WHAT associates Ltd

We're proud to support small independent businesses, providing everything from branding to ongoing marketing. We recognise the incredible challenges these businesses face and the importance of helping them share their unique stories and value. We know Black Friday can put serious pressure on small businesses. The pressure for big discounts and customer expectations can make it hard for independent brands to compete sustainably. That’s why initiatives like Colour Friday, launched by Not On The High Street’s, Holly Tucker MBE, are so important. Colour Friday encourages people to shop local and support the creativity and quality that small businesses offer. Instead of focusing only on price, Colour Friday is a reminder of the value in quality, longevity, and sustainable choices. We recently worked with Faro Home to capture their Christmas collection. Their colourful baubles, hand-printed textiles, and festive gifts show the true artistry of small businesses. This Black Friday (Nov 29), please consider supporting brands that stand for something more. Client: Faro Home | Farheen Allsopp | farohome.com Photographers: Wendy Hodgson & Tim Hodgson Stylist: Sara Bird Location: Joscelyn’s Barn, Essex Models: Cat Anley & Victoria Gebbert Sources, Reports and Research: Simply Business SME Insights Report https://lnkd.in/eMXx4-kp Black Friday Report 2023 - UK https://lnkd.in/eq8T3ZPN Black Friday and Cyber Monday Report 2024 - UK White Paper https://lnkd.in/eimGZwQD

We really enjoyed the Herd launch event on Thursday where we were interviewed by award-winning radio producer Lucy Greenwell about branding, our work with entrepreneurs, and our journey with WHAT as a husband-and-wife team. Despite some nerves, the conversation flowed, and there was a very interesting Q&A session that followed. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and spoke to many inspiring business owners. Networking isn’t something we do very often, but this event was really fun and relaxed. Kats Scott is the perfect host, she makes everyone feel welcome. We’re looking forward to the next one. For more information on these events, visit herdhq.co.uk. We’d like to say a big thank you to Lucy J Toms Photography for capturing the event and sharing her photos with us. Wendy Hodgson & Tim Hodgson #Branding #Entrepreneurship #Networking #suffolk #wHATmakesyoushine ———————————————-

Exciting News! (and slightly terrifying) Wendy Hodgson and Tim Hodgson are being interviewed at Herd’s first networking event this Thursday. We’ll be sharing our business journey and discussing the value we add to businesses, of all shapes and sizes. At WHAT Associates, we specialise in partnering directly with business owners or supporting in-house marketing teams. We understand that in-house teams have invaluable knowledge about your business and customers, but small teams can sometimes face limitations in skills and experience. That’s where we come in! Together, we can energise your team, elevate your marketing, and enhance your overall brand experience while creating deeper connections with your customers. If you’d like to learn more about how we can work together to support your marketing needs, please get in touch. How We Add Value to Your Business: ✔ Wider Skill Set & Experience ✔ Inspiration & Enthusiasm ✔ Cost-Effective & Flexible Resources ✔ Professionalism and Quality Production ✔ Fresh Ideas and New Perspectives ✔ New Customer Insights ✔ Market Analysis and Positioning ✔ New Marketing Opportunities ✔ Marketing Strategies ✔ Brand Audits ✔ Brand Refresh ✔ Short-Term Campaigns to Meet Specific Goals ✔ Long-Term Strategy to Achieve Your Vision ✔ Trusted Supplier and Manufacturer Contacts ✔ Trusted Network Freelance Expertise ✔ A Commitment to Sustainability Our Services Include: ✔Strategy & Consultancy ✔ Brand Identity ✔ Marketing ✔ Art Direction ✔ Film & Photography ✔ Graphic Design ✔ Signage and Wayfinding ✔ Website Design and Development ✔ Packaging & Uniforms #CreativeGrowth #ElevateYourBrand #CreativePartnerships #WHATMakesYouShine #Networking #Branding #Design #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #Ipswich 

We’re proud to partner with St Joseph's College, Ipswich for their 38th annual Rugby Festival. This year, we’ve combined our photography from their ‘Ambition Campaign’ with the shield from the school crest, creating a professional look that reflects the festival’s quality and stature in the UK school sports calendar. A festival brand toolkit allows for consistent application across all communications strategies and media. This campaign look is key to strengthening St Jo’s brand, and fostering a sense of pride among students, parents, and alumni (and importantly the headline sponsors NSX Group Ltd). We can’t wait to see this identity come to life next month as the Festival kicks off!  18-20th October | stjos.co.uk/rugby-festival #RugbyFestival #StJosephsCollege #Branding #CreativeAgency #SportsBranding #Ambition #StJos #Rugby #Photography WHAT associates: Wendy Hodgson and Tim Hodgson

