It has been a tough year for creative businesses, but Bristol Creative Industries members have achieved many great things in 2025. We wanted to celebrate those achievements and asked the community to tell us what they’ve got up up in the last 12 months plus their plans for 2026. We had a fantastic response from 38 members!

Read what they shared below. Click on the links to find out more about the businesses on their BCI profiles.

Keep up to date with members’ news and successes throughout 2026 via our newsfeed. Not a member and want to share your news on the website? Join today.

——————

Kate Harris, NABS:

NABS’ biggest achievement in 2025 was launching the Yay List, this year’s industry list to be on.

The Yay List, in partnership with Campaign, celebrates the fantastic donors who power NABS’s purpose: to advance the mental wellness of everybody working in adland. This is the first year that we’ve run the Yay List, and our donors joined in enthusiastically, helping us to create a list that has the feelgood factor with a serious message behind it. NABS is funded entirely by the industry alone, and we cannot exist without your support.

Our key ambition for next year is to help even more people, thousands of adlanders come to us each year, by working with the industry to raise funds and awareness of our vital cause.

NABS, Stranger Than Summer, The HAC, London, 5 Jun 2025, Photographer: Bronac McNeill

—————–

Russell Jones, JonesMillbank and Nine Tree Studios:

At the start of 2025 we hosted over 150 screen professionals at Nine Tree Studios – supported by Bristol Creative Industries and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority – eager and trepid to find out what the year had in store.

And that trepidation was founded; it’s been incredibly challenging for everyone.

But we’ve also seen many of those same faces come through our doors, working on everything from TV commercials to podcasts, showcasing the talent that Bristol has to offer.

We’ve hosted and worked on productions for Dyson, ITV, Bolney Wine, Heineken, Uniqlo, MGM and Hasbro amongst many other clients, partners and friends.

Our studio’s birthday party in July saw many of these come together to chew the fat and celebrate.

And so what does 2026 hold?

Probably the same uncertainty, scope creeps, strained budgets and stretched pipelines.

But with it? Also the same creativity, collaboration, resilience and downright graft that’s seen us through 2025, I’m sure.

Merry Christmas everyone!

—————–

David Darke, Atomic Smash:

In 2025, Atomic Smash celebrated its 15th birthday, a huge milestone that gave us space to reflect on how far we’ve come from a 2 person studio to a specialist WordPress team partnering long term with ambitious organisations. Our biggest achievement this year has been deepening those partnerships: helping clients continuously improve their digital products rather than treating websites as one-off projects.

In 2026, our ambition is to push that even further, investing more in wider performance services, growing our team, and measuring our impact not just in launches, but in the real-world results our clients see over time.

—————–

Sarah Dennis, Aer Studios:

This year has been a huge year for Aer Studios, with plenty of exciting developments. As a company we have both grown and grown up, with a newly appointed leadership team driving the future direction of the business. We’ve branched into new sectors, launched the first Aer Venture Studios product and broadened our consultancy credentials with existing and new clients.

A highlight of 2025 was being a key sponsor of the inaugural BTF+ in October, where we continued our partnership with Bristol Creative Industries and TechSpark. Our collaboration at the event with Bristol-based Condense Reality and MyWorld saw the launch of a world-first proof of concept in the form of Pocket Talks, an augmented reality experience that streams live immersive 3D keynotes to your phone.

Next year we want to continue on our mission to deliver positive impact for people and planet through digital experiences. We’re hoping to partner with even more high impact organisations and to collaborate and connect with more people in the creative and tech ecosystem.

—————–

Ben Henry, Novera Coaching:

2025 has been a breakthrough year with the launch of Novera Coaching. After fifteen years in education, stepping into Bristol’s creative community has been so energising, and the perfect place to grow a people-focused coaching practice. Novera now supports entrepreneurs, creatives and career-changers to find clarity, confidence and direction in their next steps.

Joining the Bristol Creative Industries network has been a real highlight. The openness, support and conversations I’ve had this year have shaped Novera more than I expected.

