Year 12 Students Visit Hunter Lodge Advertising Agency

A group of 12 Year 12 students embarked on an exciting trip to Hunter Lodge Advertising Agency in Rickmansworth. The day was designed to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of advertising and brand management, providing them with a hands-on opportunity to develop their own creative solutions for a major brand challenge. Advertising Unlocked is an initiative run by the IPA (Institute of Practising Advertisers) which encourages advertising agencies like Hunterlodge to open their doors to students to learn more about the industry.

Upon arrival, students were welcomed by the agency’s team and had the chance to hear from different departments about their role in crafting and communicating brand identities. Account management, Content creation, Finance and Creative teams each shared valuable insights into how they collaborate to build campaigns. The discussions allowed students to see the many facets of the advertising industry, from the strategic planning that underpins brand campaigns to the creative execution.

The highlight of the day came after these sessions, when students were given the challenge of competing against two other schools – Rickmansworth School and Royal Masonic School – in a brand revitalisation competition. The task? To create a comprehensive marketing strategy for the struggling TGI Fridays brand, using a budget of £10 million to breathe new life into the iconic restaurant chain.

In a race against the clock, students were given just two hours to develop a seven-minute presentation, outlining their ideas for how to revamp TGI Fridays’ image and attract a fresh audience. The teams dove into brainstorming sessions, strategizing how to use the budget effectively and create a compelling narrative for the brand.

St. Clement Danes School’s team stood out with their bold and innovative approach: rebranding TGI Fridays as the ultimate couples’ destination. Their idea focused on tapping into the growing trend of dating apps and offering a unique, fun experience for couples. They proposed themed nights, couple-focused cocktails, and targeted advertising during dating-related TV shows, creating an experience that would make TGI Fridays the go-to spot for modern couples.

Although St. Clement Danes delivered a compelling and imaginative presentation, the competition was fierce, and they were narrowly pipped at the post by Rickmansworth School, who took home the trophy. Despite not winning, St. Clement Danes students gained valuable experience and feedback from industry professionals, as well as an opportunity to collaborate with peers from other schools.

A huge thanks to the team at Hunter Lodge for the superb organisation and the time given up to provide such a fantastic and memorable educational experience.

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