What’s
happening

Our latest stories, insights and opinions.

Energising PD Ports for a progressive future

12th August 2024

Energising PD Ports for a progressive future

We’re proud to continue our partnership with one of the UK’s major port groups by completing a brand-led digital overhaul.

Connecting with a super-connector

8th July 2024

Connecting with a super-connector

Mark sits down with Tony Snaith, founder and CEO of Communicate, to talk all things business growth, the role of brand, and plans for the future.

Inspiring deep confidence with RYDER

28th June 2024

Inspiring deep confidence with RYDER

Armed with a newly defined strategy and visual identity, we’ve helped create a unified consultancy powerhouse for the global offshore energy sector.

Innovative digital product recognised with award win

10th June 2024

Innovative digital product recognised with award win

We’re delighted to announce that our revolutionary digital platform, Steady On Your Feet, has claimed top prize in the Innovation category at this year’s Tees Tech Awards.

Creativity is solving today’s problems; and shaping tomorrow

6th June 2024

Creativity is solving today’s problems; and shaping tomorrow

At D&AD Festival 2024, there was an emphasis on the power of creativity to solve not just the problems we face today, but also those of the future.

What Ted Lasso and EA Sports proved about the power of authenticity

3rd June 2024

What Ted Lasso and EA Sports proved about the power of authenticity

At D&AD Festival 2024, we heard time and time again about the importance of being true to your audience.

What’s realer than real meat? Meat from plants

30th May 2024

What’s realer than real meat? Meat from plants

Brand strategy was at the forefront of a revealing session from JKR’s Lisa Smith and Impossible Foods’ Leslie Sims at D&AD Festival 2024.

How Google and Nike use AI to enhance creativity; not replace it

27th May 2024

How Google and Nike use AI to enhance creativity; not replace it

AI was an inevitable hot topic at D&AD Festival 2024, with no less than six dedicated keynotes and countless off-the-cuff conversations.

It’s Peter Saville’s world; and we’re all living in it

24th May 2024

It’s Peter Saville’s world; and we’re all living in it

A creative who needs little introduction, the design icon recently took to the stage at D&AD Festival 2024.

Guardians of the River Tees: Bridge Issue 04

17th May 2024

Guardians of the River Tees: Bridge Issue 04

With the winter months behind us, the spring edition of Bridge is fresh off the press, championing the work of PD Ports and partners across the Tees Valley.

What’s driving so many identity changes?

12th April 2024

What’s driving so many identity changes?

As one of the world’s most luxurious car brands unveils a refreshed logo, we look at why many in the automotive industry are opting for a pared-back identity.

Redefining possible with Chartwell

5th March 2024

Redefining possible with Chartwell

By clarifying their strategy and revitalising their brand, we've helped a leading global consultancy firm prepare for a new phase of growth.

Words are the word

28th February 2024

Words are the word

Every brand should tell a story. And that's why it's so important that the words you use and how you use them are defined from the very start.

Relaunching We Built the World

31st January 2024

Relaunching We Built the World

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of We Built the World, our graphic celebration of Teesside's rich heritage, character and spirit.

Bringing elevated home mobility to life online with Access

15th December 2023

Bringing elevated home mobility to life online with Access

We’re delighted to continue our long-term partnership with global home mobility supplier, Access, by completing a major digital overhaul for the brand.

Defining with distinction: unlocking the power of brand codes

29th November 2023

Defining with distinction: unlocking the power of brand codes

Assets like a logo, colour palette, typeface and tone of voice can still lead the way in securing attention and retention despite the white noise and daily distractions.

Engineering the future with Francis Brown

6th November 2023

Engineering the future with Francis Brown

In a constantly evolving sector, we’ve protected Francis Brown’s past while positioning the brand for a progressive future.

Taking steps to create healthier communities nationwide

20th October 2023

Taking steps to create healthier communities nationwide

We’re delighted to announce the latest milestone for our Steady On Your Feet platform, delivered in collaboration with NHS trusts and local authorities across the UK.

A Dublin adventure: our step into Ireland

4th October 2023

A Dublin adventure: our step into Ireland

Last week was another milestone for us at Better, as we packed our bags and jetted off to the Emerald Isle to be part of something big.

Making waves: Bridge Issue 03

3rd October 2023

Making waves: Bridge Issue 03

As autumn arrives, we’ve worked alongside PD Ports to publish the latest issue of Bridge – the quarterly publication viewing global maritime issues from the Tees Valley.

Differentiation and distinctiveness – part two

18th August 2023

Differentiation and distinctiveness – part two

To be unique or to just look unique? That is the question. Our Creative Director, John, turns his attention to the more recent theories behind brand success.