In 2026 I simply aim to deepen these relationships, support more clients through one-to-one coaching and workshops, and contribute to the community where possible. I’m excited to see what we can build together next year!

—————–

Sarah Woodhouse, AMBITIOUS:

Over a year of hard work and dedication earned us our B Corp accreditation in November 2025. This was a defining moment that reflects our commitment to balancing people, planet and profit.

We promoted Laura Lear to Managing Director at a time when we are increasing our leadership in AI and rolled out an ongoing AI training and development programme that equips our team with future-ready skills.

We doubled down on strategic creativity, keeping a laser focus on what our clients need for impact. A core service offering was cemented in 2025 with our content and production team delivering 288 videos as part of strategic campaigns.

The areas we’ve succeeded continue to be our focus for 2026, and we’re launching a client-facing AI visibility service and continuing our investment in ethical AI adoption.

——————

Sarah Morris, Immersive Ideas:

This year has been a proud one for Immersive Ideas. We celebrated our first birthday which still feels a bit mad, and our first international project went live, a family attraction in Dublin called Dream Point, it has since picked up several awards and brought new clients our way which has been a really encouraging end to the year and shows that we are creating brilliant live experiences – which is the goal.

In 2026, I want to focus on steady, sustainable growth, developing new arms of the business, building stronger partnerships with South West creatives, and expanding the internal team; exciting times ahead!

——————

Mustafa Mirreh, Tell ’em Mo:

2025 was a big shift both personally and mentally, which led me to finally make the push into the freelance world. I launched Tell ’em Mo in the summer, built a full-service offering from scratch, and through consistent outreach, networking and positioning, I’ve secured a handful of clients with a growing pipeline heading into 2026.

My biggest wins have been setting up AI-driven systems to improve project delivery, bringing creative value to small businesses and founders, and sharing my wider knowledge and insights with the creative community in the South West.

I’ve laid the foundations and I hope 2026, with a full year of being self-employed, brings more momentum, long-term partnerships and sustainable growth not just for my business, but for everyone in the creative industry.

——————

Robin Worrall, Rednine:

This year has undoubtedly been another tricky one to navigate, but remembering that old keys don’t open new doors pushed me to completely rewrite my own brand story — visually and narratively. It was probably the hardest creative challenge I’ve ever attempted, but also one of the proudest I’ve achieved. It reminded me how important it is to step out of your own way, reconnect with your authentic voice and allow a little vulnerability to shine through.

I’ve seen plenty of worry, concern and hesitation across the creative community and among clients, yet it’s always the bold, tenacious and determined who eventually push through.

These days it takes more effort and resilience just to stay afloat, but the small moments still matter most — the tears of joy (mostly mine), the smiles of relief and the very welcome warm hugs when a team finally finds its true voice again and feels able to express itself with honesty and heart.

——————

Natalie Matti-Brown, Taxi Studio:

This year, we’re most proud of the impact we created for our clients. It’s what we’re known for, and nothing beats working with ambitious partners who back transformational work that drives growth. Our relationships grew even stronger as we deepened category insight and built unforgettable brands together. We moved into our new Bristol studio, which helps us collaborate faster and smarter, and three major new business wins show our approach continues to resonate globally.

Our 2026 resolution: stick to what we love – grow the people who grow the work, open doors for emerging talent, and continue giving back to our clients and the creative community.

——————

Penny Beeston, Beeston Media:

In 2025, we are most proud of strengthening relationships with our science and technology clients, partnering with them to produce highly engaging narratives that connect with audiences and attract investment.

Amongst a raft of fascinating projects, Isambard-AI, the UK’s fastest supercomputer is a major highlight, with its incredible potential to boost national innovation and global standing and generate knock-out case studies.

For 2026, we remain focused on becoming the primary creative partner for a wider range of UK technology leaders who share our vision on the critical role that consistent, inspiring communication plays in propelling the British economy and elevating the research sector worldwide.

