OXFORD BUS COMPANY LAUNCH BRAND THE BUS COMPETITION WINNING DOUBLE-DECKER

The Oxford Bus Company has launched its latest eye-catching bus backing good local causes, with a double-decker wrapped in Home-Start Oxfordshire branding.

A double-decker has been transformed into the bright colours of Home-Start Oxfordshire, after the good cause won the latest ‘Brand the Bus’ competition. The Home-Start bus which has hit the streets will be used across various City services, to help spread its message as widely as possible. Oxford Bus Company has previously backed Oxford Pride, Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group and GirlGuiding Oxfordshire with new liveries for buses.

Home-Start Oxfordshire won Oxford Bus Company’s keenly contested Brand the Bus competition to win the unique opportunity to have a bus decked out in its own branding. Home-Start’s trained volunteers and expert support helps families with young children through their challenging times. Home-Start Oxfordshire offers one-to-one help in the home, on the phone, and in groups for parents who may be feeling overwhelmed or isolated in those crucial early years.

It was selected by a judging panel from a top ten group of good causes which had earned the most public votes from 32 original entries. Home-Start Oxfordshire worked with Oxford Bus Company to design the bus wrap.

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “The bus looks fantastic and we’re proud to support such a vital good cause in our community. In the current climate Home-Start Oxfordshire’s services will undoubtedly be even more important and we hope the bus will help raise awareness of its vital work.”

Katharine Barber, Home-Start Oxford Chief Executive said: "The bus looks amazing and will help spread the word about the vital support Home-Start offers to families and young children across Oxfordshire. The COVID-19 crisis has been tough for families, but it has also been tough for companies, so we are especially grateful to Oxford Bus Company for maintaining their support through Brand the Bus. This beautiful bus will help us raise awareness of the volunteering opportunities we offer and help raise much needed funds, and that means we will be able to provide a lifeline to more children and families. Thank you, Oxford Bus Company."

Oxford Hub and Yellow Submarine were highly commended by the judging panel, which included an external partner. Some 6,130 members of the public voted for the good causes that entered the competition.

Mr Southall added: “The Brand the Bus competition continues to highlight the fact there are so many good causes in Oxfordshire and we’re looking forward to launching this year’s contest soon.”