Southend-on-Sea

Southend has long been a centre of creativity, from its celebrated music, fashion and alternative cultural scenes to its independent businesses, artists and seven miles of coastline. Yet this rich identity was often overshadowed by outdated perceptions, leaving many residents feeling the city's reputation failed to reflect the place they knew.

Southend-on-Sea City Council commissioned CTConsults to develop a new place brand to capture the city's distinctive character and create a shared narrative for residents, partners, investors and visitors. We delivered an extensive programme of engagement with communities, local creatives and stakeholders, uncovering the values that define Southend: creativity, individuality, independence and joyful entertainment.

These insights became the foundation of a new place narrative and visual identity, developed by our partners HemingwayDesign, that celebrates Southend's energy, diversity and confidence. As Southend became the UK's newest city, the brand provided a shared narrative and visual identity that confidently celebrated its unconventional spirit, establishing a stronger platform for investment, tourism and regeneration.