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.
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.
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.
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.
More info on Noods Levels site.
You may know Gather Round for our creative co-working spaces, but did you know we’re also home to two hireable studio spaces at our Brunswick Sq location?
Below our breakout areas where members discuss new collaborations and work on designs for their clients, our Meeting Room and Production Space are completely shut off from the world. Our unique spaces allow you to get things done, with no distractions.
Whether you need somewhere for a team building day, panel talk or yoga class, we’ve got you. We’re now offering 50% off your first booking so get in touch if you need a space to make stuff happen.
We recently launched our brand new, cosy Meeting Room with one of our sell out Gather Round Presents events. 40 creatives in front of 1 panellist, dishing out the good stuff on the importance of community. If you missed out, don’t worry, we’ll be back with another installment sooner than you think.
Our Meeting Room is a unique, cosy, quiet space in our much loved St Pauls location. Perfect for interviews, script run-throughs, strategy days, intimate film screenings and everything in between. Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, our modular furniture options give you the power to create the perfect environment for your event. Take a seat on the sofa for a relaxed interview or spread out over some tables for your team meet up.
Our largest space next to the Meeting Room has seen a myriad of productions, classes and events. We hosted Lucy McKerron for an intimate workshop; Giants at Play came through for their 7 week long stop motion production, plus, our members’ regularly use the space for their own creative pursuits. See how Flexi Plus & Part-Time Flexi members British Blanket Company and Remi Bumstead transformed the space for a product shoot last year.
For photography, filmmaking, production, rehearsals and everything in between. This space is a blank canvas in a unique building, designed to host creative production in all its forms.
You do your thing and we’ll provide the space with some handy extras.
Need to double up and book both spaces or maybe you need to make a block booking? No problem. Get in touch with our Events Manager for a tailored quote. Plus, we’re giving you 50% off your first booking in either space with us. T&Cs apply.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
For more information on our Meeting Room, Production Space or our main Event Space, get in touch with Hannah – [email protected]
This article has previously appeared on the ADLIB Blog.
Understanding Agency salaries in the South West is pivotal for job seekers and employers alike in 2025. This guide provides essential insights into the factors influencing pay scales and highlights the importance of considering additional benefits beyond salary to attract top talent.
For a detailed breakdown of digital marketing salaries in the South West, view our comprehensive salary guide or get in touch for a chat.
At ADLIB, we’re always keeping close to market trends and how things can fluctuate between organisations. Here, we aim to provide an overall range of salaries based on the spectrum of roles within the South West agency world. Factors that can influence one’s salary: the size of business and team, their location, the size and number of accounts you may be working on, management responsibilities, the industry sector, and specific marketing skills, will all have an impact.
If you choose to make a comparison, consideration should be paid beyond job title. It is worth noting that salary isn’t everything, and there are lots of other important factors to consider.
To attract the best talent, employers should also focus on:
This guide provides salary bandings for various sector roles and their respective job titles, including:
To attract and retain top-tier talent in the South West, consider the complete package: competitive salaries, hybrid working patterns, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
Written by Tony Allen, Head of Marketing, Digital & eCommerce recruitment at ADLIB.
– Senior Appointments & Strategic Growth | Agency & In-house Marketing.
The Gather Round co-working spaces are primed for creatives to come together and thrive.
At our sites, advertisers brush shoulders with architects, filmmakers liaise with fashion professionals, and designers from various disciplines can spark big ideas.
With two renowned spaces — Cigar Factory in Southville and Brunswick Square in St. Paul’s — many Bristol creatives are familiar with what our community offers.
Now, as we dot the i’s and cross the t’s on the launch of our new space in Trinity Church, Bath, it’s high time we reflect on just what makes Gather Round so unique: the people.
Our members span a real range of professions. We’ve got textile gurus, publishers, interior designers, and creative software specialists among the writers, photographers and marketers. Some line-up!
So yeah…this lot call Gather Round their home away from home.
Maybe not literally. But you get the gist.
Let’s dive in.
Hetty is a versatile and kind hearted force in the creative industry. As a Freelance Art Director, DJ and Illustrator, her work is deeply inspired by sustainability and youth culture. She has shaped many memorable campaigns for Nike, Adidas, Carhartt and PSG X Snipes. She inspires those around her and brings the vibes wherever she goes – including the Gather Round Christmas party!
Samuel Gibbs (left)
Works for Fiasco Design. Honestly, Samuel puts it best himself — “a synth-pop musician and a digital designer that’s pretty particular about pixels.”
Jordan Pledge (middle)
Jordan’s a Motion Designer extraordinaire working for Yatta – in his work he blends the worlds of 2D and 3D together with a childlike love of the craft. He brings brand stories to life. Literally.
