Branding Archives | Bristol Creative Industries

Being part of the Bristol Creatives community let’s explore how Business Leaders and HR can build a future-proof benefits strategy to stand out in the crowd.

In 2025, Business Leaders and HR Teams face a perfect storm of rising costs, shifting employee expectations, and global complexities. More than ever, benefits are a critical lever for your company’s success. Looking through the latest research alongside my day-to-day experiences I am witnessing some of the key trends that are reshaping the benefits landscape. It’s these insights that can help build a benefits package that really sticks the landing in 2025.

Despite many companies identifying employee engagement as their top priority in 2024, only a handful truly offered full flexibility in their benefits packages along with disjointed platforms further exacerbating this issue. Employees still struggle to find what they really need, reducing the perceived value of their benefits.

Companies can boost engagement by implementing flexibly of benefits and improving communication. Flexible allowances empower employees to spend on the benefits that matter most to them, while regular touchpoints ensure that they know what benefits are available to them.

But there’s another challenge. Most organisations don’t even have the data they need to make improvements. Without clear metrics, Business Leaders and HR teams are left guessing at what’s working and what’s not, making it harder to optimise benefits for engagement and retention.

If large enough (if you know…you’ll know!), employers should consider implementing a centralised benefits platform to simplify access and improve communication. Companies should also track key engagement metrics like utilisation rates and employee satisfaction to ensure their benefits are making an impact.

In 2024, organisations reallocated their budgets to prioritise foundational (or Core) benefits such as medical and life insurance. This shift was largely driven by soaring healthcare costs and NHS waiting lists.

But focusing solely on reactive interventions without addressing preventative measures risks perpetuating the cycle of rising costs and declining health outcomes.

Companies should hold off on completely cutting wellbeing spend and instead pair foundational benefits with preventative wellness initiatives. Low-cost strategies like workplace wellness programs, ergonomic assessments, and access to digital wellbeing tools can reduce long-term healthcare expenses while boosting employee satisfaction. Just ask fellow member Nairn Robertson of Active Teams fame!

With employer healthcare costs reportedly increasing by up to 150% in some regions, benefits leaders are under growing pressure to rethink their approach. More organisations are shifting toward hybrid models that combine traditional insurance with preventative care, such as epigenetic testing, mental health support, and lifestyle coaching. Taking a proactive stance on employee health isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.

Despite dominating much of the conversation in previous years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations remain underrepresented in benefits strategies. While initiatives like electric vehicle schemes are gaining traction, the broader social aspects of ESG—such as inclusivity and equity—are often overlooked.

But the winds are due to change. Generation Z highly value sustainability and inclusivity. Organisations that fail to align their benefits with these principles risk losing talent to competitors who demonstrate stronger commitments. Flexible bank holidays, DEI-focused initiatives, and sustainable benefits can enhance your employer brand and meet the expectations of a values-driven workforce.

Companies that integrate social responsibility into their benefits—whether through inclusive healthcare policies, sustainable investment options, or support for underrepresented groups—will gain a significant competitive edge. Employers should go beyond surface-level ESG efforts and embed these principles into their benefits programs.

So, what is the future of benefits? It’s clear…evolve and adapt or risk falling from behind. The data is clear: Business Leaders and HR who take a proactive, data-driven approach will lead the way in 2025. Flexibility, innovative tech, and ESG-aligned benefits aren’t just trends—they’re the new standard for a competitive, future-proof benefits strategy. Companies that embrace this shift will build stronger, more engaged workforces, while those that stick to outdated benefits risk losing top talent. The good news? With the right tools and insights, you can take control of your benefits strategy and turn it into a true driver of success.

Bristol-based design studio Rhombus, recently certified as a B Corp, is marking its first B Corp Month by offering free brand strategy workshops to UK-based B Corps. They aim to help purpose-driven businesses refine their messaging, strengthen market positioning, and amplify their impact.

Helping B Corps Strengthen Their Brands

As more businesses seek to balance profit with purpose, the need for a clear and compelling brand strategy has never been greater. Rhombus’ workshops provide a tailored approach to branding, helping organisations sharpen their identity and communicate their values effectively.

The free sessions are designed to give businesses actionable insights, covering:

“B Corps are founded on the idea of using business as a force for good, but without a strong brand strategy, even the most impactful missions can struggle to reach the right audiences,” said Simon Day, co-founder of Rhombus. “We want to help fellow B Corps define their vision with clarity and confidence.”

Limited Spots Available

Rhombus is offering just 10 workshops throughout B Corp Month, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses that secure a session will benefit from a two-hour deep dive into their brand strategy, with expert guidance tailored to their specific needs and challenges.

