We’re proud to announce Marsden Makes Co. as the winner of Branding Agency of the Year at the My Local Awards 2026 Cumbria.
This award celebrates creativity, impact and the ability to help businesses truly stand out, and Marsden Makes Co. does exactly that. Built with care, shaped by real life and driven by a passion for meaningful design, this is a business that proves great branding is not just about how something looks, but how it feels and connects.
A business built around purpose and family
Founded in 2023, Marsden Makes Co. began at a turning point. After years working in graphic design and then stepping away to raise a family, the business was created when the founder’s youngest child started preschool. It marked a return to creativity, but on new terms.
What started with personalised products and custom clothing has since grown into a fully-fledged branding and graphic design business, helping clients bring their ideas to life with clarity and confidence. Every step of that journey has been shaped by one key aim. Build something meaningful that works around family life while still delivering high-quality, thoughtful design.
That balance is not always easy to achieve, but it is what gives Marsden Makes Co. its authenticity and strength.
More than just design
At its core, Marsden Makes Co. is about storytelling. This is not a business that simply creates logos or follows trends. Instead, it focuses on building complete brand identities that reflect who clients really are.
Each project begins with understanding the person or business behind it. From there, branding is developed that works across everything, from print and packaging to social media and beyond. The result is design that is not only visually strong but also consistent, practical and built to last.
This thoughtful approach means clients walk away with more than just a design. They gain confidence, clarity and a stronger sense of identity, which helps them show up properly in their own businesses.
Growing through milestones and change
In a relatively short time, Marsden Makes Co. has achieved some impressive milestones. Reaching three years in business stands out as a key moment, especially considering how much the business has evolved.
Transitioning from personalised products into a full branding service required both confidence and commitment. It meant stepping fully back into the design world and trusting in the value of experience and creativity.
One of the most significant achievements, though, is less about scale and more about balance. Building a business that supports clients while also working for family life is something many aspire to, but few manage to achieve in such a genuine way.
Overcoming challenges with intention
Like any small business, the journey has not been without challenges. Balancing family life with building a business, especially in the early stages, brought moments that felt overwhelming.
Instead of trying to do everything at once, the approach shifted. The focus became building the business in a way that felt sustainable, without cutting corners on quality. That decision to slow down, prioritise and stay aligned with personal values has shaped the steady growth seen today.
It is a reminder that success does not have to come from rushing. It can come from doing things properly, with care and intention.
Creating real impact for clients
One of the most powerful examples of the work Marsden Makes Co. delivers comes from a client who launched a new tree surgery business.
Starting with a detailed conversation, the project developed into a complete branding package including guidelines, print materials and vehicle graphics. Within weeks, the client had a professional, cohesive identity that transformed how their business was perceived.
The impact was immediate. Increased confidence, stronger presence and the ability to attract better clients. These are the kinds of results that show what thoughtful branding can really achieve.
Rooted in community
Marsden Makes Co. is deeply connected to Cumbria. From growing up in Whitehaven to studying in Carlisle, and now building a business in West Cumbria, the local area has shaped both the person behind the business and the values it stands for.
That connection goes beyond work. Giving back to the community is a core part of the business, from volunteering at a local baby and toddler group to supporting children’s activities at a local church and offering design skills where they are needed.
It is a reminder that success is not just about growth. It is also about contribution and being part of something bigger.
A proud and meaningful win
Winning Branding Agency of the Year came as a genuine surprise. It was one of those moments that needed to be read twice to fully sink in.
For a one-woman business, this recognition carries real weight. It reflects the time, care and attention that goes into every project, as well as the commitment to doing things differently.
More than anything, it is a sign that the approach works. Clients value it, trust it and are willing to support it.
Looking ahead
The future for Marsden Makes Co. is focused and exciting. The next stage is about continuing to grow the design side of the business and working with more clients who are ready to take their branding seriously.
The aim is simple. Keep building strong, thoughtful brands that genuinely support business growth, while maintaining the personal, hands-on approach that clients value.
At the same time, growth will continue to be shaped around family life, ensuring that what makes the business special is never lost.
A heartfelt thank you
Behind every successful business is a strong support network, and for Marsden Makes Co., that starts with family. The founder credits her husband, three boys and wider family for their constant support through every stage of the journey.
There is also deep gratitude for every client, customer and supporter who has trusted the business along the way, as well as the community around her, including the EstablisHer Circle.
Her message says it best:
“Every order, every message, every recommendation and every bit of trust you place in me means more than you probably realise.”
Congratulations to Marsden Makes Co. on this well-deserved win. A business built with heart, purpose and creativity, and a fantastic example of what modern branding should be.
