Yorkshire professionals launch new brand agency

Two well-known Yorkshire design professionals have launched new brand and communications consultancy.

Steve Wills, previously one half of design agency, B&W Studio, has teamed with ex-publisher, Leigh Tasker, to create Substance.

Headquartered in Sheffield’s emerging Kelham Island district, the new consultancy also has an ancillary office at Leeds’ Round Foundry Media Centre.

Substance has already secured instructions from several high-profile clients including global healthcare brand, Omnicell, and Sheffield-based manufacturer, Home Décor.

The new agency has also completed a prospectus document for Manchester Cathedral, which is to be the focal point of an event next week hosted by the Dean of Manchester and Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council.

Furthermore, Substance has been appointed on major projects across the northern property sector too, with clients including regeneration specialist Igloo, Manchester-based residential developer Renaker Build, Liverpool architects Snook, and Northwood Investors, the owners of Number 1 Broad Gate in Leeds.

Steve was the former Creative Director at seminal agency Attik, where he worked for clients including British Heart Foundation, Nike, First Direct, Republic, Guinness UDV, Urban Splash and RIBA.

Commenting on Substance, he said: “The opportunity to create a new design business with Leigh represents a real turning point for me; our combined experience of branding, communications and all-round client knowhow instantly puts us on the map for companies seeking a pedigree communications agency partner. I’ve never been more focussed.”

Leigh Tasker, the managing director who for six years published leading regional property title, PaD Property & Design Magazine, added: “As proponents of brand, our own identity is a critical measure of what we believe in. ‘Substance’ says all one needs to know about the importance we place on meaning, credence and the basis of ideas – combined with rigorous strategic thinking and brilliant creative execution, there’s an indisputable commitment in our work to integrity, effectiveness and quality.”

“We’re building a team with talent at its core and with growth very much in mind,” Leigh added. “Like many businesses at the moment, there’s every reason to be excited and optimistic for what the future holds.”