t&s creative communications is a creative-led, full service marketing and advertising agency based in Bristol
 

t&s creative communications

Hello.

Welcome to t&s. We are a fully-integrated, creative, content marketing agency based in Bristol and Soho, with a wealth of knowledge built from over eleven years of hard work, fun and amazing achievements. We have delivered integrated marketing campaigns, responsive website design, PPC management and recruitment marketing strategies, to name a few.

We'll guide you in the right direction...

We'll guide you in the right direction...

Whether your business is just taking off or you need to spread your wings to reach new and unexplored audiences, t&s create ideas that land in the right places at the right time.

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We'll help you stand out from the crowd...

We'll help you stand out from the crowd...

In a congested marketplace, just blasting your horn rarely gets you very far. If your marketing isn’t attracting the attention you want, t&s will create your perfect volume and pitch.

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Most importantly, we’ll get you results.

Campaign success is the sign of a good agency. Shouting from the rooftops about how great you are is one thing, but it’s our results that have ultimately built a strong business with such great clients. If your communications aren’t keeping you ahead of the Joneses, it’s time to move.

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Hello.

Welcome to t&s. We are a fully-integrated, creative, content marketing agency based in Bristol and Soho, with a wealth of knowledge built from over eleven years of hard work, fun and amazing achievements. We have delivered integrated marketing campaigns, responsive website design, PPC management and recruitment marketing strategies, to name a few.

Whatever it takes to get your message across

Advertising

Traditional advertising channels may not be quite as topical as the latest digital platforms, but ignore them at your peril.

The majority of your enquiries may very well come via your website, but the journey to your site is a whole different matter and one which the so called 'old skool’ media can, and does, still play an integral part of the communication mix.

View Advertising Projects

Branding

Understanding what sets our clients apart is where we thrive.

Whether corporate or HR brand creation and development, we offer more than eye-catching logo design. Using a tried and trusted approach we identify brand position, clarify perception, build customer personas and conduct competitor research to develop a strategy and identity that rockets your brand.

View Branding Projects

Creative

Thinking creatively is at the heart of everything we do.

Whether you're developing a new brand identity from scratch, or need a hard-hitting sales campaign, or simply want a sharp new company brochure; our award-winning creative team will always find that clever execution to give you the competitive edge.

View Creative Projects

Digital

Not maximising your online presence?

Confused by the jargon of the latest digital trends? Whatever stage you are at in your digital journey, t&s will ensure that you’ve got the right strategy. From delivering incredible websites to driving traffic through paid search, we deliver campaigns to engage your audience with meaningful and measurable communications.

View Digital Projects

  • Advertising

    Traditional advertising channels may not be quite as topical as the latest digital platforms, but ignore them at your peril. The majority of your enquiries may very well come via your website, but the journey to your site is a whole different matter and one which the so called 'old skool’ media can, and does, still play an integral part of the communication mix.

    View Advertising Projects

  • Branding

    Understanding what sets our clients apart is where we thrive. Whether corporate or HR brand creation and development, we offer more than eye-catching logo design. Using a tried and trusted approach we identify brand position, clarify perception, build customer personas and conduct competitor research to develop a strategy and identity that rockets your brand.

    View Branding Projects

  • Creative

    Thinking creatively is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re developing a new brand identity from scratch, or need a hard-hitting sales campaign, or simply want a sharp new company brochure; our award-winning creative team will always find that clever execution to give you the competitive edge.

    View Creative Projects

  • Digital

    Not maximising your online presence? Confused by the jargon of the latest digital trends? Whatever stage you are at in your digital journey, t&s will ensure that you’ve got the right strategy. From delivering incredible websites to driving traffic through paid search, we deliver campaigns to engage your audience with meaningful and measurable communications.

    View Digital Projects

Our clients

It doesn't do for us all to think alike...

Ryan Belbin

Creative Director

Emma Knapp

Client Services Director

Darren Hart

Digital Director

Brian Kings

Finance Director

Lydia Jeal

Account Manager

ryan belbin

Not just a pretty picture.

After earning his considerable stripes with a number of specialist agencies, including a 4 year stint as Divisional Creative Divisional with EuroRSCG Riley, Ryan decided that the traditional agency life would ultimately stand in the way of his creative instincts. In 2004, Ryan joined two other Directors at the inception of Sedgley Belbin Wright, taking responsibility for the agency’s creative direction.

