Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

The top 5 marketing & advertising campaigns of 2024

Published

on

  1. Specsavers: ‘Should’ve Gone to Specsavers’

Continuing its long-running and successful ‘Should’ve Gone to Specsavers’ campaign, Specsavers introduced a fresh and humorous stunt in Edinburgh that perfectly encapsulated its self-deprecating humour. 

The campaign featured a Specsavers-branded van awkwardly parked with its backend suspended by automatic bollards, accompanied by a cautionary sign. This visual gag was a direct nod to the brand’s famous tagline. 

The clever stunt quickly went viral, with images and comments spreading across social media, amplifying their digital PR efforts, and reinforcing the enduring appeal of Specsavers’ comedic approach.

  1. Monzo: ‘How the Nation Monzo’d through 2023’

Monzo’s 2024 campaign took a unique, data-driven approach to out-of-home advertising, highlighting the quirky spending habits of different cities across the UK. One standout example was Cardiff, humorously spotlighted as the city that spent the most at Specsavers nationwide. 

This clever use of first-party data allowed Monzo to connect with consumers on a hyper-local level, making the campaign feel personal and relevant. 

By turning everyday spending data into engaging, city-specific narratives, Monzo demonstrated the power of personalisation in advertising, showcasing the bank’s ability to create content that resonates deeply with local audiences.

  1. IRN BRU: ‘Optimism & Mannschaft’

IRN BRU’s 2024 campaign, themed “Optimism & Mannschaft,” was a masterclass in tapping into the national sentiment surrounding Scottish football ahead of the 2024 Euros. The campaign featured three witty videos that built on the growing anticipation among Scotland fans.

In the first video, a GP humorously diagnoses a patient with a rare case of “optimism,” prescribing a ticket to the Scotland vs. Germany match and a can of IRN BRU. The subsequent videos continued this theme, using cheeky innuendos and Scottish humour to depict the spread of optimism among fans. 

The campaign resonated strongly with the audience, sparking widespread social media engagement and reinforcing IRN BRU’s reputation for using signature humour to celebrate Scottish culture.

  1. Women’s Aid: ‘No More Years of Hurt’

While IRN BRU may have capitalised on the humorous side of football, Women’s Aid have skilfully brought attention to its darker side. Their ‘No More Years of Hurt’ campaign, coinciding with the Euros, highlighted the alarming rise in domestic abuse incidents during major football tournaments. 

Building on its previous ‘He’s Coming Home‘ campaign, this initiative uses symbolic football scarves with subverted chants to draw attention to the issue. Research shows domestic abuse increases by 38% when England loses and 26% when they win or draw. 

The campaign aims to bring domestic abuse out of the shadows, using football culture to spark conversations and raise awareness during a time when violence against women is at its peak and support services are underfunded.

  1. British Airways: ‘A British Original’

In 2024, British Airways launched a minimalist campaign that broke away from traditional advertising norms. The campaign featured no logo, slogan, or call to action, elements usually deemed essential in branding. Instead, it focused solely on passengers’ faces as they gazed out of airplane windows, captured in heavily cropped images. 

The striking simplicity of this approach relied entirely on British Airways’ strong brand recognition to convey its message, sparking widespread conversation and debate.

his campaign demonstrated that a bold, less-is-more strategy can effectively capture attention and engage audiences on a deeper emotional level, highlighting the airline’s confidence in its brand identity and its ability to innovate within a competitive industry​​.

Conclusion

The advertising and marketing campaigns of 2024 have so far showcased a variety of creative approaches that have effectively captured audience attention and built strong brand connections. Specsavers’ humorous stunt, and Monzo’s personalised data-driven ads, demonstrated the power of understanding and engaging with specific audiences. 

IRN BRU and Women’s Aid both leveraged the cultural moment of the Euros, albeit with vastly different tones—one celebrating Scottish optimism with humour, the other drawing attention to the serious issue of domestic abuse. British Airways’ minimalist strategy highlighted the strength of brand identity without relying on traditional advertising elements. 

Together, these campaigns illustrate the diverse and effective strategies brands can use to make a lasting impact in a competitive landscape.

