Company Name:
Wilson Design
Contact Name:
steve Wilson
Job Title:
Creative Director
Email:
steve@wilsondesign.uk.com
Phone:
07957227378
Website:
https://www.wilsondesign.uk.com
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/wilsondesignassociates. /. https://www.instagram.com/stevewilsonwda/
Award category to be entered:
Customer Service
Please provide an overview of the company:
At Wilson Design Associates, creativity has been at the heart of what we do for more than three decades. Founded in 1994, we’ve grown into a trusted design and print partner for businesses across Chichester and beyond. From brand identities and websites to print campaigns and direct mail, we specialise
From logos and brochures to websites, roller banners, packaging and direct mail campaigns, we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses to build brands that people remember and helping companies communicate with clarity, consistency and impact. Big or small, new or established, our clients come to us because they want marketing that works in the real world – not just something that looks nice!
When we moved the studio to Chichester in the early 2000s, we quickly became part of the local business network. From being involved with the development of the Chamber of Commerce to launching the First Friday Network in 2003, we’ve always believed in collaboration, connection, and giving back.
In 2012, we added another string to our bow with Chichester Print. After years of sourcing print for our design clients, it made sense to set up our own print service – offering the same care, quality and attention to detail but direct to local businesses. Many of those “print-only” customers quickly became design clients too once they saw how much more they could do with a consistent brand.
What sets us apart is the way we think. We don’t just ask “what do you need designed?” – we look at the bigger picture. Who’s your market? What’s your message? Which media will actually get results? That’s the 3Ms, and it means every project we take on – from a simple leaflet to a full rebrand – is rooted in strategy as well as creativity.
Over the years we’ve built long-standing relationships with a wide mix of clients: shutter companies, pubs, beauty brands, vets, accountants, photographers, and more. Some have been with us for 15 years or longer – which tells us we must be doing something right.
We’re still proudly independent, still rooted in Chichester, and still as enthusiastic about design and print as ever. Andy has been leading our web projects since 2005, and we’re supported by a close network of trusted specialists who know how to deliver. We offer the knowledge and experience associated with larger agencies, while keeping the personal service and attention to detail people know us for.
At Wilson Design Associates, it’s never just about logos, colours or fonts. It’s about helping businesses grow, connect, and stand out. That’s what gets us out of bed in the morning – and it’s why so many of our clients come back time and again.
Year Established:
1994
Number of Employees:
3
Describe your business values:
Last year I was honoured to be a finalist for Small Business of the Year. I didn’t win — but what stayed with me was the number of clients who told me they felt I should have. This year, I’ve been nominated again. That means more than any trophy ever could.
Wilson Design Associates is now over 30 years old and has been in Chichester since 2002. But this isn’t a story about longevity — it’s about continued momentum.
Over the past year my business has continued to grow steadily and sustainably. New local clients join me every month. Existing clients return more frequently. And, most importantly, the conversations have changed.
Clients no longer come to me saying, “I need a leaflet.” They now ask, “What do you think we should be doing?” That shift in perspective matters more than you might think.
It reflects the trust built not just through good design, but through experience, strategic thinking and consistency. I don’t simply produce artwork — I help shape marketing decisions. I guide businesses on market, message and media. I challenge when needed (sometimes bluntly and with rude words!!). I support when required. I enable action and results.
Alongside client work, I’ve continued publishing weekly blogs, sending weekly emails and posting daily social media content — consistently, without fail. That commitment has compounded my local reputation (and further afield!). It keeps me visible. Relevant. Trusted. In a small business community, consistency builds authority — and authority builds impact.
My second brand, Chichester Print, continues to support local businesses with high-quality print products, often acting as a gateway into wider design partnerships. What begins as print frequently develops into long-term strategic design support.
Beyond my own companies, I remain actively involved in the local business community. Through networking, mentoring, and ongoing support of fellow entrepreneurs, I share the knowledge I’ve gained over four decades in business. Many of the businesses I work with have grown significantly — some launching entirely new ventures with brand identities and marketing frameworks I’ve helped create.
I’ve moved from being “a designer running a business” to an entrepreneur enabling other businesses to grow — and that impact is felt across the local economy. Small businesses thrive on trust, persistence and relationships. That’s what I’ve built my company on.
And if being nominated again is anything to go by — it’s working.
Customer service quality:
At Wilson Design Associates, high-quality service begins with genuinely understanding the businesses we work with. Most of our clients are owner-managed SMEs without in-house marketing departments, so they rely on us not just for creative output but for guidance, reassurance and commercial clarity. Every project starts with a detailed conversation about objectives, challenges, audience and long-term ambition so that any design solution is grounded in strategy rather than aesthetics alone.
With more than three decades of experience in branding and marketing communications, we have developed a structured and dependable way of working that gives clients confidence at every stage. Briefs are carefully shaped, expectations are clearly agreed, and projects are managed with transparency around costs, timescales and production requirements. We take full ownership of the process, from concept through to final delivery, including managing print production and liaising with trusted suppliers, which removes pressure from our clients and ensures consistency and quality control throughout.
Accessibility and responsiveness are central to our service culture. Clients deal directly with an experienced creative lead who understands their brand history and commercial priorities, enabling quicker decisions and more informed recommendations. We do not see projects as isolated tasks but as part of a longer-term partnership, which is reflected in the many client relationships that have lasted well over a decade.
Ultimately, the quality of our service is measured by trust. Our role is to protect and strengthen our clients’ brands as if they were our own, ensuring that every piece of communication supports their wider business goals.
Customer service goals:
Looking ahead, our aim is to continue evolving our customer service in a way that strengthens both efficiency and personal connection. As our client base grows, we are refining internal systems and workflows to improve project visibility, streamline communication and maintain consistently high standards without losing the direct, relationship-led approach that defines our business.
We are also exploring the thoughtful integration of AI and digital tools to enhance turnaround times and improve accuracy in areas such as proofing, asset management and production preparation. These developments are not about replacing the personal element of our service, but about freeing up more time for strategic thinking and deeper client engagement.
Another key objective is to become increasingly proactive in how we support our clients. Rather than responding solely to individual design requests, we intend to guide more businesses through structured brand development and ongoing marketing planning, helping them to make confident, informed decisions about their growth.
Education will remain an important part of our service philosophy. Through networking groups, workshops and written content, we will continue to share practical insights that empower business owners to better understand branding and marketing, strengthening their trust in the process and in our partnership.
Our long-term ambition is not simply to deliver excellent projects, but to build enduring relationships where clients view us as a trusted extension of their team. Maintaining that level of confidence and consistency will continue to shape how we develop our customer service in the years ahead.