Then in 2011, Ryan really spread his wings and became one of the founding Directors of t&s. As Creative Director, his passion and hands-on approach ensures that the agency’s creative work is as effective as it is striking.

What do you do all day?

Try to find inspiration for clients, in me and from the team.

What do you do best?

Making sure a great idea (whomever’s it is) fulfils its potential.

And the real Ryan?

A doting Father and loving (his words, not his wife’s) husband. His family is the only thing that comes before client needs.*

If you exclude...

*Daydreaming, doodling, eating, drinking, films, dealing in vintage American comics, his pets, the garden, bed, alcohol, friends, cars, Apple products, the internet, colouring in and Scarlett Johansen (Ryan had to take out an injunction).

emma knapp

She won’t rest.

With ten years’ experience as Client Services Director, Emma has a natural passion for developing both existing and new business. Her team management skills and desire to do things properly, ensure that t&s not only look after their current clients, but that they make the most of every potential new business opportunity – a mind-set that has helped t&s quadruple in size since its launch in 2011.

Working for nearly ten years within local media, mainly within the automotive sector, Emma left to take her first agency role at Euro RSCG Riley Bristol, where she worked on a mixture of education recruitment and automotive clients. In 2011, Emma became one of the founding Directors of t&s and in her role of Client Services Director, she brings her vast experience in all areas of the advertising communications mix, helping clients not only meet, but exceed their marketing objectives.

What do you do all day?

Love clients, lead staff, oversee client campaigns and generally make sure that everything is being done as it should. If clients are happy, I am happy.

What are you best at?

I hold the world record for spinning plates. And all done with a smile on my face and song in my heart.

And the real Emma?

Sitting in my room listening to A-ha. Swimming. Dreaming of meeting Morton Harket at the municipal baths.

darren hart

A true digital specialist

Darren started his digital life as a 4GL Green Screen Developer in the exciting worlds of tantalum capacitors and container shipping (your guess is as good as ours). When he was finally let out of the coding basement into the bright modern sunshine of the web, his skills led him to run development teams, managing some of the world’s busiest travel and luxury websites (South-West Trains, East Midlands Trains, East Coast Mainline, SuperSeaCat, Orient Express Hotels & Luxury Avenue Shopping Mall).
By the time Darren headed a digital department in Contract Publishing, his all-round skills meant he could apply his hand to pretty much everything from Accountancy to Zoos. As accomplished as he is, Darren accepts the digital world will forever be moving forwards at a mind-blowing rate, and the quest for knowledge is a never-ending one.
Early in 2014, t&s went in search of a new digital expert to lead their ever-growing online offer. The job description listed a broad experience of apps, digital issues, websites, social media, advertising, competitions, email campaigns and content strategy. It was a wish list written in more hope than expectation, but in Darren, t&s got the lot.

What do you do all day?

I’ll be working on ten things at once. Pitching at 9, writing specs at 10, performing chemical experiments involving weights, water and heat (aka making coffee, I’m a bit of a coffee snob if truth be told) at 11, Facebook campaigns at 12, sampling the best that Thornbury Deli has to offer at lunch, then reporting at 2, coding at 3, briefing at 4 and planning at 5.

What are you best at?

Defining solutions to a problem and being able to explain that solution to developers in granular detail and clients in broad strokes. Continually broadening my understanding and knowledge of the digital world, the lexicon of acronyms and being able to talk algorithms, metrics and whatever else, day in, day out and getting up to speed with what’s coming tomorrow.

 And the real Darren?

My passions outside of work? Torquay United, swimming vast distances outdoors, going to gigs and attempting insanely complex recipes.

brian kings

Cash is Kings.

After a 40 year career as an Accountant working in the retail sector for companies like WHSmith, Texas Homecare, Jewsons and finally, 16 years as Business Management and Franchising Manager for Renault UK Ltd., Brian ‘technically’ retired from full-time work in May 2008. However, within only a few months, he already felt the need for some stimulation in the form of the new challenge of streamlining and enhancing the financial management of Sedgley Belbin Wright, who he joined as Finance Director in November 2008. In 2011, Brian became one of the founding members of t&s. Brian’s wealth of financial experience and knowledge of the advertising and marketing, has proved invaluable, both during the company's inception and within the smooth running of the day-to-day finance function as t&s continues to expand.

What do you do all day?

I budget, forecast, chase, pay and count the money.

What do you do best?

I make sure that EVERYTHING adds up to the last penny. And if it doesn’t, I create merry hell!