Participants will leave with clearer positioning, refined messaging, and a stronger understanding of how to leverage their brand to drive meaningful change. The workshops are completely free, with no obligations attached, reinforcing Rhombus’ commitment to supporting businesses that share its values.

Why Strong Branding Matters for B Corps

With the growing prominence of ethical business, B Corps operate in an increasingly competitive landscape. A strong brand strategy is crucial for:

By offering these workshops, Rhombus is equipping B Corps with the tools they need to strengthen their presence and create a lasting impact.

How to Apply

Rhombus remains committed to supporting purpose-driven organisations, proving that strong branding can be a powerful driver of positive change.

Why a Business Should Consider Creating a Brand Film

Understanding the Brand Film Production Process

The creation of a brand film unfolds in three essential stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. The pre-production phase presents the opportunity to dive deep into understanding a brand’s vision and goals. This is a time to brainstorm ideas, develop scripts, and plan every detail – from casting talent to location scouting- ensuring everything aligns perfectly with the brand message. Moving into the production stage, it becomes all about bringing those ideas to life, capturing stunning visuals and audio that resonate with the brand’s audience. Finally, comes the post-production stage; this involves editing the footage, adding sound design and visual effects that elevate the brand’s story. By following this structured approach to brand film production, you can create captivating content whilst ensuring it effectively conveys your unique narrative to your target audience.

The Key Factors That Influence the Timeline for Your Brand Film

When it comes to managing a project, several key factors come into play that can significantly influence the outcome. First and foremost, establishing a clear project scope is crucial; it sets the foundation for what needs to be achieved and helps keep everyone aligned. Client feedback loops are equally important, as they ensure that things are on the right track and allow for adjustments based on insights. Changes in creative direction can sometimes arise, but with open communication and flexibility, an experienced production company will be able to adapt while still meeting deadlines. Additionally, resource availability plays a vital role in planning – knowing what tools and talent are out there enables an effective execution of the creative vision. Lastly, logistics around filming locations shouldn’t be overlooked; coordinating these details early on helps avoid potential hiccups later in the process. Keeping all these elements in check, enables a smooth workflow that leads to great results for clients while fostering a collaborative environment that inspires creativity.

Breaking Down Each Stage: Pre-Production to Post-Production

There are several key steps to bringing a brand film to life. It all starts with scripting and storyboarding, working closely with a brand to craft a compelling and memorable narrative. Once the script is locked down, the next phase is finding the perfect faces and voices that embody your brand’s essence. Seeking out settings that enhance your story and create an authentic backdrop for your brand film shouldn’t be underestimated. Filming days can be scheduled, dedicated to capturing every important moment and making sure everything aligns with the creative vision. After shooting, the editing process usually begins – this is where the footage is carefully pieced together to create a polished final cut that genuinely reflects your brand’s message. Each step of this process is designed to tell a brand’s unique story in a way that connects, captivates and engages viewers.

The Importance of Collaboration

In terms of brand film creation, the average turnaround time can vary significantly based on the project’s scope and complexity. Typically, a quick turnaround project might take anywhere from a few weeks to a month, allowing brands to get their message out swiftly without sacrificing quality. However, for those looking for something more comprehensive – complete with detailed storytelling and high production values – the process could extend to several months. This is where understanding your goals becomes crucial; knowing whether you need a rapid response or an in-depth exploration can help streamline the approach. We’ve had clients who opted for both styles: one brand needed a lively promotional video in just two weeks for an upcoming event, while another invested several months into crafting an intricate narrative that highlighted their mission and values through animated storytelling. Ultimately, whether you’re seeking speed or depth in your brand film creation, we can help guide you through each stage.

Ready to Create Your Brand Film? Start Planning Today.

saintnicks have been appointed by Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK (MPCUK), a leader in innovative writing instruments, to handle its POSCA and uni-ball brands.

Together, both MPCUK and saintnicks will harness the power of storytelling and dynamic creative content to bring MPCUK’s uni-ball and POSCA brands closer to its customers.

Through a series of innovative campaigns and brand activations, we will be reinforcing the brands’ trusted reputations for high-quality pens and creative markers, while fostering a connection with audiences through relatable, inspiring narratives.

“We’re incredibly excited to team up with saintnicks,” said Hannah Hurling, Head of Marketing at MPCUK. “Both uni-ball and POSCA have always been about enabling creativity and self-expression, and saintnicks’ expertise in storytelling and bold creative ideas makes them the perfect partner to bring our vision to life.”

The uni-ball brand was established in 1979 and is owned by the Japanese Mitsubishi Pencil Company, which has a rich legacy dating back to 1887. Today, uni-ball is a leading name in the UK stationery market, renowned for high-quality writing instruments that combine innovation with reliability. The brand’s commitment to quality, performance and design has made it a favoured choice among students, professionals, and creators, solidifying its reputation as one of the most well-known brands in the UK market.

