Stockton-on-Tees has a wealth of economic, social and environmental assets, alongside ambitious plans for future growth. However, the Borough has arguably suffered from outdated perceptions and lacks a brand recognition that reflects the identity of its people and place.

The place brand needed to attract more people to live and work in Stockton-on-Tees, as well as generate investment and, of course, entice visitors to this wonderful borough. Yet more importantly, it all needed to start with building a sense of civic pride and confidence. A celebration of local people, businesses and the uniqueness of Stockton-on-Tees.

Over a year, we worked with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on an extensive engagement period to understand what sets the people and place apart from other boroughs. It’s this collaboration of listening to the people of Stockton throughout the whole branding process that helped us to get to the heart of what makes this place so special. And what we heard continuously is that it’s the people that make Stockton-on-Tees.

The visual identity was heavily influenced by the river, the beating heart of the borough. The river is the connection between towns, places and people. It links everything together, it helps people geographically locate Stockton-on-Tees and sells one of its best features.

A suite of logos was created to illustrate the diversity and ambition of the area. With visual cues taken directly from the environment – be it the bolts from a bridge, the slope of a roof or the smile of a local – a uniquely Stockton-on-Tees identity was born. These elements also contributed to the graphic wallpaper, adding energy and dynamism to the designs.

The stamp version of the logo was a modern twist on the old cast iron railway plate signage, a feature on many of the bridges in the area.

The colour palette represents the three key themes of the area. The river, the friendliness of its people and innovation. The strength in this colour palette is its flexibility, from a selection of rainbow colours to grab attention to something more subdued when something sophisticated is called for.

A tone of voice for Stockton-on-Tees reflected a modest pride in the past and optimism for the future. There’s a sense of ‘if you know, you know’. There’s a can-do attitude, a spirit, a unique outlook. The people, the place, culture, identity, innovation and regeneration. It’s all made here in Stockton-on-Tees.

It leads with the line: STOCKTON-ON-TEES. MADE HERE.

This has the flexibility to be used across a whole range of ideas, activities and themes…

FUTURES. MADE HERE.
LIVES. MADE HERE.
PEOPLE. MADE HERE.
CULTURE. MADE HERE.

… and so on.

And everything was backed up with a fact, a story or quote. It’s not just about telling people what Stockton-on-Tees has to offer, it’s about showing them.

The photography features people. But it's people in action as a way of capturing their energy, ambitions and personal stories. We commissioned photographer Bec Hughes to help us capture these stories and energy of the borough through shots of people, place and texture.