Differentiation and distinctiveness – part one

25th July 2023

Differentiation and distinctiveness – part one

Should brands be unique or just look unique? Our Creative Director, John, explores the theories behind brand success.

Navigating maritime: Bridge Issue 02

30th June 2023

Navigating maritime: Bridge Issue 02

We’ve once again teamed up with PD Ports for the latest issue of Bridge – their prestigious quarterly publication discussing global maritime issues through the lens of the Tees Valley.

Unwrapping summer with Remeo Sorbetto

28th June 2023

Unwrapping summer with Remeo Sorbetto

Winter is done, spring has sprung. It’s time to say goodbye to gloomy skies and April showers. Reach for the blue and white pack. Unwrap summer with sorbetto.

No pAIn, no gAIn

30th May 2023

No pAIn, no gAIn

Disruption, discomfort and discovery – our Creative Director, John Taylor, examines the industry's latest tool: AI.

A guiding light on a life-saving journey

5th May 2023

A guiding light on a life-saving journey

Mark catches up with Catherine Devereux, founder and trustee of Headlight Project, about the charity’s evolution, her story and what’s in store for the future.

Anything is possible

11th April 2023

Anything is possible

We’ve recently brought clarity and consistency to Tees Valley Combined Authority’s brand, creating a unifying system that builds recognition across the place we call home.

Going to Additional Lengths to be a global leader

6th April 2023

Going to Additional Lengths to be a global leader

Mark catches up with Victoria Lynch, award-winning entrepreneur and MD at Additional Lengths, to talk about levelling-up their brand, plans for the future and more.

Flowers that leave a lasting impression

5th April 2023

Flowers that leave a lasting impression

Freddie’s Flowers has grown from surprising a few neighbours to delighting over 130,000 customers every week; our strategic and visual overhaul prepared them for their next stage of growth.

Join the team as our next design intern

31st March 2023

Join the team as our next design intern

Are you a fresh, exciting and enthusiastic designer looking for the chance to start your career at a global brand agency?

Changing perceptions with a life-changing charity

28th March 2023

Changing perceptions with a life-changing charity

We’re proud to have reframed and refreshed the Daisy Chain brand, as the charity celebrates its 20th anniversary and nationwide impact.

Opening minds and freeing taste buds

15th March 2023

Opening minds and freeing taste buds

HIPPEAS are all about peas, love and understanding. We helped reset their strategic approach to attack the category establishment while planting the seed for product expansion and growth.

Choose your words wisely

7th March 2023

Choose your words wisely

A verbal identity can inspire and empower. Big ideas and powerful brands need them just as much as a highly crafted logo, colour palette or type choice.

Evolving a regional specialist into an international family

2nd February 2023

Evolving a regional specialist into an international family

Mark sits down with Casper Group's MD, Michael Shakesheff, to discuss 150 years in business, the importance of brand and recent growth.

Serving the services that matter most

1st December 2022

Serving the services that matter most

We’re continuing to support the causes that are closest to our hearts, by offering a helping hand during times of need.

Finding the nucleus for the UK’s innovation mega-cluster

17th November 2022

Finding the nucleus for the UK’s innovation mega-cluster

As a once in a generation opportunity, Atom Valley needed a unifying concept – a golden thread that would resonate locally but also translate globally.

The rise of the challengers

8th November 2022

The rise of the challengers

Purpose-driven brands are proving that businesses can be a force for good, while changing consumer behaviour and unsettling the incumbents.

Branding the brave

15th October 2022

Branding the brave

The past 12 months have seen us partner with some of the world’s leading challenger brands who are disrupting categories while contributing to a better planet.

Maritime matters: Bridge Issue 01

13th October 2022

Maritime matters: Bridge Issue 01

Alongside our most long-term brand partner, PD Ports, we’re proud to launch a new publication celebrating the River Tees and our wider region.

Helping Teesside take off

18th May 2022

Helping Teesside take off

As it continues its rebirth and transformation, we’re proud to launch the new website for Teesside International Airport.

The things that money can’t buy, but brand can

13th April 2022

The things that money can’t buy, but brand can

The power of brand can spark immeasurable internal and cultural benefits, often stretching far beyond the cosmetics or spreadsheets of your business.

The long and the short of it – well, mainly the long of it

4th March 2022

The long and the short of it – well, mainly the long of it

The answer to an efficient and effective brand lies in both long AND short-term marketing. But for some, the long-term has been neglected.