For over 30 years, POSCA has accompanied creativity in all its forms, quickly becoming a favourite tool for artists worldwide. Initially embraced by graffiti artists, the brand’s popularity quickly spread beyond urban spaces. Today, POSCA markers are recognised globally for their vibrant colours and versatility, making them ideal for a wide array of applications—from street art and fine art to illustration, portraits, and home crafts.

The collaboration comes at a time when consumers are seeking more authentic connections with the brands they choose. MPCUK has long been a trusted name in writing and artist tools, offering consumers writing pens and creative markers that combine quality, style, and reliability. The new partnership is set to enhance the brand’s visibility, reinforce its connection with customers, and celebrate the art of writing and the power of creativity.

Bristol-based design studio Rhombus is proud to have supported the launch of Noods Levels CIC’s Two Step Programme, a unique initiative aimed at empowering local music businesses and emerging creatives.

The initiative combines a structured business accelerator with a unique creative placement scheme, providing practical tools and structured support to drive sustainable growth across the city’s thriving music scene.

Why Two Step Matters

The Two Step Programme addresses two significant challenges in the city’s creative sector. Currently, 60% of UK startups fold within their first five years (Forbes, 2024), while only 1 in 10 UK workers in the creative industry come from working-class backgrounds (The Guardian, 2024). By providing targeted resources for music businesses and opportunities for early-career creatives, the initiative seeks to help participants overcome these barriers, equipping them with the skills and connections needed for long-term success.

For Rhombus Studio, this project was more than just a branding opportunity, it was a chance to give back to the creative community that helped shape the studio’s journey. With the founders’ deep roots in Bristol’s music scene and a passion for supporting grassroots initiatives, the collaboration felt like a natural fit.

The studio aimed to create a visual identity that not only captured the essence of Noods Levels’ DIY spirit but also provided a professional, flexible design suited to the programme’s potential growth beyond the music sector.

Crafting the Visual Identity

The brief called for a bold, simple, and flexible brand that could resonate with both businesses and individuals. The design needed to reflect Two Step’s dual mission: supporting local businesses while fostering creativity among young talent.

Colour was key in shaping the visual identity, crafting a vibrant palette with limes and oranges to symbolise creativity and optimism for young creatives, while blue and purple represent collaboration and innovation for businesses. This energetic palette was paired with bold, chunky typography that delivers a clear, impactful message while maintaining a friendly tone.

At the heart of the visual identity is the ‘two-step’ frame, which became the focal point of the brand. It symbolises the programme’s twofold mission: supporting local music businesses while creating pathways for new creative voices from diverse backgrounds. The frame serves as a flexible design element, adaptable across various formats from digital assets to printed materials.

A Bold Identity for a Promising Future

The final visual identity is bold, clean, and perfectly aligned with Two Step’s mission. It speaks to both businesses and creatives while leaving space for the programme to grow into new areas. Rhombus Studio is honoured to have played a role in an initiative that strengthens Bristol’s music community and creates meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Stuff, the Bristol based creative studio, played a key role in the official launch of Brabazon at a prestigious event in London, officiated by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Stuff has been working with YTL Developments (UK) Limited for the past 5 years, looking after the advertising, marketing, branding and design needs for Brabazon – the exciting redevelopment of the former Filton Airfield.

For the launch event, we were responsible for creating and producing an impressive array of marketing materials to fill the Royal Lancaster Hotel’s Westbourne Suite, highlighting the scale and ambition of the project to the 250 plus guests.

Alongside this, we produced a dramatic 90 second film that captured the rich history of the site and showcased all of the exciting developments coming over the horizon at Brabazon. The film was played on stage as the climax of the afternoon’s proceedings, marking the signing of the investment agreement between the UK and Malaysian governments.

Joe Baker, Managing Director of Stuff said “We’re very proud of all the great creative work we produce for Brabazon and to be part of such an incredible project and historic moment.”

Fiasco is excited to announce that Gabby Luciani has joined the team as Account Director. Gabby brings over 10 years of experience working as a creative producer and account handler at some of the finest small and mid-sized agencies across London and the South West. With past clients that include YouTube, Activision, Nike and WWF, Gabby’s breadth of commercial experience, combined with her passion for creative collaboration, makes her a fantastic addition to their growing team.

“Gabby’s varied experiences have given her the perfect mix of commercial experience and know-how. I have no doubt she’ll play a key role in driving the agency forward as we approach our 15th year in the business.” – Ben Steers, Co-founder and Executive Creative Director.

Gabby adds: “Joining Fiasco feels like the perfect opportunity to contribute to a team that’s not only brimming with creativity and ambition, but also deeply committed to delivering meaningful, impactful work for their clients. I’m thrilled to be part of an agency that’s constantly pushing boundaries and focused on thoughtful growth. ” – Gabriella Luciani, Account Director.

