Business cards and Harry Potter – how it all began
AB began life as AB Graphics in 1983. Originally a two-man graphic studio, the company was founded by Pete Astbury and Aylwyn Bowen. Their surnames formed the AB name that we still proudly use today.
The office was on Exeter’s Gandy Street, a quirky cobbled lane which is rumoured to have inspired Diagon Alley in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
Astbury and Bowen worked their own unique magic on a wide range of clients. Client requests included classic ‘80s fare that we don’t see as much of in today’s digital world: business cards, certificates, letterheads and illustrated trade catalogues to name a few. If you wanted to get in touch, you could call or pop in to the office – no emails or Linkedin messages in 1983!
Flexible co-working – what’s happening now
Today AB has expanded to around 20 members of staff and three partners: Marcus Bennett, Ed Burnand and Henry Sanford.
We’re based in both Exeter and London, with our own offices set in the creative, collaborative atmosphere of co-working buildings. We’d still love to see you if you’d like to pop in!
Today we offer local, national and international clients a wide range of services. Our specialist teams cover all aspects of brand and marketing from web design and development to digital marketing, design and strategy.
We’ve transformed our ways of working post-Covid to be flexible for our staff and clients. The AB team is energised by our collective vision and values of better growth, for people and the planet.
Looking to the future
The team is constantly growing and learning new skills as we expand our offering.
We’re on the journey to becoming a B-Corp and hope to be certified soon. This means we’ll be joining a global network that’s transforming the global economy to make business a force for good.
We’re also building on our partnerships with existing clients while collaborating with new companies and organisations to create better growth.
Best Places to Work winner
AB has earned a place on Campaign’s Best Places to Work list for 2023.
Ed Burnand, Partner at AB Brand and Marketing Agency says:
“We’re delighted to have made Campaign’s Best Places to Work list. The happiness and wellbeing of our team have always been important to us and we’re proud of the positive, collaborative culture we have built within our agency. We know that the happier our team is, the better work that we produce.”