Starting a new business is exciting, but it comes with its own set of challenges. That’s where we come in (the earlier the better). At WHAT Associates, we guide you through naming, defining your core strategy, and crafting a unique identity. We help you understand your audience, find your voice, and ensure your identity is applied consistently. Take HERD for example. Working closely with Kats Scott, we clarified her vision for a relaxed networking community. We crafted a visual identity that captures HERD’s spirit and reflects the rural charm of Suffolk, inspired by the Oxlip flower (the county flower of Suffolk). Kats Scott: “I’ve enjoyed working with WHAT. They’ve listened to me and may have told my story more clearly than I could have done myself. I love the name. The new identity perfectly captures the spirit of HERD.” From first impressions to strategic insights, we provide the support you need to build a strong brand foundation for long-term success. #SmallBusiness #Branding #Entrepreneurship #BrandIdentity #WHATAssociates #Suffolk #Networking Wendy Hodgson & Tim Hodgson Branding and Creative Consultancy, Ipswich

We've been on-site at the University of Suffolk this morning to see the installation of a new signage project. We care about driving awareness, aspiration, and adoption of sustainable practices, this is why we choose to partner with organisations like the University of Suffolk, who share our vision for a better, greener future. The Brief: UOS wanted to encourage car-sharing by designating five car-sharing spaces in their main car park. A proactive step towards reducing carbon emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable transportation. Our Solution: Rather than simply signposting these spaces, we saw an opportunity to educate and inspire. Our solution highlights the benefits of car sharing and promotes the University's commitment to sustainability. By placing signage on both sides of the fence adjacent to these spaces, we’re helping to amplify the message and encourage more sustainable travel choices. Thank you, Jonny and the team at Hudson Group for all your hard work on the manufacturing and installation of this project. The signs are made from aluminium composite, a material known for its durability and recyclability. By choosing this material, we're ensuring that the signage will have a long life and can be recycled at the end of its use. Additionally, we’ve repurposed the original posts, avoiding unnecessary waste and further reducing the project's environmental impact. Results: This project is a small but significant step towards fostering a culture of sustainability on campus. We’re proud to be a part of the University of Suffolk’s journey toward a greener future. Let's hope the scheme is embraced by students and staff alike. Tim Hodgson Wendy Hodgson #Sustainability #CarSharing #UniversityOfSuffolk #WHATAssociates #SustainableDesign #SignageDesign #CreativeAgency #Ipswich #GreenSuffolk  

As graphic designers, people often ask us what we do. The answer is simple: we make sense of a complex world. While some might think creating a map of bus routes isn’t the most exciting brief, we see it differently. For us, graphic design is all about problem-solving and transforming information into clear and engaging visuals. People remember 80% of what they see, compared to just 20% of what they read, which is why infographics are so impactful. Our latest project for St Joseph's College, Ipswich turned a list of bus routes into a simple, user-friendly graphic. It took some working out, but a hugely satisfying conclusion. When we originally worked on St Jo’s branding, we carefully selected a broad colour palette, distinctive typography and an underpinning grid framework, anticipating the need for a variety of on-brand visuals. This planning ensures every piece, from signage to infographics, remains consistent and true to the brand. #GraphicDesign #Infographics #VisualCommunication #whatassociates #DesignChallenge Tim Hodgson Wendy Hodgson

We've loved working on this project. Inspiring efforts from community groups across Suffolk making a difference through green energy solutions. 👏

We believe in regularly checking in with our clients. Today we met with the sister-led team at Faro at their HQ in Boxford, linking up with their design HQ and team in India. This was a chance to evaluate the overall health and performance of their brand. Reflect on their current status, examine brand positioning, analyse the competitive landscape, and address the challenges they face in the market. The insight gained from this session will successfully guide their planning and marketing strategy for the future. Is it time for your brand wellness check? We can work together to align your business and marketing strategy. Tim Hodgson & Wendy Hodgson #BrandWellness #StrategicPlanning #Faro #whatassociates #ipswich #brandIdentity #whatmakesyoushine

It's great to see the St Jo's Ambition campaign out there. It never fails to excite us to see our work 'big' in the real world! We’ve got 48-sheet billboards and digital screens on rotation at Felixstowe and Ipswich train stations, perfectly positioned to target high-impact roads and public thoroughfares. This campaign is all about retention and recruitment, showcasing the ambition across the entire school. What makes you shine. We’re pleased with the results, the bold messaging and the epic nature of the student portraiture have a real impact. The brand identity we worked on 4 years ago is working hard and ever-evolving. We’re passionate about refining and advancing our clients’ brand messaging. Our comprehensive approach to branding, strategy, design, photography, and production ensures our clients stand out from the competition. We’re proud to partner with St Joseph's College, Ipswich to elevate their narrative. This is WHAT we do best! #IndependentSchoolMarketing #PrivateSchoolMarketing #SchoolMarketing #MarketingCampaign #WHATassociates #Education #Photography #Production #StJosAmbition #spacetothrive #Ipswich #CreativeAgency #WhatMakesYouShine WHAT associates: Tim Hodgson and Wendy Hodgson