Keep up with the upkeep: give your brand a health check

10th January 2022

Keep up with the upkeep: give your brand a health check

As the New Year gets under way, there’s no better time to evaluate your business by taking a brand health check. Here’s four steps to keep your brand on track.

We Built the World; our creativity changed it

3rd January 2022

We Built the World; our creativity changed it

We’re proud to launch our very first art project, celebrating Teesside’s unique character, creativity and spirit of innovation.

It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it

19th December 2021

It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it

Archetypes and personality are behind every well-built brand. And those that are bold, brave and even rebellious, own a formidable position.

Bringing accessibility and inclusivity to business education

29th November 2021

Bringing accessibility and inclusivity to business education

Roadmap MBA was at a crossroads on its own journey. It needed a brand built around a powerful purpose that could scale and set the foundations for future growth.

Branding Britain’s best-connected trade region

28th October 2021

Branding Britain’s best-connected trade region

After working on the UK’s largest industrial zone, Teesworks, and the future-facing place strategy for Middlesbrough Council, we’re proud to complete a significant regional hat-trick by launching the Teesside Freeport brand.

Helping those that help make Teesside a better place

14th October 2021

Helping those that help make Teesside a better place

Powering up our own philanthropy as we create the new brand for Teesside’s leading philanthropists, helping celebrate ten years of supporting communities across our region.

International client wins, our record year and reinforcing our purpose

6th October 2021

International client wins, our record year and reinforcing our purpose

In a difficult 18 months, we're proud to have come through the other side stronger, more agile and more resilient than ever before.

Takeouts from the takeover

29th September 2021

Takeouts from the takeover

We recently took part in the Entrepreneurs' Forum's social takeover. Here's everything you need to catch up on the day's posts, links and further reading.

Helping a brand think bigger

24th September 2021

Helping a brand think bigger

Mark sits down with Visualsoft CEO, Dean Benson, to talk all things brand, eCommerce and shaping the future.

Taking connections further

15th September 2021

Taking connections further

We’re proud to launch a comprehensive new brand and website for one of Europe’s fastest growing IT specialists, Communicate.

Forging a future-facing brand Boro can be proud of

12th August 2021

Forging a future-facing brand Boro can be proud of

When the brief landed on our desks for the development of Middlesbrough's new place brand strategy, we knew this was not just another job.

Purpose is power; causes change the world

23rd June 2021

Purpose is power; causes change the world

Brands that do good as well as look good are those best positioned for growth, no matter the external factors or changing world.

Showcasing Teesport as the northern gateway for trade

14th June 2021

Showcasing Teesport as the northern gateway for trade

We’ve continued our long-term brand partnership with PD Ports, to boost Teesport’s international competitiveness and credentials.

The name says it all — or does it?

2nd June 2021

The name says it all — or does it?

First impressions are key; often, the first thing we see from a brand is its name.

A rebrand that supports our NHS heroes

24th May 2021

A rebrand that supports our NHS heroes

Our NHS is always there for us; so when they needed our help, we were there for them.

Shaping the future of packaging with PIDA 2021

16th May 2021

Shaping the future of packaging with PIDA 2021

Our Creative Director, John, joined the USA & UK judging panel, ran by world-leading sustainable packaging provider, BillerudKorsnäs.

Creative Internship programme open for applications

11th May 2021

Creative Internship programme open for applications

We’re launching our search for an exciting, upcoming and fresh creative mind to join our studio to help support our growing portfolio of local, national and international brands.

Supporting communities beyond the pandemic

19th April 2021

Supporting communities beyond the pandemic

We love building brands, and those that make a difference can often mean even more.

Just my type

8th March 2021

Just my type

Wordmarks and typography can signal your brand character before you’ve even said a word.

Look after your brand, and the pounds will look after themselves

21st January 2021

Look after your brand, and the pounds will look after themselves

Brand isn’t just about the cosmetics of your business. It’s about growth, client retention, strategic positioning and so much more.

Our survey says

5th January 2021

Our survey says

Consumer testing is a super powerful tool that we're using alongside BetterBrandBuilder to offer more insight and inform more decisions than ever before.

What 2020 taught us about brand

10th December 2020

What 2020 taught us about brand

Unprecedented challenges will have a long-lasting impact on all aspects of our lives; none more so than in the world of brand.

A fluid brand for a fluid platform

8th December 2020

A fluid brand for a fluid platform

Creating an exciting, intriguing and innovative brand for the insurtech sector.

Turning the tide

30th November 2020

Turning the tide

An eco-conscious refresh for the leading US household cleaning and care challenger.

Necessity is the mother of invention

9th November 2020

Necessity is the mother of invention

Despite the challenges, the past few months have given us the opportunity to continue digitising and strengthening BetterBrandBuilder.

