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Creative Design Companies in Derby: 114 Active Firms (2026)
Creative design agencies plan brand, digital and campaign assets for clients, with this cohort based in and around Derby.
Buying centres sit around marketing directors, founder-led leadership teams and in-house communications functions, rather than a single enterprise procurement route. Work tends to be brief-led: brand refreshes, campaign assets, web builds, pitch materials and recurring content production, with retainer relationships sitting alongside project fees. The buyers are mostly commercial organisations that need external creative capacity but are not outsourcing their full marketing operation. Engagements therefore look closer to studio-and-client services than software procurement, with modest project scopes shaped by portfolio fit, responsiveness and the ability to translate a commercial message into visual and digital assets.
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Derby has 114 actively trading creative design agencies in this cohort, making it a relatively small local services market rather than a national-scale cluster. The employment footprint is modest, with reported headcount of 325 people. That points to an agency base weighted towards owner-managed studios and compact teams. Scale appears uneven: there is little evidence of a deep upper end by turnover, while recent incorporations suggest a continuing flow of small studios testing local client demand, referral-led sales and project-based delivery.
Contract risk is usually commercial rather than sector-authorisation based. Creative briefs can touch client-owned brand assets, imagery, copy, campaign claims, website tracking and personal information, so terms around usage rights, approvals, confidentiality and liability matter more than licence-style supervision. Agencies serving regulated clients may also inherit stricter sign-off processes from those clients, especially where marketing claims require internal legal or compliance review. For Derby firms selling to local commercial buyers, that tends to make process discipline and record-keeping part of delivery rather than a separate regulated activity.
Future demand appears tied to the willingness of local businesses to keep design strategy and production outside the payroll. The cohort’s shape suggests a market with many small studios, limited scale-up depth and competition based on trust, speed and portfolio fit. Buyers with steadier marketing calendars may keep squeezing project budgets into retainers, while smaller clients may continue to buy discrete campaign, web and identity work. Consolidation looks possible where agencies want broader delivery capability, but the more common path is likely to remain specialist studios partnering with developers, printers, photographers and marketing consultants.
114
Active firms
2026
1
Above £5M
reported revenue
26
Incorporated since 2022
recent entrants
Key facts
About 1% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (1 of 114 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
22% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (26 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Creative design agencies in Derby sit between strategy, production and delivery, turning marketing briefs into brand, digital and campaign assets.
Procurement tends to be project-led, with clients buying website, identity, content-system and campaign work rather than long software contracts.
Client demand spans local and national briefs, so Derby agencies may combine retained account work with campaign-specific production.
The segment includes owner-managed shops, project-based studios and larger service businesses, pointing to a fragmented agency market.
Top Derby Creative Design companies
GRAVITY DIGITAL LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides web design and digital marketing services, including search engine optimisation (SEO), email marketing, paid media campaigns and social media management. Also offers website optimisation for…
Serves SMEs and organisations, particularly companies around Derby, that need support improving their online presence and reaching customers through digital channels.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -67% CAGR over 4y
Location
Stimulating Minds Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides graphic design and digital communications services including website design, branding, print materials, retail graphics and marketing campaign assets for businesses and organisations across…
Serves businesses and education organisations, including automotive brands and sixth form colleges, seeking print and digital communications support for brand, web, retail and campaign activity.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 6% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides branding, graphic design and web design services for businesses, alongside digital marketing including search engine optimisation, pay‑per‑click advertising and social media marketing.…
Serves businesses and organisations seeking agency support, including SMEs and clients in healthcare, travel, IT services and publicly funded growth programmes.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -14% CAGR over 4y
Location
BALLS 2 MARKETING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides marketing and communications services including public relations, digital marketing, branding and creative design, marketing strategy, social media management, and event support, producing…
Serves B2B and B2C organisations in glass and glazing, construction, property, building products, home improvements, sustainability and lifestyle sectors, with clients in the East Midlands and across…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -2% CAGR over 4y
Location
SLATER & PARTNERS LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides marketing and advertising agency services including brand strategy, creative advertising, media planning and buying, public relations, digital marketing, SEO, content production, CRM…
Serves marketing and brand teams at businesses, public-sector bodies and consumer brands seeking agency support across B2B, retail, transport, leisure and shopper markets.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Alt Design Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides graphic design and brand consultancy services, including logo and brand development, print design, website design and build, content management systems, e‑commerce sites, email marketing,…
Serves businesses and organisations in the Midlands, including marine, property, leisure/events, public investment and energy-sector clients.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 14% CAGR over 2y
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides branding, marketing, design and digital services for businesses. Activities include brand strategy and identity, graphic design, UX/UI and website development, digital marketing, PR, social…
Serves B2B and consumer-facing brands and organisations across retail, transport, education, property, leisure, manufacturing and technology, typically marketing leaders seeking agency support.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
THE ONE OFF LONDON LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides brand and retail design services including store and interior design, brand identity, packaging and wayfinding, websites and apps, e‑commerce, advertising campaigns, media content, film and…
Serves B2B brand owners and marketing teams, especially retail, travel, leisure and workspace-focused organisations seeking customer-facing brand, store, digital and campaign support.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -71% CAGR over 4y
Location
Digital Ignition Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
First Avenue Group Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -16% CAGR over 4y
Location
Fluid Ideas Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides brand strategy, creative design, and digital marketing services. Develops advertising campaigns, content, and visual assets, and builds websites and digital systems, alongside performance…
Serves businesses and organisations in e-commerce, education, healthcare, leisure, professional services, property and retirement sectors, including commercial companies and charities.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 7% CAGR over 4y
Location
BROOKES & SOWERBY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides B2B public relations and marketing communications services. Activities include media relations, branding, website development, advertising, email and social media campaigns, video…