(Image: Aidan McNelis / SWNS)

Business

Major housing development plans submitted for Broad Haven

Published

on

PLANS for a development of 76 homes in a Pembrokeshire seaside village have formally been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Millbay Homes, through agent Asbri Planning, seeks permission for the development of 76 homes and associated works on land East of Marine Parade, Broad Haven, near Haverfordwest.

The proposal seeks to build 10 one-bed properties; 20 two-bed, 32 three-bed, 10 four-bed, and four five-bed properties, with Millbay Homes have been liaising with the authority`s housing department about the requirement for affordable housing at the site, the authority favouring a rate of some 34 per cent affordable.

The site itself is allocated for up to 87 residential dwellings.

The applicants say the scheme will “lead to the creation of a high-quality and attractive place to live and will contribute to creating a distinct sense of place”.

A supporting statement adds: “Rather than imposing a rigid, flat layout, the homes are arranged to follow the natural contours of the land, stepping up and down in response to the site’s slopes.

“This approach minimizes the need for extensive excavation and preserves much of the natural landscape. It also ensures that each home has a unique relationship with its surroundings, with most properties benefiting from stunning sea views due to their elevated positions.

“By embracing the site’s topography, the development not only minimises its environmental impact but also creates a visually appealing and varied streetscape that feels integrated into the natural landscape rather than imposed upon it.”

The scheme has been subject to revisions following discussions with planners, moving from an initial increase from 62 to 77 homes, now dropped to 76 to provide an ‘informal open space’ “designed to meet the planners’ request and to offer a communal area where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation in a natural setting”.

The formal pre-application consultation ran up to late January of this year.

The statement stresses: “The proposed residential housing scheme represents a carefully considered response to the village’s architectural heritage, challenging topography, and coastal environment.

“Through a thoughtful, collaborative design process, incorporating comments and feedback from the planning officers and public, the development will create a vibrant, sustainable community that offers diverse housing options, maximises sea views, and integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.”

The application concludes: “The ambition for the site is to create a contemporary development of liveable, affordable homes within Broad Haven which takes advantage of the site’s seaside location, in accordance with the council’s housing allocation within the Local Development Plan. 

“In light of the above, it is concluded that the proposal fully accords with both national and local policies and there are no material considerations which should prevent the planning application from being determined in accordance with the relevant planning policy framework.”

The application will be considered by national park planners at a later date.

Continue Reading

Business

Help to Buy Wales extended – new homes in Haverfordwest available through scheme

Published

on

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has extended the Help to Buy – Wales scheme until September 2026, offering new opportunities for buyers to secure a property at the Augustus Grange development in Haverfordwest with financial assistance.

The scheme enables eligible buyers to purchase a new-build home valued up to £300,000 with just a five per cent deposit. The remaining amount is covered by a 75 per cent mortgage and a 20 per cent shared equity loan, which is interest-free for the first five years.

Five-star housebuilder Lovell Homes, which is delivering the development in partnership with Pobl Group, is encouraging potential buyers to explore the scheme’s benefits. Located off St David’s Road, Augustus Grange comprises 115 two and three-bedroom homes and lies just six miles from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Unlike some support schemes, Help to Buy – Wales is open not only to first-time buyers but also to existing homeowners looking to move.

A number of three-bedroom properties are currently available at the site, including the popular Lambourne and Lansdown designs.

Suzie Hewitt, regional sales director at Lovell Homes, said: “Help to Buy – Wales is a brilliant initiative and we’re delighted that it has been extended to 2026. For many, buying a home is the biggest financial step they’ll take, and this scheme makes that step more accessible.

“We’re offering a range of high-quality homes under £300,000 at Augustus Grange – perfect for first-time buyers, growing families, and those looking to rightsize. We encourage anyone interested to contact our sales team.”

Haverfordwest, the historic county town of Pembrokeshire, offers a mix of heritage and modern amenities. With its 12th-century castle, riverside walks along the Western Cleddau, a selection of shops and restaurants, and good transport links, it’s an attractive location for both families and commuters.

