Bringing Ordnance Survey to life for a modern audience

Ordnance Survey is the UK’s national mapping agency. Known primarily for their iconic printed maps, they’re also a data powerhouse, using their mapping data to plan smart cities, help the emergency services, and support over £100 billion of the economy. Because of their military and government history, they’re sometimes perceived as being a bit old-fashioned, so they wanted to dispel that myth, and encourage the right talent to join them, by showing that there’s more to them than maps. Approach Getting to know their values and culture, and writing a careers pack. I visited their head office in Southampton where they gave me a tour and introduced me to their business and how they work. They also gave me a raft of information, covering their 225+ year history, company values, culture and benefits package. I then boiled everything down into short copy, with snappy headlines, for a series of printed cards, which they hand out at careers fairs and give to new starters. The cards are designed to be modular, so that their careers team can customise their recruitment and new employee packs according to the needs of the people they give them to. Result A recruitment pack the client is delighted with. "Love the copy. I like the approach in what you sent — it’s also light on copy as requested. I would love to work with you again." Nic Hamilton, Head of Content, Ordnance Survey