And the real Brian?

Unfortunately, when we asked Brian this question, he had just taken off to explore another distant land. Which pretty much answers the question.

lydia jeal

She means business.

Lydia joined t&s as an Apprentice Account Coordinator in September 2016. Not only did she achieve Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration, she was also pretty good at the day-to-day responsibilities as well! So much so, in 2018 she was nominated for Apprentice of the Year in the Bristol & Bath Apprenticeship awards. After 6 years marketing experience at t&s, Lydia is now a highly accomplished Account Manager, effectively managing key client accounts across the agency.

What do you do all day?

Kind of everything! From making the morning brew to running the client liaison team, I like to get stuck in. I spend a lot of time writing briefs, building client relationships, and not forgetting constantly nagging our fabulous creative and studio guys and girls to nail the brief, and of course hit deadlines.

What are you best at?

Organisation with a capital ‘O’. Making sure our clients are happy, working on multiple projects, and ensuring that all our work is delivered on time.

And the real Lydia?

I’m fanatical about skiing, when the pressures off, there is nothing I like better than hitting the slopes!

Sophie Bruce

Senior Account Executive

Sam Clark

Business Development Executive

John Struth

Studio Head

Chris Taylor

Senior Designer

Matthew Mitchell

Designer

sophie bruce

Our in-house (not-so-secret) snacker

Sophie graduated with a Business and Marketing degree and set sail for a career in the glamorous world of international shopping on cruise liners. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to travel to the Caribbean or other exotic destinations, she was based in an office in Avonmouth! But the brands she worked on were truly global, she devised a media sales and campaign implementation program, which succeeded in driving on-board sales of Dior, Bacardi, and Tiffany. She eventually docked (that’s enough shipping puns, thanks) at t&s, where she’s an integral and much valued part of our client liaison team. She works across several key clients, always with huge energy and enthusiasm, and always with a smile, solving whatever challenges she’s presented with.

What do you do all day?

I work across multiple accounts, which keep me busy every day. I spend time researching media to achieve the best audience reach and value for money. I’m constantly monitoring progress on creative work, ideas, and production, and I’m heavily involved in all stages of TV commercial production. We’re a busy agency and organisation skills are essential. I have a huge appetite for my job, and getting stuck into my not-so-secret, pot luck pile of snacks!

What are you best at?

Keeping on top of everything on every project, and ensuring clients are kept informed, responded to promptly and stay happy.

And the real Sophie?

As you’ll probably have gathered, I’m a foodie! Eating, not cooking! I love trying out new restaurants, which also covers socialising with friends, another of my downtime activities. I love travelling, recently I’ve been to Iceland, Switzerland, Porto, the Amalfi Coast, and Budapest. Hobby wise – is online shopping a hobby? If so, then it’s one of mine.

sam clark

Brace yourself... she’s after your business!

Like so many before, Sam’s journey into the world of marketing is rich in variety. Starting at Hjellegjerde (a Norwegian furniture company), Sam spent four valuable years getting under the skin of retail, experiencing everything from in-store marketing to customer services. Ever eager to broaden her horizons, Sam managed some serious juggling with her work-life balance to take a Business Studies with Marketing degree at UWE, and duly graduated with a 2:1. If that wasn’t enough, Sam won the ‘Futures Award’ and held the post of PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) Leader and Student Ambassador, responsible for developing and promoting the University’s new learning centre. And as a breather in the Summer break, it was off to Florida to gain yet more experience, working for a little Mickey Mouse company – helping to bring the magic to expectant diners at Walt Disney World.

But exploring new opportunities didn’t stop in the Magic Kingdom. During her final-year research studies at university, Sam identified an opportunity for an online lifestyle magazine, and in typical Sam fashion, ‘Anything Goes’ lifestyle magazine was born – it still thrives today under her stewardship! Of course, any new venture takes time to grow, and the ever-resourceful Sam was funding her vision (and keeping food on the table) with a second job being the top advertising sales person for Mum’s Diary Magazine. No surprise then that when Sam came to the attention of t&s, this was exactly the drive and ‘I’ll find a way’ attitude we required in our Business Development team. Sam now leads our new business prospecting with the same gusto that she has applied throughout her working life. Great news for us, but watch out those prospects who aren’t interested in what she has to say.

What do you do all day?