Underlying all this is our belief that Bristol is perfectly positioned to fuse its massive talent in the tech and creative industries and truly make magic happen. A huge thank you to the BCI community for being a key player in this. Let’s keep Bristol unique, wonderful, and successful in 2026!

——————

Aggie Wojciechowska, Rocksteady Finance:

This year has been transformational for Rocksteady Finance (formerly CFO for Growth). We have not only continued to work with some amazing clients but also made huge strides in reflecting the business we wish to become. We have rebranded, built a new website, and expanded our team providing strong foundations as we move into 2026.

This time of year, is ideal for reflecting on the year just past and to set plans for the year ahead. Next year we plan to focus on significant growth, supporting more creative, marketing and PR agencies to make their finances work harder and more effectively for them. I won’t be doing it alone, as noted in my latest blog article, setting your plans and finances should be a team sport. We look forward to connecting with you. Click here to join our community and learn more about the world of finance.

——————

Sally Hunt, Floresco Media:

2025 was the year Floresco launched. Since opening our doors in April, we’ve welcomed our first team member, moved into our Bath office, and laid the foundations for a strong start to 2026. And the outlook is already very positive. Our team is expanding again in January – which we can’t wait for – and we’re gearing up to launch a new service that will bring something fresh, creative and strategic to the South West’s already amazing agency landscape. We’re excited to keep building an agency that’s easy and brilliant to work with, and at!

——————

Ben Biddiscombe, Light-up Media:

This year, our biggest achievements at Light-up Media has been maintaining business-as-usual for our clients while increasing revenue and beginning production on our first ever feature film ‘Electio’. Balancing our commercial projects with the demands of long-form storytelling is something we’re incredibly proud of, especially the growth, resilience and creativity it reflects.

In 2026, our ambition is to complete and launch the feature film and continue elevating the quality and impact of the work we produce for our clients. We’re focused on strengthening partnerships within the creative community and pushing our craft even further.

——————

Ben Lowndes, Distinctive Communications:

This year had its challenges, but it also felt like we took some big strides forward and turned heads towards us for the right reasons.

When I set up Distinctive in 2022, I wanted to us to be seen as good employer.

So, it meant a great deal to become the smallest fully accredited member of West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Good Employment Charter earlier this year. Since then, we’ve grown as a team with Heather McKay and Ryan Devlin joining and doing incredible things.

At a time when flexible, inclusive employment is coming under pressure, it’s good to be part of a network that’s keen to make work better.

Looking ahead to next year, my resolution is to find more time to think. Those moments of clarity and inspiration felt fleeting against the daily rush. I’m keen to make time for them. It’s where the growth will come from.

——————

Megan Jervis, social media manager and content creator

After struggling for a couple of years to figure out where I wanted my career to go, I took the plunge to begin my own business in Social Media Management for hospitality establishments, as well as other businesses, and WOW am I glad I did.

I am loving every minute of helping hospitality businesses showcase their incredible food and building businesses’ on social media.

Beginning my business in mid-September, I am so happy that I already have 4 paying clients, with a few more to start in 2026. Every week I am building on my skills, as a social media manager, a content creator and a business owner (the last bit is the hardest – no one teaches you how to do everything by yourself!!).

A year ago I never would have imagined this is how I would be ending 2025. I have loads of ideas of where this could go, and I can’t wait to see where I will be in 5+ years time.

——————

Andy Boreham, Bristol Beacon:

In 2025 Bristol Beacon celebrated a second year of re-opening in which they welcomed 500,000 visitors to 789 events including 42 conferences and significant festivals like BBC Proms and Simple Things. As the West of England’s music hub lead organisation, Bristol Beacon delivered 59,000 music lessons and ran 296 workshops with early years, families, elders and community groups, and supported 270+ emerging artists, creatives and industry professionals through networking, events and 1-1 support. And audiences are having a blast, with an average rating of 4.6/5 for the year.

