INN8 Invest

INN8 Invest logo

Case Study: INN8 Invest – Redefining the Role of a DFM

Client Overview

INN8 Invest is a Discretionary Fund Manager (DFM) that empowers financial advisers with innovative investment solutions tailored to their clients’ needs. Originally conceived as part of STANLIB Multi-Manager, the challenge was to define its role in advice practices and craft a compelling proposition that would resonate with the market.

The Challenge

The journey began with a brief to assess the need for, and role of, a DFM in advice practices. Initial research revealed that while there was demand, advisers sought a brand that felt independent from STANLIB, free from legacy associations, and focused entirely on meeting their needs. This insight transformed the project into a comprehensive reimagining of the brand—leading to the creation of INN8 Invest.

Our Approach

From research to strategy, narrative, and execution, this project was about building not just a brand, but a trusted partner for financial advisers.

Research and Insights

  • Conducted in-depth research with financial advisers to understand their needs, challenges, and perceptions of DFMs.
  • Analysed the competitive landscape to identify gaps and opportunities for differentiation.
  • Uncovered key insights that shaped the brand’s direction: advisers wanted independence, transparency, and solutions that truly supported their practices.

Brand Strategy and Value Proposition

  • Defined INN8 Invest’s value proposition around simplicity, independence, and partnership. The brand would offer tailored, high-quality investment solutions designed to make advisers’ lives easier and help their clients succeed.
  • Positioned INN8 Invest as a partner, not just a provider—one that deeply understood the adviser’s role and was committed to supporting their success.

Brand Creation

  • Crafted the INN8 Invest brand from the ground up, ensuring it reflected independence from STANLIB while maintaining credibility and trust.
  • Developed the brand’s narrative, messaging, and core values, positioning it as a forward-thinking, client-centric DFM.

Go-to-Market Strategy

  • Designed and executed a comprehensive marketing strategy to introduce INN8 Invest to the market.
  • Created campaigns, collateral, and digital assets to communicate the brand’s unique value proposition across multiple channels.
  • Supported the launch with thought leadership content and adviser-focused events to build trust and engagement.

Ongoing Marketing and Communication

  • Continued to manage INN8 Invest’s marketing and communications, ensuring the brand remains top-of-mind for advisers.
  • Regularly refined the narrative and messaging to stay aligned with market trends and adviser needs.

Results

  • Market Leadership: INN8 Invest has grown into one of South Africa’s leading DFMs, recognised for its innovative solutions and adviser-centric approach.
  • Industry Recognition: The brand has won multiple Citywire awards, cementing its reputation for excellence.
  • Sustained Growth: INN8 Invest has achieved significant growth in assets under management, reflecting its strong market position and trusted reputation.
  • Ongoing Impact: The brand continues to evolve and thrive, supported by strategic marketing and communication efforts that keep it relevant and impactful.

Conclusion
The creation of INN8 Invest was about more than building a brand—it was about redefining what a DFM could be. By listening to advisers and crafting a proposition that truly met their needs, we helped establish INN8 Invest as a trusted partner and a market leader. For us, this wasn’t just a project—it was about creating a brand that stands for something meaningful, and we’re proud to continue supporting INN8 Invest on its journey

 

Edward Snell

Edward Snell Logo

Q: How do you bring an internal publication to life both in print and digitally?

Process:

When a design overhaul for Edward Snell’s internal newsletter was required in 2016, we set out to create a new magazine format to be enjoyed by all staff and dealers. We shot new product images and engaged with brand managers to gain clear directive for each brand section within the magazine. As a result, we created an exciting new visual and language style that would keep readers engaged.

Outcome:

The outcome was an ecstatic client as well as each brand ambassador really seeing and feeling their brand come alive. The internal vibe and cohesion was invaluable.

SOS Oil

SOS Oil Logo

Q. After change of ownership, how do you create a new brand which needed to reflect the new, positive direction?

Process:

We become the effective in-house marketing team for the company, and undertook an audit and research process on local and global competitors and benchmarks, working towards a major brand refresh in line with their vision and values. We worked with them to define their product range and created marketing and communication campaigns aimed at the distribution channels we identified.

Our work with SOS Oil included, among others:

  • Development of strategic launch communication plan
  • Implementation across all collateral including signage, product labelling, website build and evolution
  • Marketing collateral
  • Outcome:

This evolution of the brand positioned S.O.S. Oil as leaders in the oil and lubricants market, and opened the door to greater things as they have been appointed an Authorised Total Distributor in South Africa. Quazar is proud to have played a part in this South African success story.

Dryve

Dryve banner

Q: How do you build a new brand and stand apart from your competitors in a busy automotive industry?

Process:

Quazar worked on the business strategy and marketing strategy for Dryve. Intense audit and research was conducted, which saw us develop the name, brand identity and extend to all collateral, as well as define a clear route to market. Our digital team also built the application/system.

Outcome:

The Dryve plan is an alternative motor servicing plan that helps you budget with ease for future vehicle expenses. The product was a huge success in the market and gained traction across the field

CSL

CSL PAY logo

Q. How to refresh an international brand across inter-continental audiences?

Process:

Quazar worked on the CSL rebrand, corporate identity and website design.

Outcome:

The new brand was executed across various elements, and was followed by the design and build of the CSL Pay website.