I’m the face of t&s at networking events, such as Building Brands and The Care Show, which I’m involved in organising, you’ll also see me at Digital Gaggle. My approach is certainly not hard-sell, but tailored to identify prospective clients’ specific needs, and match them with how we will be able to meet those needs.

What are you best at?

I’m all about communication. I like to build a good rapport with people I speak to, and enjoy identifying new and mutually beneficial opportunities. But it’s all nothing without great organisation!

And the real Sam?

I love all things Americana, aside from working in the US for Disney (I’m Disney mad btw, having been to three of the six parks) I’ve travelled to the states often. I like going to gigs and festivals, over fifty so far (don’t worry, I’m not going to list them!) I love to read, confess to being a bit of a shopaholic, and relaxing at home is also important, usually watching US comedy shows, you won’t be surprised to hear, while cuddling my cats, Nala, and Simba, which also won’t come as a surprise!

john struth

Making the impossible, possible - our very own Studio Superhero.

John studied Graphic Design at North Devon College. He cut his teeth at a national comms agency based in Barnstaple, where he started as a Junior Designer and worked his way up to Team Leader. After relocating to Bristol in 2005, he joined Sedgley Belbin Wright as a Senior Designer, where his creative and organisational skills soon elevated him to Studio Manager. Joining t&s from it's beginning in 2011, John brought with him his impressive creative credentials and plays a key role in both the conceptualising and delivery of the agency’s campaign projects.

What do you do all day?

My current role at t&s gives me the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being a Senior Designer whilst taking on the responsibility of Studio Head.

As a full service agency, a variety of projects keep me on my toes - I schedule all the creative work coming into studio and ensure it's good enough to leave. I oversee the work of our Production Team, and ensure that high volume, quick turnaround jobs are of a high standard and that our systems and processes are maintained and adhered to.

I also work alongside the Creative Director on the majority of projects, from the highs of the full advertising campaigns, branding work, and new business pitches, down to the nitty gritty of the 10x2 recruitment ads, prospectus typesetting, or rolling my sleeves up and getting stuck into a PowerPoint document!

What are you best at?

Whether it’s creating a brand, or getting the best from brand guidelines, planning in a fortnight’s work for a busy studio, whilst working on tomorrow’s pitch, and pushing through that curve ball of a late rush ad, you will always find the same accurate, and efficient attention to detail.

And the real John?

I have two young children, who also keep me on my toes! When they were very young it was replacing the Mac with crayons, nowadays my son is into Minecraft and my daughter is a very keen runner, as am I, but I can’t keep up with her!

chris taylor

A fan of cycling and upcycling

Chris learnt the trade up north at Sheffield Hallam Uni in the ‘Steel City’ before moving to the south coast and taking his first role down in Bournemouth. After a couple of years he moved back to his home city of Bristol to continue his progression, where he continued to fine tune his craft over the next 5 years before joining t&s via a stint in New Zealand.

What do you do all day?

After a cycle and a coffee the day can begin. I work across all aspects in the studio: print, social, web, and animation. Whether it’s creating a campaign, an intricate piece of packaging, branding, press adverts, or a 5-minute animation for google ads; in short, picking up all the projects that allow the smooth running of the agency.

What are you best at?

A master of juggling projects across print, digital and motion from the big projects to the small, with strong ideas and crafting throughout. Whilst at the same time still picking up all the projects that allow the smooth continual running of the agency.

And the real Chris?

Outside of work, I can be found outdoors. Either cycling across the country on my latest bike-packing adventure, tackling a duathlon, or hiking the highest peak I can find, and once the seasons have changed, hurtling down it on a snowboard. Aside from these exploits, I’m a keen creator of upcycled furniture, a live music enthusiast, and have a passion for cooking.

matthew mitchell

The Oscar Wilde of t&s

Mathew is a man of few words, but watch out during office banter, his repartee is rapier like! He’s a Senior Designer with a solid track record over his two decades of experience, his passion burns bright for branding, typography, and layout.

What do you do all day?

Lovingly finesse ads for print and social, artworking files for print, attending to client amends, and doing whatever is asked of me to be a supportive member of a great team.

What are you best at?

Typography and layout - I've got an eye for detail!

And the real Matthew?

I enjoy swimming and working out, listening to music, going to see live bands, and trying to keep up to date with the latest cinema and TV releases.

