Havas Media Network UK (HMN UK) has expanded its Havas Boost programme which aims to drive meaningful change in the third sector, across media industry talent and entrepreneurship.
The agency-run programme has also relocated to Manchester, bringing it closer to the communities it aims to impact.
HMN’s in-house design and marketing team has created an OOH and digital advertising campaign to promote the relocation, which will be live for two weeks across key Manchester locations, including Piccadilly Gateway, Manchester One, Piccadilly Gardens and Printworks.
Havas Boost was initially launched in 2021 to support entrepreneurs from less advantaged communities across the UK.
The expanded programme now features three distinct streams. Boost Business supports two- or three-year-old businesses with a demonstrable purpose beyond profit and was founded by people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, while Boost Talent supports underrepresented talent in the media and advertising industry through 15 six-month-long mentorship placements.
Finally, Boost Charity, which is launching in 2025, will support charities with masterclasses to help local charities build on their media skills, reach and knowledge.
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The Boost Business stream will involve a Dragon’s Den-style judging panel with local talent from the North West, with the winner benefiting from £150k in support.
“Around a fifth of the UK’s advertising workforce works out of London and sometimes it can feel the economy is similarly lopsided,” said James Reddington, joint-general manager, Havas Media Manchester.
“The advertising industry has a privileged position as a key growth driver of the whole UK economy, which means we have a responsibility to be the sea that lifts all boats. Our evolution and expansion of Havas Boost are part of our commitment to drive meaningful change within and outside our industry.”
The expanded Havas Boost programme is supported by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Media Trust.
HMN’s promotional campaign uses its AI-powered marketing engagement platform, Converged, to identify and target the most relevant audiences.
Some £150,000 of media space has been donated to the campaign by JCDecaux, Ocean Outdoor, MiQ, Teads, Loop Me, Reach, Clear Channel and Limited Space.
