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When it comes to responding to the requirements of “The Modern Web”, adaptability is at the forefront of the list of “dos”. We’ve been sharing a lot about the technical aspects of our service on the blog recently, delving into hot topics from the world of Digital Development.  Next up in the series is a closer dive into 

, a discipline we’re pretty passionate about here at Show + Tell and one we know truly delivers for our client’s technical needs. 

As an independent agency committed to delivering best-in-class websites and creative that result in experiences with impact, we understand the significance of staying ahead of the curve, and constantly innovating to meet the dynamic needs of our clients. 

One concept that has revolutionised the way we approach digital development service delivery is the power of Composable Architecture.

We sat down for a chat with Dan Martin, Show + Tell’s Technical Director, to understand more about this exciting principle: 

First of all, for those that may not know, what is Composable Architecture?

Composable Architecture is an approach that emphasises building digital systems from modular, independent components. These components are designed to be loosely coupled, allowing for flexibility, scalability, and rapid innovation. 

Instead of monolithic platforms, where changes require extensive redevelopment that can often result in disruption and downtime, composable architecture enables agility and speed by enabling components to be easily assembled, rearranged, and updated.

Traditional, monolithic architectures like WordPress can be cumbersome and hinder the ability to respond quickly to changing requirements. Composable architecture, on the other hand, allows for rapid adaptation. 

By breaking down systems into smaller, reusable components, we can easily modify, replace, or add new functionality without disrupting the entire system.

 Composable architecture is more about using the right components for a particular job and those components being optimised for that specific job. For example, it is possible to make the WordPress CMS provide e-commerce functionality, but because it was never designed to do that, the performance is generally subpar, and the code can be full of complex workarounds. With a composable approach, a CMS and an e-commerce platform would be combined, and both could be optimised for their specific jobs.

 By decoupling components, the composable architecture supports innovation. Developers can focus on creating specialised components that excel in their respective domains. These components can then be seamlessly integrated into larger systems, accelerating the pace of innovation and enabling us to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients.

 is unique, with their own set of requirements and constraints. Composable architecture provides the flexibility to tailor solutions to meet these specific needs. 

Whether it's integrating with legacy systems, in-house technologies, accommodating regulatory requirements, or adapting to evolving business processes, composable architecture empowers us to deliver bespoke solutions that address our client's challenges. 

We’re currently kicking off an exciting project for a global leader in precision manufacturing and engineering, which involves integrating with a PIM (product information management system) and a CAD-based integration. 

This would be a far more complex task without the power of Composable Architecture driving our approach. 

Case Study: Leveraging Composable Architecture for Success for Arterius

 where we leveraged the power of composable architecture was the development of a new website and CMS platform for Arterius, a UK-based medical device scale-up. 

Composable architecture means the CMS (in this case, Payload) can focus on excelling at its job of content management, whilst for any future enhancements to the site, we will be able to select the best tool for the job, free from the constraints that would have been enforced by an older CMS like WordPress.

As we continue to push the boundaries of digital innovation in every aspect of our service delivery, composable architecture will play an increasingly pivotal role in our approach. 

By embracing the principles of modularity, flexibility, and scalability, we can unlock new possibilities and drive value for our clients in a fast-paced and ever-changing digital landscape. 

For more information, why not chat with our team to discuss how best-in-class approaches like Composable Architecture and 

The Power of Composable Architecture: In Conversation with Dan Martin

Like us, you might read a heap of articles about “the modern web” and wonder how on Earth anyone can stay relevant and up-to-date with ever-changing demands, requirements and technologies. It can be confusing and overwhelming - not to mention, costly - as businesses scramble to out-perform competitors, spending money on things they “see” out in their industry rather than what they need, and more crucially, what their customers need from them. 

It doesn’t need to be this way. The modern web simply requires innovation and adaptability, enabling businesses to perform better and react quicker, without huge digital overhauls every other year.  One technological advancement that is proving its worth in the quest for innovation and adaptability is the Headless CMS, and it’s an approach we’re big advocates for at Show + Tell. 

Traditional Content Management Systems, like WordPress, have long been the go-to solution for managing and delivering digital content for many years, and they still have their place. However, as the digital ecosystem evolves, the limitations of these monolithic systems become apparent.

