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How we work

We are a brand consultancy based in Manchester, independently minded since 2001.

We aim to prove that strategic use of design at the heart of organisations creates more effective organisations. We help our clients solve complex challenges through the integration of brand and business strategy, identity and communications. That requires strong, collaborative working relationships. Here's how we build them:

Our approach

Listen first, then be brave

Listen 1m

Only by truly understanding your challenge from all angles, can we take the necessary risks to create the new perspective that will solve it long-term. We continue listening and evaluating to keep making improvements.

Insight drives imagination

Insight 1m

We don’t know the answer, we discover it. Insight is only useful if it stimulates ideas. An idea is only valued if it solves the relevant problem. A process with the right amount of structure to generate surprising, effective solutions.

Painfully honest when necessary

Honest 1m

What we do is for the best interests of our clients long-term. We challenge thinking to achieve this. Always respectfully, constructively and with a positive way forward.

Always curious, committed and collaborative

Curious 1m

We’re intentionally small. It matters to us personally that every part of a project is a success. We do this by working collaboratively throughout - between disciplines, with client teams and with partners - to make sure every aspect of every problem is solved.

Create clarity from complexity

Clarity 1m

Simplicity isn’t always possible, but we bring clarity and coherence. At every point we help to distil a clearer way forward, without compromising quality or comprehensiveness.

Clients
Age UK Basketball England British Council Brookson Bruntwood Cancer Research UK Caring Homes Chatsworth Chester Zoo Church of England Docet Durham University Gaddum Genomics England GMHSCP Heart of Glass Imperial War Museums Jersey Post Liverpool John Moores University Marlborough College National Cheng Kung University National Gallery of Ireland National Portrait Gallery National Trust Our Future Health Pastest People's History Museum Placefirst Raby Estates Royal Academy of Arts Royal Collection Trust Royal Mail Science Museum Sheila Bird architects Showtown Sport England Springer Nature Storyhouse TATE The Boat Race The College of Optometrists TIMCO Times Higher Education Together University of Brighton University of Leeds University of Manchester University of Oxford University of Salford University of South Wales Wellcome Collection Wellcome Trust
Awards

We’re passionate about the work we do at True North, and we’re thrilled that so many share our view. Our projects are frequently recognised in regional and national industry awards, for both creativity and effectiveness. It’s something we are really proud of.

Let's work together
+44 (0) 161 667 6666