The public vote for the Oxford Bus Company’s latest annual ‘Brand the Bus’ competition has closed with ten good causes been nominated for its grand finale. Some 4,807 unique online votes were cast for 23 entries made by charities and good causes to have their branding on one of the firm’s double-decker buses. The top ten good causes nominated by the public votes will go before a judging panel to select the winner.
Oxford Bus Company Managing Director Phil Southall said: “Thank to all of the good causes that entered and to everyone who took the time to vote. As ever we have been reminded there are so many inspiring good causes in our community doing a variety of vital work. We hope Brand the Bus has given a well-deserved boost to our community and it will be quite a challenge to select the overall winner from such a strong short list.”
The judging panel, which includes Grant Hayward, Director of Collaborent, and Laura Price, CEO of Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, will examine the final ten entries later this month and select the winners. Prizes will be awarded to the competitors who have, in the panel’s opinion, fulfilled the brief to the highest standard.
Laura commented: “I’m delighted to join this year’s panel for Oxford Bus Company’s Brand the Bus competition. It will be fantastic to hear about the good causes that have been shortlisted and I’m sure that the opportunity to raise awareness and visibility of their work will have a big impact for the winner.”
The winning organisation will be invited to work with the operator to design a bus wrap featuring the colours, logo and messages of the charity. Runners up will receive on-board digital advertising and marketing support. Girlguiding Oxford, Home-Start Oxford and Blue Skye Thinking have all had double-decker buses decked out in their branding after winning previous rounds of the competition.