Fiasco is a design agency that works at the sweet spot of brand and digital. People are at the heart of everything they do. At Fiasco, each and every team member brings a unique perspective and every voice is heard. You can read more about Fiasco and Gabby, over on their site here.

Why be a square when you can be a Rhombus?

Bristol-based strategic design agency Rhombus have launched their refreshed brand to better align their visual language with their evolving purpose. Known for their work in crafting transformative brands, websites, and campaigns, the studio has repositioned itself to emphasise collaboration, creativity and strategic problem-solving.

For Rhombus, design is about finding the right balance between strategy and creativity to solve problems, inspire audiences, and drive meaningful change. As their work has grown, so has their purpose – partnering with progressive organisations and people who are on a mission to do things differently.

What’s stayed the same?

Despite the visual overhaul, Rhombus maintains its strategic approach to projects, which the studio describes as a balance between insight-driven strategy and creative execution. This involves viewing each project through a lens of problem-solving and potential, whether in the context of branding, web development, or campaign creation. From crafting distinctive visual identities to building engaging websites and powerful campaigns, their work is designed to spark change, grow audiences and connect brands with the people who matter most.

While the studio’s external identity has evolved, its core values and processes remain the same, providing clients with the same thoughtful, collaborative approach they have come to expect.

What’s new?

The Rampersand: The new logo integrates an ‘R’ with an ampersand, symbolising the studio’s focus on people and process. It’s about collaboration between their team and partners, and the transformation that creates for organisations and individuals alike.

Basel Grotesk: The introduction of Basel Grotesk as the primary typeface reflects a blend of modern aesthetics and historical design influences. Inspired by modernist typography, it is bold, flexible and designed to elevate the studio’s visual language.

A new colour palette: The updated palette features a range of colour, each with a specific purpose: Process, Optimism, Transformation, Play, and Rigour. This deliberate selection reflects both the diversity of Rhombus’ work and the intentionality they bring to every project.

From raves to rebrands, Rhombus’ journey to becoming an agency has been anything but traditional. It began in Bristol’s vibrant DIY music scene, where they learned to build brands through a hands-on approach. Designing rave posters provided their first design experience, with their signature brand colours paying homage to the day-glo stock they once plastered across the city.

An evolution with purpose

This transformation is not about change for the sake of it, but a deliberate step forward to align who Rhombus is with what they stand for. Their work is about finding the perfect balance – creativity and process, imagination and rigour, people and purpose.

They remain the same studio, but with a renewed purpose to shape brands that don’t just look great but move all of us forward.

Following a competitive pitch, SIM7 has been selected by SNG (Sovereign Network Homes) as a key agency on its framework to supply property branding services over the next four years.SIM7 will work in partnership with SNG’s marketing teams, providing creative, branding and design services to drive the off-plan sales of Shared Ownership and private sale homes. This work will involve branding SNG’s schemes, developing high-profile digital and OOH campaigns, and creating assets across all channels.

SIM7 will join a handful of leading UK agencies, selected to support SNG’s ambitious growth plans.

One of the UK’s largest Housing Associations, SNG will invest £9.2bn in the next decade, building 25,000 new homes – as well as regenerating estates and improving the sustainability and quality of existing homes.

Says SIM7’s Simeon de la Torre, “As an agency with extensive property sector experience, not to mention specific knowledge of the Shared Ownership market, this is a perfect partnership for us. We’re excited about working on some of the biggest schemes in the UK, and empowering property branding by delivering the effective, messaging-driven creative that we’re known for. From property CGIs and video to scheme-specific branding, we’re looking forward to capturing and conveying the essence of the new communities that SNG is building.

“SNG is one of the best names in the industry for sustainability and social value, and the SIM7 team are all keen to help SNG deliver good, affordable homes for all.”

SIM7 is an award-winning creative agency that uses language to empower design. We drive growth by creating brands, campaigns and strategy – for marketing teams around the world. Our experience in the property sector extends to estate agents, national associations, Registered Providers, mortgage brokers and more.

For more information, contact Simeon de la Torre [email protected]

My name is Michael James, I am a driven postgraduate part of the Bristol UWE Alumni. I am known for:

Thriving in social environments and building strong professional relationships.
Demonstrating an unwavering work ethic and relentless pursuit of goals.
Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Balancing academic rigor with a love for sports and active lifestyle.

My current area of work is UX/UI design and digital marketing, with a passion for enhancing brand images in the digital space. Currently exploring opportunities to collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of digital design and marketing. Keen to contribute my skills to forward-thinking teams and exciting initiatives in this dynamic field.