Co-create by Sharp – Huddersfield the place to make it

In June this year we held a ‘Co-Create by SHARP’ for the town of Huddersfield, to rediscover a brand opportunity that would capture the unique spirit of the town, and promote it’s businesses and the people behind them; the true heart-beat of the town itself.

The response was overwhelming.

Over 20 Huddersfield based businesses and individuals came together that day with SHARP partners (Mandi and Richard) moderating the session to deliver a bundle of inspiring ideas. Teams were equipped with flipcharts, coloured pens, play-dough (to inspire creativity) and a method for democratic voting that would funnel out the most popular ideas. The CoCreated concepts presented back were inspiring. There was palpable excitement and also a sense of urgency in the room.

 

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One of the main messages from the day was that this Huddersfield brand needs to have many owners not just one. That the people and businesses who care about the town will enthusiastically shape it and promote it.

Since this day, the evolution of ideas and plans has been a participative affair

We at SHARP think this is a fabulously unique way to develop a ‘destination brand’ with the people who literally ‘live the brand’, shaping the delivery of it.

So. Huddersfield the place to make it became a reality.

Next we collaboratively created a simple adaptable logo that any business could use, and a campaign identity based around one of the most popular ideas the businesses voted for at the CoCreate workshop. The idea was to develop a campaign that would showcase the many innovative but often ‘under-played’ facts and success stories about Huddersfield. From Harold Wilson’s birthplace to the place where HTAFC keep making history… to the town where Buckingham Palace carpets are woven. All sorts of genius that is evidence for ‘Huddersfield the place to make it.’

 

 

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Standing out to attract new businesses, talented individuals, recession-busting visitors, and to breathe new life into our local high streets is increasingly important for small towns in Great Britain. It takes the involvement of key individuals to make positive changes and keep our many districts current and full of life.

Our work with Huddersfield proved this, and also that there are many people who are keen to get involved. To do their bit within their own networks and organisations. To ‘make it happen’ in Huddersfield.

A few more Huddersfield facts…

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This journey like most of the ‘CoCreates by Sharp’ has been extremely exciting. We continue to work as part of a group of interested business people in the town to launch this new brand identity and find solutions to inspire business and optimism in sometimes challenging times.

To find out more about the brand and the companies involved in bringing it to life then visit The Place to Make it at www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/place-to-make-it/index.aspx

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