Swindon bus company, Thamesdown Transport, has kick-started its image with an all new look and feel to its leaflets, advertising and posters. The refreshed identity comes thanks to a contract with leading local design and marketing consultancy, Elevation, and PR and editorial photography company, Professional Images.

"We're delighted Thamesdown Transport awarded us with the contract," said Sam Allen, Managing Director of Elevation. "As the previous literature was a little inconsistent, we recommended a complete image overhaul that reflected the local people and locations across Swindon and Wiltshire."

Sam and Simon Apps, Professional Images' Managing Director, hired professional models to dress as different passengers on a full-day photo shoot. "We wanted each character to represent the various passengers that would use the bus services," said Sam. "From a new mother with baby through to a businessman in a suit, we've successfully communicated the fact that the bus services are excellent and there to be used by everyone."

The project began when Thamesdown Transport called on Professional Images to photograph its new range of environmentally friendly low-emission Wrightbus/Scania buses. "It soon became clear that the company wanted to relaunch its local publicity," said Simon. "As a working partner to Elevation, we worked together to arrange studio and location shoots. The result is a cost-effective and high-quality photo library that Thamesdown Transport can use across its literature."

Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of Thamesdown Transport, is delighted with the outcome. "We couldn't be happier with Simon's photography and the way Sam has blended our house style with new colour themes for each of our offerings," he said. "It sets the right tone for our company, tells passengers exactly what they need to know, and helps people envisage themselves using our services."

Many of Elevation's clients are based in Swindon but have a national presence. Since launching just over four years ago, the agency has established relationships with local organisations including Bloor Homes, Accord Office Supplies, Wise Employment, the North Swindon Development Company and Basepoint Business Centres. Sam believes each chooses Elevation for the company's ability to provide marketing communications solutions at a local and national level.

"Our clients appreciate the fact that we're right on their doorstep. So if they have an urgent requirement or want to discuss their plans, we can arrive at their offices in a matter of minutes."

Accord Office Supplies is a leading local company that has used Elevation's services from day one. Tabitha Penny, Accord's marketing manager, said that with Elevation at their side, they've never had reason to approach expensive city agencies for design services. "We have a large mix of requirements including mailers, posters, exhibition stands, signage, customer promotions and email marketing," she said. "There's nothing that Elevation can't do. Whatever we ask them to provide, they listen and respond quickly with creative solutions that always hit the mark."

Elevation has enhanced its green credentials by becoming a 'CarbonZero' company. The team recently commissioned co2balance.com to help the company redress its carbon dioxide emissions through a major tree-planting scheme.