Nick Anderson Vines (right)
A Linkedin ghostwriter, helping founders of marketing and creative agencies establish themselves as global thought-leaders in their niche, and attract high ticket B2B partnerships.
Miranda Roundstone (left)
Grace & Green believe “caring has the power to change the world”. As Head of Brand Marketing, Miranda masterminds multi-channel campaigns to embody that, helping the brand make waves and break the cycle of period waste with a mission to promote Period Dignity for all.
Carl is a designer whose focus on Digital Experience spans CX, UX and Service design. Currently working for Monks in both their London and Amsterdam offices, recently clients incluide the likes of Spotify Studios, Nike and Hilton Hotels.
A Senior Producer and Curator, Rozenn is all about the arts – from event, project and exhibition production to community engagement initiatives. She’s especially at home working on projects that use art and music for social change.
As Co-Founder and creative mind behind Forage Studio, Matt focuses on branding projects “that often go beyond the realms of design.”
As a Copywriter and Content Strategist, Charlotte shapes brand stories and influences behaviour through the power of language.
An incredible Videographer and Documentary Filmmaker; Remi’s work includes projects for NGOs, as well as ethical brands.
Abigail Olingschlaeger
Abigail is an Associate Director at GN Espace, an off-grid cooking company serving the marine and campervan markets. With a background as a Qualitative Research Consultant, she excels at transforming insights into fresh perspectives to help brands thrive. Her current role involves leading new product development, marketing, strategy and sales.
A multi-disciplinary Design Director with a wicked eye for branding, Julia’s played a pivotal role in Fiasco’s growth in recent years.
People love our spaces because they can knuckle down on their latest projects or sit, chat, collaborate, and create from scratch. We’re proud of what unfolds in our co-working spaces, but the sense of community truly does transcend them.
Credit to Julian Preece for these great shots taken at last years members Christmas party.
Follow us on Insta for more content like this or get in touch if you want to come and have a look around and meet the community IRL.
This article has previously appeared on the ADLIB Blog.
Understanding Digital Marketing salaries is pivotal for job seekers and employers alike. This ADLIB Digital Marketing salary guide provides essential insights into the factors influencing pay scales and highlights the importance of considering additional benefits beyond salary to attract top talent.
The following is based on information collated through working in this industry day in, day out, client briefs taken and placements made by ADLIB in the South West. We stress the importance of context when making salary comparisons based on job title. In many cases, there is a significant variance between the bottom end and top end of salaries paid.
This guide provides salary bandings for various sector roles and their respective job titles, including:
If you choose to make a comparison, consideration should be paid beyond job title. For example, take into account the business proposition, any client base, specialist knowledge, time of establishment and management responsibilities. All of which will influence salary.
While salary is a key factor, it’s not the only consideration. To attract the best talent, employers should also focus on:
To attract and retain top-tier talent, consider the complete package: competitive salaries and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
Written by Tony Allen, Head of Marketing, Digital & eCommerce recruitment at ADLIB.
– Senior Appointments & Strategic Growth | Agency & In-house Marketing.
Proud to share the incredible work of our amazingly talented Graphics students (Level 3 & HND) from the Digital and Creative department at City of Bristol College 🎨✨
Working on a brief set by Halo Studio , they designed a limited-edition can for Batiste Dry Shampoo, inspired by 2025 design trends. The results? Absolutely stunning – showcasing creativity, technical skills, and future-ready design thinking. Well done to the creative team who supported this.🌻
hashtagCreativeEducation hashtagStudentDesign hashtagGraphicDesign hashtag2025Trends hashtagCityOfBristolCollege hashtagDigitalAndCreative hashtagDesignInnovation hashtagHALODesignAgency hashtagProudEducator hashtagFutureOfDesign
The photo above shows the Bristol WordPress team at WordCamp Bristol in 2019 – a moment when the community was thriving. By less than a year later the World had changed and, despite best efforts, Bristol WordPress People had ceased to operate. There has been a void in the city’s WordPress community since.
The exciting news is that a small group of us have been meeting to discuss how we can reignite this once-thriving group. I’m happy to announce that Janice Tye, one of the original organisers of Bristol WordPress People has re-instated the official Meetup and scheduled some networking events at the King William Alehouse, 20 King St, Bristol BS1 4EF. Whether you’re an old friend or a new face, you’re invited to join us:
Tuesday, February 4th – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Thursday, March 6th – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Thursday, April 3rd – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
At its peak, Bristol WordPress People was a hub of inspiration – hosting expert talks, lively networking sessions, and delicious food thanks to sponsors like Atomic Smash and 34SP. This was more than just a meetup; it was a friendly, creative community where people shared knowledge, learned new skills, and helped each other thrive.
Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress pro, someone curious to learn, a website owner in search of advice, or someone with tips and stories to share, we need your help to revive our once-loved group.
Let’s rebuild this community together. Join us at the King William Alehouse and help shape the future of Bristol WordPress People.
See you soon!
The West of England is one of the government’s 11 priority areas for the creative industries, culture secretary Lisa Nandy will announce today.
The other areas, to be unveiled during an economic growth summit in Gateshead, are the North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Greater London, South Wales, Glasgow, Edinburgh-Dundee corridor, and Belfast.
The West of England is also one of six mayoral combined authorities that will receive additional funding, to be agreed as part of the government’s spending review. The others are the North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, and West Midlands.
The government will also announce £40m in funding over the next financial year for the following creative industries funding schemes:
Another announcement is that four cultural projects, including one in the West of England, have received £16.2m from the Cultural Development Fund.
The Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset has been awarded £2.7m to complete the final development phase of the Grade II listed seafront complex into a flagship cultural centre.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said:
“The much-loved Tropicana is a key destination at the heart of Weston-super-Mare’s seafront. I’m delighted that our bid for £2.7m from Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund has been approved by the UK government.
“This now enables us to carry out additional work to the building including finishing, fit out and providing increased accessibility so that more people can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment there. Reinventing this iconic landmark building will create new jobs, support local businesses, and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future.”
The other priojects that have received funding are:
A total of £3.6m in grants from the Creative Growth Programme has been provided to 127 creative businesses in 12 regions across England.
Recipients include these local businesses:
As announced in the industrial strategy green paper, the government is working on a full plan for the creative industries which will be published later this year. It will cover areas including funding and skills.
Feeding into the sector plan is the recently announced Creative Industries Taskforce, led by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette. Sir Peter, the former chairman of Endemol UK and creative director of Endemol Group Worldwide, was last year appointed as chancellor of UWE Bristol. Read our interview with him here. In that interview, he said:
“Private investment is currently not good enough. The British Business Bank, which encourages investment in small and medium sized enterprises, is not really attuned to the way the creative industries run, the way small creative businesses work, and the criteria by which they have to be judged and invested in. We need to make progress on public and private investment.
“We also need to make progress on research and development tax credit definitions. The UK has a narrow definition of R&D, which is different to the one in other countries in Europe which includes the creative industries so creative businesses can claim tax credits for the innovation that they carry out.
“We need a more flexible apprenticeship scheme because small companies find it difficult to use the apprenticeship levy.”
Another member of the taskforce is Lynn Barlow, UWE Bristol’s assistant vice-chancellor for creative and cultural industries engagement.
In announcements ahead of the sector plan, the government says the British Business Bank, which supports £17.4bn of finance to smaller businesses, will increase its support for creative companies, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which has an annual budget of £9bn, will strengthen its support for the creative industries.
The culture secretary will also announce that shorter apprenticeships will be be available from August 2025, which the government says “recognises the particular needs of the creative industries, as one of our first steps towards a more flexible growth and skills levy”.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK.
“Our £60m funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country.
“But this is by no means the limit of our ambitions, which is why the creative industries are at the heart of the forthcoming industrial strategy and will continue to play a key part in this government’s plan for change.”
If you’re in Year 11, have a creative passion and you’re thinking about what comes after your GCSEs, come and see us at our Open Day on 25th January.
At Access Creative College (ACC) Bristol of Broadmead, we offer courses in music, media, games, esports, and computing. Our industry expert tutors teach from a bespoke, creatively designed campus tailored to maximise your learning experience so you leave us set for success.
Our campus is fully kitted out with all the tech you need to kickstart your career, including the below, plus much more!
When you study at ACC, you join both a local and national collaborative community of passionate, like-minded creatives with a shared goal – to build a successful career and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Over the last 30 years, some of the creative industry’s biggest names have passed through our doors and gone on to shine in their respective fields including Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Jess Glynne and more. Will you be next?
Throughout the year, we run two different types of events – Taster Days and Open Days. Our next event in Bristol is an Open Day, giving you the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to study with us.
On the day, you’ll get the chance to tour the campus, try out our tech, learn more about us and our courses, meet staff and student ambassadors and get a chance to ask any questions you may have.
Find out where your creative talent could take you. Book your place at accesscreative.ac.uk/eventsnow.
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.
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.
Each change is intended to communicate Rhombus’ values more effectively:
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.
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.
Explore Rhombus’ new site here
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