Case study Newham College Enterprise Steps
Extensive branding suite for business development scheme run by Newham college, South Bank University, Enterprise for London and The European Regional Development Fund
Enterprise Steps provides a tailored programme of free support to new enterprises based in London, offering guidance and direction during their creation and establishment. The project also offers specialised mentoring and advice to help existing enterprises survive, prosper and grow.
Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Enterprise Steps is a project led by Newham College with partners London South Bank University and Enterprise for London.
Newham College tasked us with creating the brand for Enterprise Steps. The remit was to have a comprehensive suite, which included the logo design and overall style used across their marketing.
To make sure that the brand usage going forward was consistent and coherent, we created a brand style guide, detailing things like the fonts that should be used, the colour palette, image treatment and nuanced design elements.
The initial part of the project involved creating 3 different concepts to develop…
Concept 1
Based on creating a plinth-like/podium structure from the ‘E’, with 3 stepped levels reaching up to the top. Riffing on the idea of climbing the steps to reach the top of the podium and onwards to business success. Modern and sleek look with a professional, businesslike character.
Development thoughts: Try out lower case ‘e’ in same style Try both ‘E’ and ‘S’ in the logo mark Colour and font options
Concept 2
Softer, more rounded feel evoking a friendly and non-threatening character. Concept based on an infinite flight of steps, rotating like a spiral staircase. Riffs on the idea that there’s always progress to be made, no matter where their business currently sits. Colour palette represents the wide variety of businesses that will pass through Enterprise Steps.
Development thoughts: Try logo mark closer in look to a spiral staircase Colour and font options
Concept 3
Concept based on creating a flight of stairs from the two central ‘E’s on the two words Literal interpretation of the idea that the businesses involved are scaling these stairs to reach their ambitions. Secondary feature made out of the ‘i’ in Enterprise, just giving a little nod to the ‘rise’ part of the word.
Development thoughts: Thinner lettering Colour options Use of elaborate gradients (see here for example)
Following on from the presentation of initial work to Newham College, we then developed the chosen concept and created the style guide along with supporting collateral.
Each of our style guides is created with your business and future marketing plans in mind. Some might be 30 pages, others might be 10!
The collateral in this project included a brochure, business cards, launch invites and roller banners.