Serves B2B organisations, particularly in professional services, automotive aftermarket, construction, manufacturing and print/signage, targeting marketing and leadership teams.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -71% CAGR over 4y
Location
MACMARTIN LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides marketing communications and design services focused on behaviour change campaigns. Conducts research and behavioural insights, develops campaign strategy and branding, produces digital and…
Serves organisations running health, social and environmental change initiatives, including public sector bodies, charities and socially focused businesses seeking to influence community behaviours…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 9% CAGR over 4y
Location
Tg Sign Installation Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · -17% CAGR over 4y
Location
Top Corner Ltd
Trajectory
1y · 2024–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Meh Interiors Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak
Location
Hexagon Visuals Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
STUDIO RINI LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
Q BRANCH CONSULTING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
PERFECT WEB SOLUTIONS LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides digital marketing services including strategy and analysis, website design and development, e‑commerce builds, digital campaigns, and content publishing. Works with organisations to plan,…
Sells to businesses seeking digital marketing, web and publishing support, including marketing teams and brands. Serves clients across sectors shown in case studies such as recruitment, publishing,…
Financial Health
StableStable · -13% CAGR over 4y
Location
Chris Johnson Design Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
ADTRAK MEDIA LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides digital marketing services including web design and development, search engine optimisation, pay‑per‑click advertising, and social media marketing. Also offers branding, content creation,…
Serves UK businesses seeking online growth and lead generation, including ecommerce companies and organisations needing digital marketing, web, branding, SEO, PPC and social media support.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 4% CAGR over 3y
Location
AM 76 LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Dom Baker Design Ltd
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
S.S. PRINT DERBY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Resolution Property Ventures Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
THE ONE OFF INDIA LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
STUDIO MAFA LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Square One Creative Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
THE DIGITAL MAZE LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides digital marketing services including search engine optimisation, pay‑per‑click advertising, content marketing, digital PR and email marketing. Also designs and develops websites and…
Serves B2B and D2C brands seeking digital growth, particularly in home & garden, food & drink, lifestyle, SaaS and service industries, plus storage and removals companies. Targets ambitious ecommerce…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -5% CAGR over 2y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Andy Sykes Design Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Cheercrowds Solutions Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy
Location
BALMAHA LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
Bloc Media Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
Jellyanney Rewear Ltd
Trajectory
1y · 2025–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Your Own Space Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides digital marketing and web development services, including search engine optimisation (SEO), pay‑per‑click advertising, digital PR, email marketing, website design and build, eCommerce…
Serves growth-focused businesses across B2B and consumer markets, especially ecommerce brands and lead-generation companies with marketing or leadership teams investing in customer acquisition,…
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Portland Grey Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
STUDIO MAGNETIQUE LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
WAJAHAT ENTERPRISE LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 299% CAGR over 1y
Location
LEMON AND LIME HOMES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · -62% CAGR over 4y
Location
5 Lamps Media Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces corporate media including 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, and film for training, marketing, and internal communications. Develops bespoke e‑learning content and interactive training…
Serves businesses and public-sector organisations needing corporate media and training content, with clients in rail, NHS/healthcare, military, automotive, engineering, power and aerospace.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Sign Design (Derby) Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 11% CAGR over 4y
Location
MERT DESIGN SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Hocreative Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
NB Piping Design Services Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
DAN WILSON STUDIO LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
MISCHIEF STUDIO LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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How Derby Creative Design companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Derby creative design firms earn mainly from service fees rather than repeatable licence income. Revenue usually comes through fixed-price projects, monthly retainers, studio day rates and production mark-ups where print, photography or development work is coordinated for the client. A typical engagement is small enough to be approved by a marketing lead or founder, although retained accounts can cover ongoing content, campaign adaptation and website updates. The service shape is part consultancy and part production: turning a commercial brief into identity systems, visual assets, digital layouts and finished marketing materials that a client can use across sales, recruitment and communications.
Who they sell to
Most buyers are small and mid-sized commercial organisations that need design capability without building a full in-house creative team. Founder-led firms may buy directly, while larger local clients usually involve a marketing director, communications manager or senior operational sponsor. Procurement tends to be relationship-led, with referrals, portfolio review and informal pitch meetings carrying more weight than formal purchasing portals. Sales cycles are usually short for discrete production work and longer for rebrands, web builds or retained support, where stakeholders need to agree the brief, budget, approval route and ownership of final assets.
What they buy
Creative design agencies tend to spend on tools and services that protect billable time, manage client approvals and keep delivery visible. Relevant categories include CRM, project management, time recording, proposal software, accounting, billing, file storage, website hosting, analytics, cyber security, HR administration and freelance workforce management. They may also buy legal support for terms, usage rights and subcontractor agreements, plus accountancy, recruitment, insurance, print fulfilment and specialist digital services. Sellers should expect practical scrutiny: agencies often care less about broad feature sets and more about whether a supplier reduces admin, improves margin visibility or helps small teams look organised to clients.
Why and how to sell to them
Pain points often appear when project work becomes too reliant on the owner, when client feedback scatters across email, or when a studio moves from ad hoc jobs into retained delivery. Buying triggers include a new senior hire, a run of larger client wins, rising use of freelancers, a website rebuild, a change in finance process or a push to track project profitability more closely. Outbound tends to work better when it is tied to agency operations rather than generic growth language: cleaner approvals, fewer write-offs, faster quoting, clearer retainers and better evidence of work completed for the client.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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