Enter the Headless CMS – a versatile and flexible approach to content management that decouples the frontend presentation layer from the backend content repository. This decoupling allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and adaptability in delivering content across various channels and platforms, providing a seamless and optimised user experience.

A Headless CMS is a content hub that stores and manages digital content without being tied to a specific presentation layer. Unlike traditional CMS, which combines content management and frontend delivery into one system, a Headless CMS separates these functions, providing businesses with greater flexibility and agility.

Some of the benefits we’ve seen from helping clients in adopting a Headless CMS include:

One of the key advantages of a headless CMS is the flexibility it offers in content delivery. With traditional CMS, content is often tied to a specific layout or template, limiting its adaptability. 

In contrast, a headless CMS allows content to be delivered to any device or platform, ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience across websites, mobile apps, smart devices, and more.

Speed is crucial in today's digital landscape, where users expect instant access to information. A headless CMS enables faster loading times by eliminating unnecessary code and optimising content delivery. With the ability to utilise Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and serve content through APIs, a website can achieve remarkable performance improvements, leading to higher user satisfaction and better search engine rankings.

As a business grows, so do the content and digital requirements. A headless CMS scales effortlessly to accommodate increased traffic, content volume, and evolving technologies. With this flexibility, businesses can stay ahead of industry trends and adopt new technologies without undergoing a major overhaul of their CMS, website, digital products and content.

Easier Integration with Third-Party Services:

Headless CMS allows for easy integration with various third-party services and APIs, enhancing the overall functionality of digital platforms. Whether it's e-commerce, analytics, or social media, organisations can seamlessly connect the Headless CMS to other tools, providing a more cohesive and integrated digital ecosystem.

With a headless CMS, security risks are minimised due to the separation between the back and front end. This separation adds a layer of protection, reducing the potential attack surface and making it more challenging for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities.

Content changes can be made in real-time without disrupting the entire website or application. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that frequently update their content, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted user experience.

Content Collaboration and Workflow Efficiency:

A headless CMS facilitates collaborative content creation and management. Content creators can work independently of developers, streamlining workflows and reducing dependencies. This not only improves efficiency but also allows teams to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content without being constrained by technical limitations.

In a digital landscape that demands adaptability and performance, a headless CMS emerges as a game-changer for businesses. By embracing this innovative approach, you can unlock the full potential of your online presence, ensuring a seamless, engaging, and high-performance user experience. As a business owner, investing in a headless CMS is not just a technological upgrade; it's a strategic move to future-proof your digital strategy and stay ahead of the competition.

There are many benefits to adopting a Headless CMS. We’ve written more about how to 

 here, in which Headless CMS and composable architecture both feature heavily.  

We’ve helped countless clients reimagine their digital content through this approach and we’d love to talk through your ideas if it’s something you’re considering for the year ahead. 

 to discuss tour requirements, we’d love to hear from you. 

What is a Headless CMS?

When it comes to digital experiences, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses to remain future-focused and competitive. In a recent post, we took a look at the importance of choosing the 

, and to hammer home this very significant topic, we wanted to share a success story of our own for a recently completed CMS migration for our client, Arterius. 

Arterius is a medical devices firm in the Biotech sector based in Leeds, UK. They came to Show + Tell looking to overhaul their brand identity and website to support their business growth and fundraise for one of their key products. The scale-up has developed two advanced polymer platforms for use in devices to manage arterial disease while leaving no long-term implants in the body.
Arterius had been utilising WordPress for several years to manage the digital content on their existing site. While WordPress is renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin ecosystem, the company encountered limitations as its needs evolved. 

During a consultation with the Show + Tell team, we discussed the benefits that moving to a Headless CMS could offer them, such as simple content management, enhanced security, scalability for future changes such as during fundraising phases, high performance and speed, and a more engaging, dynamic front-end as a result.

Moving from WordPress also meant that the Arterius team wouldn’t have to spend budget on fixes to the CMS, which they’d previously had to do.  Naturally, in a scaling Biotech business that is actively raising funds to continue innovating, a more resource-efficient CMS was a good move all round. 


