I'm on holiday in the lakes right now. Have to say, I'm quite impressed by Stagecoach's Lakes Connection branding - because they're actually putting a bit of effort into it.

Been to Bowness and saw this (sold already)

and in one of the shops, they had a stack of timetables (and when I say a stack, I mean a big crate about 4 feet high). The buses have a nice livery (and it is actually a livery, not just beachball but in a different colour, even though it is based on beachball. I notice they've updated the logo on it so i assume they're continuing with it - at least for now). Also, looked through the timetable leaflet I picked up - don't see any cheesy slogans (although it lists tickets, but directs you to a QR code for the prices - hmm), and the "Lakes Connection" name makes sense.

They say first impressions count - the bus service through the village I was expecting to be a Solo; cue me quite surprised when a branded E400 came through, making me look the route up myself. Want to do it myself (if I get the chance to is another question). I've not had that feeling from GNE (although is that because I'm from the area and know the network anyway?).