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The studio
We’re Mindlabs Media — a creative design agency in Huddersfield — a studio in Kirkburton and a workshop in Skelmanthorpe. 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-two 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.
Jim Sykes
Chief Sign Engineer
Turns a drawing into something that survives a Pennine winter. If a sign is still straight and still lit in ten years, that'll be Jim's doing.
Jack Burrell
Videographer & Drone Pilot
Shoots the video and flies the drone, which makes him the only one here who gets to call standing in a field on a wet Tuesday work.
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 on the phone or over a brew, usually about an hour. Free, and you're under no obligation afterwards.
A clear estimate, in writing
You’ll get a straightforward written estimate with a clear scope of work and a realistic cost. No vague “from” prices, no hidden extras and no surprises halfway through the project. What we quote is what we discuss — with everything clearly laid out from the start.
Designs, then refine
We can work from an agreed project estimate, or set a specific amount of design time with a clear cap. Either way, you only pay for the design time you need, charged at our standard hourly design rate. We’ll show you real work early, refine it with you, and keep everything transparent from the outset.
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-two 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
Huddersfield based, with a studio in Kirkburton and a workshop in Skelmanthorpe. 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
Over a hundred on Google at a straight 5.0, and still climbing. We'd rather you read those than take our word for it.
Reviews
5.0 on Google,
100+ 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
“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.
The studio’s in Kirkburton and the kettle’s always on. Bring the problem, we’ll bring the biscuits and an honest opinion.