Dave Read

Art Director

Russ Henderson

Creative Conceptualiser

Jenny Bacon

Senior PPC Manager

Jade Ponting

Developer

Mike Rock

Senior Digital Designer

dave read

Award winning Art Director who is far too busy to write their own profile...

russ henderson

A man of many great ideas

Russ landed his first job at an agency specialising in charity advertising. Wanting to broaden his portfolio, he went freelance and spent his time alternating between the freelance world, and full-time. During one of the economic crashes, he took up an unlikely new role – as a welder’s assistant, at his mate’s yard. He loved the banter and pranks, but his brief spell came to an end, after his mates set the back of his shirt alight...and was shirtless within 30 seconds. He decided that his passion for advertising burned brighter (and safer). Always curious, he found employment in Guernsey, hired on the spot by an agency that was led by a former lead copywriter of Y&R. He spent five idyllic years there, during which he travelled to Sydney to oversee a big project for ASICS, from an office looking out onto Sydney harbour bridge and the opera house. He returned to the UK, once more juggling freelance roles with full-time for agencies across the south, before finding his calling with the team at t&s.

What do you do all day?

A typical day will involve collaborating with the team to unearth the insights from a brief and creating salient strategies and big ideas for our diverse range of clients across all channels and sectors.

What are you best at?

Probably conceptualising, defining, and refining the big ideas.

Passion(s) outside of work

Renovating houses, movies, food, design and, of course, supporting Watford FC.

jenny bacon

A self-confessed numbers nerd

I have been working in PPC for 11 years and worn pretty much every hat possible! Starting in a graduate scheme in one company, I then followed my line manager when he started his own business. From there I moved up the ladder from a Junior Account Manager to managing a small team, before changing roles to focus more on strategy, which is my favourite part of the job - the meticulous analysis of plotting a course through AI and algorithms to drive profitable and meaningful results for our clients. I love the analysis and getting nerdy about making all the numbers move in the right direction!

What do you do all day?

Every day is varied, I could be optimising campaigns, researching new keywords, writing ad copy, or compiling reports! You can always guarantee laughs on team meetings though! 

What are you best at?

Figuring out where search ad campaigns are going wrong and how to fix them.

And the real Jenny?

I’m a massive theatre nerd, particularly when it comes to musicals (my Broadway favourites playlist is over 15 hours long)! I also love to travel and take as many opportunities as possible to explore new cities or get some well-deserved sunshine!

jade ponting

Rwy'n Gymraeg ac yn falch! (Welsh and proud!)

Jade grew up on the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge and studied graphic design at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, becoming a fully-fledged Graphic Designer in 2015. She was hired soon after by a small graphic design company in Swansea; when we say small, Jade was one half of the workforce! With a steep learning curve to ascend, over five years Jade transformed herself from a junior designer into a bespoke web developer. Never one to take the easy route, Jade not only spread her wings and moved to Weston-super-Mare, in the middle of the first COVID lockdown, she also embarked on a career change, joining t&s in June 2020. Always looking to expand her considerable abilities, she signed up to PgCert in Digital Marketing Leadership with the University of Aberdeen.

What do you do all day?

I am always on my toes! I like to solve problems and could be doing anything from building full websites or landing pages for campaigns, to digital ads and Git processes.

What are you best at?

Breaking sites and putting them back together! It’s a great way to test if a website really works.

And the real Jade?

You can either find me watching Grey’s Anatomy, any kind of crime documentary, or playing video games surrounded by pets. Other than that, I’m trying (and failing) to keep up with speaking Welsh or finding new recipes to cook.

mike rock

Since graduating with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design in the (heh-hem) late eighties – Mike has worked continuously in the creative industry. The majority of his design activity has centred on projects within the B2B arena, for web with focus on UI/UX and also old school print. Recently Mike has expanded his skill set, taking a keen interest in motion graphics, combining live action footage with animated components using After Effects and Final Cut Pro.

What do you do all day?

It’s all about transferring that gem of an idea into a sleek and usable design solution, so planning sessions, leading to sketching out scamps and transforming these into design files.

What are you best at?

Graphic creative who really enjoys the buzz of fresh design challenges and the satisfaction of producing strong and innovative solutions.

And the real Mike?

Enjoys foreign travel, food and cycling both abroad and in the UK.

Get in touch!

Phone: 0117 315 5118
020 3948 1806

Email: hello@tandsadvertising.co.uk

Bristol office
Temporary Address
(whilst we sort out our forever home)

t&s creative communications
2430-2440
the quadrant
aztec west
bristol bs32 4aq

London office
t&s soho
151 wardour street
london w1f 8we