creative strategies

Our expertise

This is based upon two solid foundations; the practical creative experience that we bring to the table, as well as a decade of teaching young designers in universities and design schools. Our process is not subjective, but underpinned by established theory in design thinking and business development. It is current practice and industry tested. We are not simply shooting the breeze!

This is but a brief summary of our principal areas of expertise in creative business development, and we have a whole lot more to offer. Sometimes it may be helpful just to run some ideas by an experienced mentor in a completely confidential environment. Those insurmountable problems may be easily resolved when some fresh thinking is applied by an impartial, third-party with the necessary expertise. Perhaps you just need an hour to reassure yourself that you are on the right track? Whatever you need, just ask.

We do not structure lengthy, binding agreements. We aim to be as flexible as possible, contributing as much or as little, as and when you need us. Please see the how we work section for more on this.

Ideas Generation

You have a great idea. You have identified a need and the perfect solution to meet it. What now? You want to get moving, test your proposal and refine it through ideation and brainstorming to practical synthesis. We can guide you through that process; analysing your research, identifying strengths and weaknesses, assessing consumer responses and maybe throw in a few ideas of our own.

Design Thinking

The relevance of sustainable human-centred design within the circular economy has never been more important. Developing a project upon sound design thinking techniques ensures that you have carefully evaluated every stage of the product lifecycle, anticipated the challenges and presented your client, partner or investor with a compelling cast-iron proposition that has all of the boxes ticked. We work through this process with you, using industry-proven strategies that we have also taught our students.

Design and Business

We take great care to differentiate our know-how from that of business and management consultants, as worthwhile as their advice will be. Our experience as designers, business owners and teachers combines the theory and practice of establishing and sustaining business structures specific to start-ups and creative practices with their day-to-day running. We will walk you through the various models and help you to align your project.

Social Enterprise

Why not run a successful and profitable activity that also gives something back? We have researched, written and lectured extensively upon the theory and practice of social enterprise; sustainable, ethical businesses that offer a positive contribution to the greater good. Structuring and presenting a social enterprise proposal is a very specific skill, and one that we are happy to share.

Branding and Advertising

You will certainly be good at what you do, but none of us can be good at everything. As your start-up gathers momentum, you will want to make your mark. However this can be a costly process. Our background in branding and advertising, both as practitioners and mentors, enables us to advise upon this process from start to finish; to define USP’s and brand values, to develop the brief and locate appropriate partners.