back that the Brand the Bus competition has helped them increase awareness of their good cause and engagement within the community. There are so many good causes that do such good work across the county and we’re looking forward to considering all the entries again this time.”

The deadline for Brand the Bus entries is 29 November 2020 and public voting closes on 13 December 2020. The winner will be announced in the new year.

Wrightbus Geminis from the fleet are being used for the competition which gives advertising space to local worthy causes. OXFORD BUS COMPANY