Elevating home mobility

30th October 2020

Elevating home mobility

Continuing our partnership with Access to launch the all new Flow X stairlift.

Committed to the community cause

15th October 2020

Committed to the community cause

We’re committed to supporting organisations and partners in our community, and given circumstances over recent months that’s more important than ever.

Effective brands are built on insight

21st September 2020

Effective brands are built on insight

Behind any great brand is a wealth of research, strategic insight and strong conceptual foundations.

Building heritage brands

25th August 2020

Building heritage brands

Whether a brand has been around for 15, 50 or 500 years, they'll inevitably come a time for change. But how do you best move identities forward while respecting the past?

A new chapter for the works that built the world

28th July 2020

A new chapter for the works that built the world

After the big reveal by Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, we can finally shout about a really special project that's close to our hearts; the launch of Teesworks, the UK’s largest industrial zone.

Reshaping the everyday

16th July 2020

Reshaping the everyday

Things have been a bit different recently. But it's provided us all with the chance to reset, rethink and reshape the way we work.

Brand poetry in motion

8th July 2020

Brand poetry in motion

Although they appear to be deceptively simple, straplines are neither random nor superfluous.

How defining your archetype unlocks your brand

2nd April 2020

How defining your archetype unlocks your brand

They're in your favourite films and the latest binge-worthy Netflix series. And they're also behind the world’s best brands.

Finding balance with Equinox Kombucha – Part Two

27th March 2020

Finding balance with Equinox Kombucha – Part Two

Welcome back to our deep dive into the Equinox brand refresh.

A message from our team

18th March 2020

A message from our team

As the current global situation with COVID-19 continues to affect our world, we wanted to reach out and update you on how we’re supporting our employees and our community of clients, partners and suppliers.

Getting to Know… Web Developer, Nathan

12th March 2020

Getting to Know… Web Developer, Nathan

Our Getting to Know... series is back, with Nathan the latest member of the team to be put under the spotlight.

Leading the leaders

26th February 2020

Leading the leaders

Mark sits down with Ian Kinnery to discuss aligning their brand with their high quality business coaching and the importance of an intuitive and personal name.

Better joins Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme

21st October 2019

Better joins Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme

We’re delighted to join the Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme after being confirmed by Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry.

Now even Better

17th October 2019

Now even Better

Behind the scenes of the Better brand refresh. For over ten years we’ve been building remarkable brands rooted in relevant strategic thinking, but a lot has changed since 2009.

Finding balance with Equinox Kombucha – Part One

23rd September 2019

Finding balance with Equinox Kombucha – Part One

Part one of a behind the scenes look into the journey and work in creating a new brand for Europe's best selling Kombucha.

New website launches for best-selling author, Philippa Gregory

6th September 2019

New website launches for best-selling author, Philippa Gregory

We’re proud to launch the new website for historical novelist and author, Philippa Gregory.

Get your story straight

7th July 2019

Get your story straight

A couple of weeks ago, our Creative Director John Taylor, spoke at Teesside University's first ever Digital Marketing Futures conference.

Part of the team

17th June 2019

Part of the team

We love building brands and those that deliver real life impact can often mean even more.

The business of brand strategy

25th March 2019

The business of brand strategy

Mark catches up with SPURR’s Jonathan Lamb at the beautifully restored Zetland Hotel to discuss the importance of aligning brand with business strategy.

Brand of brothers

15th March 2019

Brand of brothers

We discuss the complexities of acquisitions and the effect such mergers can have on brand and identity, particularly within the communications landscape.

Investing in the future

7th March 2019

Investing in the future

As creative and digital businesses such as ourselves continue to expand, we believe it’s one of our major responsibilities to raise awareness of the opportunities available in our region.

Brand simplicity – a trend or simple evolution?

26th February 2019

Brand simplicity – a trend or simple evolution?

Have you noticed some big name brands have tweaked, condensed and toned down their identities recently?

2017 Year Review

19th December 2017

2017 Year Review

The Evolution of SEO

12th May 2017

The Evolution of SEO

Growing Our Own

24th February 2017

Growing Our Own

Why Hire a Branding Agency?

24th January 2017

Why Hire a Branding Agency?

Homepages Vs. Landing Pages

12th January 2017

Homepages Vs. Landing Pages

2016 Year Review

22nd December 2016

2016 Year Review

Putting Teesside on the Map

28th November 2016

Putting Teesside on the Map

The new Better Studio

23rd January 2012

The new Better Studio

Marketing: the art of 2011

21st September 2011

Marketing: the art of 2011