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The studio
We’re Mindlabs Media — a creative design agency in Kirkburton, just outside Huddersfield. Started in 2004, still here, still doing the work ourselves.
One studio, four workshops’ worth of skills, and a kettle that never goes cold.
Twenty-one years ago this was two people and a decent idea: that most small businesses don’t want to manage four suppliers, they want one lot who can sort the whole thing.
That hasn’t changed. What has is the amount of kit out the back — we now design, print, fabricate, install and build websites, all in-house. Which means when we say we’ll sort it, we actually can.
We’re not the cheapest and we don’t pretend to be. We’re the lot who turn up, do what we said, and are still answering the phone three years later when you need the next thing.
Who you’ll deal with
Meet the Lab Rats.
Small team on purpose. You’ll speak to the people doing the work, not an account manager relaying messages.
Jono Hughes
Managing Director
Runs the place, quotes the jobs and still can't walk past a badly-kerned shop sign without commenting.
Chris Hughes
Creative Director
Twenty-odd years of drawing things for a living. If you've had a compliment on your logo lately, it was probably his fault.
Harvey Wimpenny
Lead Developer
Builds the websites and cares an unreasonable amount about how fast they load. Measures things in milliseconds.
Lauren Brookes
Marketing Manager
Keeps the plates spinning, the clients informed and the studio's own marketing from being the last thing on the list.
How we work
Five steps, no mystery.
A proper conversation
Not a sales pitch. We want to know what you sell, who to, what's working and what's driving you mad. Usually over a brew, usually about an hour. Free, and you're under no obligation afterwards.
A fixed price, in writing
You get a written proposal with a fixed price and a clear scope. No day rates, no vague “from” figures, no surprise line items three weeks in.
Design, then refine
We show you real work early rather than disappearing for a month. Two rounds of revisions are built into every project as standard, because first thoughts are rarely best thoughts.
Make it, fit it, launch it
Print goes to press, signs get fabricated and installed, sites get tested on actual devices and go live. All by us — no handing you over to a third party at the important bit.
Still here afterwards
Hosting, updates, more print, the next sign, the campaign in eighteen months. Most of our work comes from people we've already worked with, which is either a good sign or a failure of ambition.
Why us
What you actually
get for your money.
01
Everything under one roof
Brand, print, web and signage from one team. One point of contact, one set of artwork, nothing lost between suppliers.
02
Twenty-one years of it
Since 2004, through three recessions and every design trend you've forgotten. We know what lasts.
03
We make and fit, not just design
There's a workshop, not just a Mac. We cut, build and install the things we draw — so what's on screen is what turns up.
04
Straight answers
If your idea won't work we'll tell you, and say why. You're paying for judgement as much as artwork.
05
Actually local
Kirkburton based. We'll come and stand in your shop, look at your wall, measure your van. Hard to do that from London.
06
100+ five-star reviews
Eighty-four on Google at 5.0 and climbing. We'd rather you read those than take our word for it.
Reviews
5 on Google,
103 times over.
“Chris always does a fantastic job helping us design our signage. We only gave him a week's notice and he delivered. Would recommend you guys every time.”Jodie Booth
“I have worked with Mindlabs for the last 8 years on various projects for my businesses including graphics, branding, website and signage. Very professional and always a fantastic job.”Jamie Jebson
“From the design stage to installation, a first class service throughout. Kept informed every step of the way, highly satisfied with the end product.”Barnsley Trout Club
“All Seasons Boutique Hotels has been using Mindlabs for years. They always create superb solutions to our marketing needs. I wouldn't hesitate to use them for any signage, website or stationery needs.”John Dalby, All Seasons Boutique Hotels
“Fantastic service, local to Kirkburton, good price and very easy to work with. Highly recommended.”The Alvo Interiors Team
“Great service from start to finish. All installed with a minimum of fuss and a friendly smile. Look no further if you're in the market for some new company signage.”Jez Elson
Clients past and present
Next step
Come and have a brew.
We’re on the edge of Kirkburton and the kettle’s always on. Bring the problem, we’ll bring the biscuits and an honest opinion.