Next year, the Beacon looks forward to building on the foundations of the success of the first two years of opening, playing host to major tours by the likes of Lily Allen, Suede and Bristol’s own Tricky, the return of BBC Proms for a third year, and the launch of major new projects that will grow new skills and deepen musical connection between communities across the West of England.

——————

Rob Wilde, Varn:

——————

Victoria Hockley, Loom Digital:

Loom Digital’s biggest achievement this year has been welcoming 22 new clients. Even in a tricky economic climate, their trust reflects a wider shift – businesses are turning to digital expertise to navigate a fast-moving landscape and make sense of constant change.

This growth is a testament to the team at Loom. Our commitment to learning, adapting and collaborating has helped clients cut through an increasingly competitive space; where in-house specialists, freelancers, agencies and AI all vie for attention. Our strength lies in listening carefully to each business’s challenges and applying the right expertise to move our client’s forward.

We’re also equally proud of the type of organisations we’ve partnered with this year, including fellow B Corps and value-aligned brands.

For 2026, our focus is clear: deepen partnerships, continue raising the bar on digital expertise and champion sustainable, measurable growth for every client.

——————

Jonathon Galvin-Wright, Burleigh Design:

A ‘Bristol original’ is back…

2025 has been a huge year for Burleigh, and picking one standout achievement feels impossible. We completed a major restructure, with me joining Fraser Ebbs as a shareholder and director. We refreshed our positioning and reclaimed our heritage as Bristol’s oldest design agency, established in 1895. We reshaped our offer and have built an agile, experienced team that we think reflects how clients genuinely want to work today. We even brought the business back to Bristol, and somehow managed to keep delivering great client work throughout all this change.

Looking ahead to 2026, our ambitions are simple: build on what we’ve (re!) started, meet new clients who genuinely align with what we do and make sure Burleigh is a place where good people can do their best work – and enjoy doing it.

——————

Ralph Mann, Purple Heron:

2025 was my year of ‘the other AI’- embracing ancient, artistic intelligence with pen and paper to visualise transformation. I crafted large graphic recordings for global engineering firms like Bristol’s GKN Aerospace. In 2026, I’m looking forward to growing visual facilitation workshops, unlocking creativity in teams.

Photography by Chris Cooper / ShotAway / www.ShotAway.com / #shotawaydotcom

——————

Danie Stincombe, Gather Round:

It’s been a tough year in creative industries and we’ve had some challenging times but we’ve also had some big achievements at Gather Round.

In March, we opened our third coworking space for creatives, Trinity, in central Bath (on Queen Square). Launching with 80 members signed up, a community from day one.

We won a Sparkles Award for our series of free events for the local creative community – Gather Round Presents (the next one is on 22nd January so watch this space!).

But more importantly our creative community has thrived. We’ve seen members collabing at each location every week. Some are one off projects and others are long term partnerships still flourishing today.

In 2026 we have even more exciting new ‘members only’ events coming up plus our Gather Round Presents series continues for its third year running. Sign up to our newsletter for an invite to our free events.

——————

Leigh-Ann Hewer, Carnsight Communications:

We were so excited to have won the Agency Award at this year’s Creative Bath Awards! This recognition means so much to us because it comes from the incredible creative community that we’re so proud to be part of. It’s a real honour to see our work and dedication acknowledged among such inspiring talent. Moments like these remind us why we love what we do and motivate us to keep pushing boundaries for our clients.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, we’ve already started preparations for a major milestone: our 10-year anniversary celebration next year! It’s hard to believe a decade has flown by, and we can’t wait to mark the occasion with our amazing team, clients, and supporters.

——————

Alex Pilkington, Mostly Media:

This year at Mostly Media I am most proud of our winning some pretty major media accounts, especially Truespeed and Ecotricity. It has been a good momentum for the business, and it says a lot that we have been able to keep building the team during a tough economic period.

About Bristol Creative Industries

Bristol Creative Industries is the membership network that supports the region's creative sector to learn, grow and connect, driven by the common belief that we can achieve more collectively than alone.