About us

We’re a deliberately small agency. There’s just Gill Marles + Adrian Barclay. It’s a way that works well for our clients too...

You’ll always know who you’re working with, and there’s no hierarchy. If you work with us we’re hands on throughout, immersed in your project from initial ideas to finished designs. We listen, talk, research and design, and there’s less likelihood of misunderstandings along the way. Because we’re serious about what we do, we bring care, attention and genuine commitment to every project. Perhaps that’s why many of our clients have been committed to us for years.

Our approach to design is fired by good ideas, rooted in experience and commercial sense, and executed with empathy and skill. We create everything from brand identity, naming and guidelines to how the brand works in print, online and in the world – from campaigns and promotional print to packaging and exhibitions, for start ups to established businesses.

Sometimes our customers know exactly what they want, other times it’s more a voyage of discovery. We’re happy either way. Here are three starting points:

1. You’ve got a new product or service with one chance to make a great first impression. You want help creating a brand that will be irresistible to the right people Example+
2. You’re outgrowing your brand. It’s not completely wrong, but it’s not telling the whole story anymore. You need someone to help the brand grow up while preserving its heritage Example+
3. You need a ‘something’ to help you sell your product, but you don’t know what. Good ideas are as important as fantastic finished designs Example+

Recently, our work in healthcare has exploded! You can read about the personal experience which gave us real insight into this world here

We’re proud to have a whole heap of satisfied customers who have said some lovely stuff about us. This isn’t the place to be bashful - so here’s a little bit of the glowing feedback we’ve received:

"The response to our infographic equipment poster at Salford Critical Care Unit has been overwhelming. I am so pleased that so many other departments across the world are able to benefit from this work following our viral tweet! Our relatives feedback has all been positive especially noting the simplicity of the descriptions for them to understand complex equipment and why their loved one would need this. This has enabled us to remove paper information leaflets from the relatives waiting areas. M+B have been wonderful to work with and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

Julie Cheney, Consultant Nurse, Salford Royal ICU

“Working with Marles + Barclay was a total pleasure. As a designer myself I was likely to be a difficult client, but Adrian listened to my brief and encouraged my ideas. The process was easy and enjoyable, and I would happy recommend their services. Marles & Barclay have created a professional and elegant brand which I can’t wait to unveil.”

Beth Chippindall, Houneycomb Interiors

“You're not just designers – you really understand sofas AND my business."

Scott Davidson, Sofa Magic

“I can confidently say that the increase in business from the new website paid for the investment in less than three months."

Ric Carby, Barnes Educational Services

“We're delighted with the way Gill + Adrian worked with us to develop our new branding. The result has been very well received and has had a positive effect on the company’s quality of contracts received since.”

Rupert Perkins, John Perkins Construction

“Thank you for all your hard work on the re-brand. The design is fantastic. Also, I want you both to know that despite all the difficulties, everyone, I mean everyone, likes the brand. I am really really impressed.”

Jane Edmonds, Comms & PR Manager, Second Step

“The new look Sugarcraft Magazine has been very well received – everyone is delighted with the transformation. Your advice and your assistance and your co-operation in streamlining the whole process has been a great help to us. I would like to thank you personally for helping to make this transformation so smooth."

Judy Banks, National Chair, British Sugarcraft Guild

“Wow Adrian THANK YOU! I am in awe of your design and the way you have compiled an amazing guide... I am so excited to see children using them."

Mikey, Releasing Potential

“Our clients are overwhelmed by how you have been able to interpret their words and stories – a huge thank you!”

Annie Perez, St Mungos