28th May 2009

Design week top 100 features B&B studio
as one of 'the ones to watch'

Article reprinted from Design Week:

A downturn is a good time to launch a business, but few have the balls to do it. Suzanne
Hinchcliffe talks to the latest wave of entrepreneurial designers who have bitten the
bullet, all offering enhanced creativity, added value – and fun.

It's 'all systems go' for B&B Studio founders Shaun Bowen and Kerry Bolt. Specialising
in brand identity and packaging design, the consultancy opened for business on 1st
January, but neither partner is daunted by the economic downturn. 'We both recognize
we need a new challenge', says Bowen.

They maintain that the range of their experience has given them the level of expertise to
offer large consultancy experience, with the care and attention a small group can deliver. According to Bowen, 'The economic climate suits us at the moment, as we offer clients
resolutions for smarter ways of working, while still demanding great creative thinking,
but giving more attention and better value'.

B&B is not aspiring to be a large business, and, as with most consultancies, the partners want
to grow steadily through the recession. The aim is to keep the overheads low, using a flexible business model with a trusted network of talented people who offer a variety of expertise and skills. 'This allows us to size up or down as the project and our clients require', says Bowen.

Bowen and Bolt are great advocates of creativity and say the quality of the work will not
be sacrificed just because it's on a low budget. 'Our philosophy centres around three key
areas: doing great work; working with people we like; and adding value to everything we
do', says Bowen.

B&B believes that people are a consultancy's greatest asset. 'The most important aspect
for us is to work with great people. If we do this, our client relationships should be
nurtured and valued', says Bowen.

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