Finance Africa

Q. How to position a niche player in the financial services market?

Process:

Quazar worked on the brand development for Finance Africa – we conducted an audit and research process, which saw us conducting KPI’s, doing a competitive and benchmark audit, environmental and collateral review, business and product strategy document review and client interviews,

Outcome:

The research set the scene for brand development and execution of the brand to primary elements. We also worked on a go-to-market strategy and plan and a social media plan.

Bowmans Grad Campaign

Banners with logo

Case Study: Bowmans Grad Campaign – Recruit the best and stand out from the crowd!

Challenge

In the flooded environment of university life, Bowmans strive to recruit and retain the brightest, sharpest and company-fitting talent that is on track to enter the world of actually working in a law firm. The challenge was to create a new, vibrant and positive approach to the graduate recruitment drive that would give Bowmans a solid and interesting foothold, creating genuine interest and attraction to the students – both on campus and off.

Approach

1. Be different, stand out!: 

Our approach was simple, create a new fresh visual signature for the grad campaign that not only puts the people in the middle of the communication, but using actual candidate attorneys that have already gone the previous recruitment with Bowmans and were successfully hired, we show the value of knowing through various visual scenarios and strong, simple messaging.

2. Modern Visual Identity: 

The doorway to success and a positive career was how we decided to create the identity – showing an actual doorway from past to present, highlighting candidates from all walks of life through Africa, indicating that by joining Bowmans, this really is the next step for a future career.

3. Digital Integration: 

Social media is king with university students, so we opted for a highly optimised social media presence which could highlight key messaging, show real-time on-campus events and create genuine interest around the grad campaign offering. With high turnover and interaction, both with students and Bowmans employees, KNOWING really is about growth!

Results

One year into the campaign, the results have been extremely encouraging.

Bowmans

Bowmans case study header

Case Study: Bowmans – Refreshing Africa’s Pre-eminent Law Firm

Client Overview

Bowmans is one of Africa’s leading law firms, renowned for delivering exceptional legal services across the continent. With a presence in multiple countries and a diverse client base, Bowmans needed a refreshed brand strategy to strengthen its position as Africa’s pre-eminent law firm.

The Challenge

Bowmans approached us with a need to revitalise their brand and develop a cohesive strategy that would resonate across Africa’s diverse markets. Beyond the brand refresh, the firm’s website—a massive, content-rich platform—required a complete rebuild to enhance usability and support their multifaceted services. Additionally, Bowmans sought creative support for their graduate programme and key sectors to ensure consistency and impact across all touchpoints.

Our Approach

We took a holistic approach to reposition Bowmans, combining strategic insight with creative excellence to elevate the brand across Africa.

Brand Strategy and Refresh

  • Conducted in-depth research to understand Bowmans’ market position, strengths, and opportunities across Africa.
  • Developed a brand strategy that highlighted Bowmans’ commitment to excellence, innovation, and local expertise within a pan-African context.
  • Refined the brand’s messaging to resonate with a diverse audience, from high-profile clients to aspiring graduates.

Website Rebuild

  • Reimagined Bowmans’ website to improve user experience, streamline navigation, and showcase their vast library of content.
  • Designed the site to reflect the firm’s professionalism and modern approach, incorporating a clean, intuitive layout with responsive functionality for all devices.
  • Created tailored sections highlighting their graduate programme, key sectors, and regional expertise, ensuring every visitor could easily access relevant information.

Creative Review and Sector Support

  • Supported Bowmans’ various sectors and services with creative strategies aligned with the refreshed brand identity.
  • Provided tailored solutions for their graduate programme, including design and messaging to attract top talent across Africa.
  • Delivered consistent creative materials that reinforced Bowmans’ position as a trusted, innovative leader in African legal services.

Results

  • Brand Elevation: Bowmans’ refreshed brand strategy strengthened its position as Africa’s leading law firm, resonating with clients, stakeholders, and future talent across the continent.
  • Digital Transformation: The rebuilt website provided an enhanced user experience, simplifying access to content and services while reflecting the firm’s modern, professional identity.
  • Graduate Programme Success: The creative overhaul of the graduate programme helped Bowmans attract top-tier talent, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for aspiring legal professionals.
  • Consistency Across Touchpoints: The creative review ensured all communications and materials aligned seamlessly with the refreshed brand, creating a cohesive and impactful presence.

Conclusion

Working with Bowmans was about more than refreshing a brand—it was about reinforcing their legacy and setting the stage for future growth. From redefining their brand strategy to transforming their digital presence, we helped Bowmans tell a story that resonates across Africa. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to creating work that’s not just effective but personal, purposeful, and built to last.

Bowmans Graduate Programme

Bowmans Graduate Programme

Lorum que ducidi dolut licid ut iditatior aut audae. Nam venime voloreptas et audis destect assequam, occus sime pos si dolentibus sum ex et quo cuptis nist offic tem re veribusam, volupit.

Credo

Credo Website

Q. How to refresh an established, well-loved financial services brand?

Process:

Quazar worked on the primary brand development and execution to primary elements. We worked on the proposition narrative where we defined the proposition and target market definition. Alongside this we worked on the website design and development of the user journeys and wireframes. Quazar also worked on the go-to-market strategy and plan. We conducted a Vision and Values workshop in the UK with Senior executives.

Outcome:

The interactive sessions resulted in collectively defining Credo’s vision and values, and reinvented the brand, executing through all their channels and elements.