Step Up Mcr is a pilot giving scheme, established in 2019 to connect East Manchester based community projects to funds and support both locally and nationally. For this non-profit project we collaborated with local housing association, One Manchester to design a visual identity which was both aspirational and representative of the local communities.

As the STEP UP project brings together four independent Manchester districts under the umbrella of 'East Manchester', this presented us with a challenge. Each area wanted to be equally represented and enjoy a fair portion of the opportunities available.

One Manchester brought us onboard to engage with the local community, design them a brand they were proud of and work with them going forward to elevate the awareness of their need for funding and support.

> To represent the local communities, over a large area in a positive, aspirational format.
> To connect local people, businesses and projects together.

> Raise awareness of lack of money and opportunities available in East Manchester.

> To engage local residents and give local businesses an opportunity to give back.

> To demonstrate enough success to roll the project out across the whole of Greater Manchester.

FOCUS GROUPS

We ran six focus groups across the four areas of: Ancoats, Beswick, Clayton and Openshaw.

CONCEPTS

We created six different visual concepts to feedback to the focus groups.

DEVELOPMENT

We then developed the most popular three concepts into full brands.

SIGN OFF

We pitched the different brands and concepts to local community representatives and they voted on their favourite design.

LAUNCH

After a unanimous vote on the finalised concept we set to work creating assets and applying the brand to print media, new website and social media posts. In time for the project launch before Christmas 2019 at a popular event hosted at The Grange, Beswick's community centre

ONGOING

We've continued to work with One Manchester to develop the brand as the project develops and extends. The website will be expanded into a more interactive information centre.

Feedback and engagement has been really positive, with plenty of healthy competition between local projects and proposed schemes. However due to COVID-19 there's been an unfortunate hold-up in a lot of the community work, although everyone is doing everything they can.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Branding // Print Marketing // Web Design // Social Strategy