The Augustus Grange marketing suite is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. For further information, visit newhomes.lovell.co.uk/developments/augustus-grange-haverfordwest or call 01437 468024.

Terms and conditions apply. Full details on the Help to Buy – Wales scheme can be found at lovell.co.uk/offers/help-to-buy-wales.

Lovell Homes recently received a Gold award for customer service from In-house Research, with 93.6 per cent of South Wales and West customers saying they would recommend the company to friends and family.

Follow Lovell Homes:

  • Facebook: facebook.com/lovellhomes
  • Instagram: @lovell_homes
  • LinkedIn: @LovellPartnershipsLtd
Continue Reading

Business

Big changes made to major Cosheston solar farm development

Published

on

AMENDMENTS to a previously granted scheme for a south Pembrokeshire solar farm by using higher specification panels which would actually see less land covered have been approved by county planners.

Last year, plans for a nine-megawatt solar farm at West Farm, Cosheston, near Pembroke Dock by James Wallwork of One Planet Developments Limited were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The applicants said the scheme would generate enough power for 2,500 homes.

The scheme was initially recommended for refusal before a later recommendation for approval at last March’s planning committee; the scheme supported by Cosheston Community Council, which said the plans would be a natural rounding-off of the site, with no detrimental impact as it would neighbour the existing solar farm.

A supporting statement, through agent Mango Planning & Development Ltd, said: “The proposed development would contribute circa 9,337,000 KWh of renewable electricity to the local area, which will typically produce enough green electricity a year to power about 2,500 homes.

“The proposed development is for a temporary 40-year timescale and will be fully reinstated at the end of its operational life. There will be no loss of agricultural land.”

After last year’s approval, the applicants had asked for a change of planning conditions.

A supporting statement accompanying the amendment request says: “Subsequent to the grant of consent, the applicant has been advised that the solar panels originally proposed are no longer available. It is necessary, therefore, to substitute these with an alternative type.”

It says the proposed alternative panels would be slightly larger in size but “as a consequence of the improved specification of the proposed panels, a reduced site coverage is required to achieve the originally agreed output,” adding: “In particular, it is not now necessary to provide arrays in the small field at the east of the application site.”

The proposed amendments have been approved by planning officers.

Continue Reading

News11 hours ago

Social care crisis reveals urgent need for funding reform

INCREASING demand, flatlining budgets, and systemic neglect are pushing adult social care to the brink—especially in rural areas like Pembrokeshire....

Crime1 day ago

Paddleboarding boss jailed for ten years after deaths of four in river tragedy

Judge condemns ‘flagrant disregard’ for safety as four families left devastated by tour leader’s fatal failings THE OWNER of a...

Crime1 day ago

Drugs, deaths and drones: Damning report highlights crisis at Parc Prison

NEARLY 900 DRUG FINDS, 17 DEATHS IN A YEAR, AND INMATES LOCKED UP FOR 21 HOURS A DAY A DAMNING...

News2 days ago

Dŵr Cymru loses 251 million litres each day due to leaks

Welsh Lib Dems slam water firms as millions of litres leaked daily WELSH Liberal Democrats have criticised Dŵr Cymru and...

News2 days ago

Search continues for missing sailor in Irish Sea

THE SEARCH for a man who went overboard from a UK-registered yacht in the Irish Sea entered its third day...

News4 days ago

Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tributes pour in for a Pontiff of compassion and reform​

REQUIEM MASSES TO BE HELD ACROSS WALES POPE FRANCIS, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and...

News4 days ago

Search continues for man overboard from UK yacht in Irish Sea

A MAJOR search and rescue operation is under way in the Irish Sea after a man went overboard from a...

Business4 days ago

Calls for urgent sale of Oakwood site amid trespasser fears

CONCERNS have been raised about trespassers entering the closed Oakwood theme park, prompting calls for a swift sale of the...

Crime5 days ago

Reform candidate co-opted to town council — graffiti appears days later

A MAN who recently lost a by-election standing for the Reform UK party has been co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council...

News6 days ago

Body found in tent in Pembrokeshire woodland

Death not believed to be suspicious POLICE are investigating the unexplained death of a man whose body was discovered in...

Popular This Week