Global branding agency StormBrands moved its Yorkshire studio to Leeds. The new space is in Marshall’s Mill, in the heart of Holbeck, the city’s creative district.

StormBrands started in Yorkshire in 1994. The agency now has growing studios in London, Leeds and Hong Kong, and clients all over the world in industries from aviation to food and retail; 70% of the business is now global.

The move was inspired by Leeds rapidly becoming a hub for the creative industries. “Many exciting organisations are relocating to Leeds. It felt like the right time for us to be immersed in the buzz and positive energy of this Northern powerhouse city,” says Bruce Drinkwater, CEO at StormBrands.

The Yorkshire studio was based in the small market town of Elland. The main challenge with the location was attracting top creative talent. As the studio continues to expand, the team will need more space for growth, as well as improved transport links to streamline inter-office communications. While the former studio was over two floors, in the new offices, everyone will sit together in the same open space.

The moving process began in March. “It’s been an exciting journey finding and adapting the right creative space, and Marshall’s Mill was the ideal spot. We now have an open-plan office and multiple communal areas on the top floor of the mill, which are perfect for our collaborative breakout sessions,” says Jonny Westcar, managing director at StormBrands.

StormBrands has doubled in size over the last three years, and is still expanding. While proud of its British heritage, the agency is keen to build its base of consumer and corporate brands the world over. The studio has undergone immersive design stints and pop-up studios for clients across the globe, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Poland, the US and throughout Europe.