Show + Tell’s Technical Director, Dan Martin, explains: 

“WordPress remains a great CMS, but Payload and NextJS take things to the next level. They are free from the historical baggage that WordPress has accumulated and are designed for the modern web. The developer experience is second to none and this allows us to create beautiful and highly performant websites with a solid foundation that guarantees reliability and ease of updating over the long term. 

For our clients, using the CMS is a much cleaner experience that is easier to navigate and more closely aligned to their business than WordPress would be."

Upon our recommendations, Arterius decided to transition from a monolithic CMS to a headless CMS architecture. We selected Payload CMS for its robust API-first approach, developer-friendly environment, and ability to decouple the front-end and back-end components.

A few of the key benefits of utilising Payload CMS include:

Payload CMS provided us with the flexibility to structure content in a way that suited the specific and ever-evolving needs of Arterius. The headless architecture allows them to scale as required, accommodating growing amounts of content and user interactions without compromising performance.

Payload has many developer-friendly features, with a simplified content model, efficient API, and support for modern programming languages. This meant that the Show + Tell team could focus on creating innovative features rather than wrestling with the limitations of their legacy CMS.

The headless architecture of Payload CMS has future-proofed Arterius’ digital infrastructure. This means that as new devices and technologies emerge, we can help them to easily adapt and deliver content consistently across various channels, from websites to mobile apps, and other digital products required as time goes on.

Composable architecture is an approach to building software systems with flexible, reusable components. These components are designed to execute specific tasks with minimal side effects, enhancing a system's overall efficiency and adaptability.

Because the front-end and back-end are decoupled with a Headless CMS, deployments can be achieved far easier and performance is not affected. 


Composable architecture means the CMS can focus on excelling at its job of content management, whilst for any future enhancements to the site we will be able to select the best tool for the job, free from the constraints that would have been enforced by an older CMS like WordPress.


The migration from WordPress to Payload CMS was a process that involved content mapping, data migration redirects to retain SEO authority, and the development of the new captivating front end of their website. 

The Show + Tell development team and our project managers worked closely with Arterius to ensure a smooth transition, minimising downtime and avoiding disruptions to their digital presence.

Dan adds: 
"The Arterius site makes use of modern 'Jamstack' architecture. Specifically, this means the pages are generated once when they are created, not every time they are viewed, as they would be with WordPress. As a consequence, the site is super fast and the site can handle a greater amount of traffic at a much lower cost. 

Additionally, since the website contains only the files needed to display the pages, it presents a much smaller attack surface to any would-be hackers and so is much more secure than a traditional site."

Want to learn more about migrating to a new CMS? 


We’re your guys.  We’ve been helping our clients to migrate from legacy CMS platforms to a more forward-thinking, innovative composable architecture approach, across a selection of platforms.  

Customer Success: Moving Arterius from WordPress to Payload

Want to build a better website in 2024? Here’s what you need to know.

It’s that time of year when marketers everywhere start frantically planning for the year ahead.  We don’t want to bring up ‘the C word’ too soon, but as soon as those selection boxes appear in the supermarket, you know it’s time to start planning your strategy for next year.  That may or may not include a better, faster website. 
Or, at least if you ask us, it should. 

Our CEO and founder, Charlie Hartley, recently spoke on a panel at The Go Network’s digital event on precisely this topic, and we wanted to share a little bit of our collective insights in a dedicated blog post.  

If you missed it, you can catch up on the event 

, but for now, here’s our take on the essential things for a high-performing website in 2024…

Websites in 2024 - What should you be considering?

As a JamStack specialist agency that has been around the block for quite some time now, we wanted to share our views on what websites in 2024 need to have. 

This is not an exhaustive list, of course, but based on the experience we have across a wide range of sectors, these are the most important things to note: 

Composable architecture provides a more modular and scalable approach to digital development. 

The deployment challenges of atypical websites and apps are a distant memory because, with a composable approach, the front and back end of the digital product are separated. This separation means areas can be developed independently, which makes deployments far easier and more efficient. 

“The big thing about composable architecture is it allows us to combine technologies that are focused intently on doing one thing very well. Instead of trying to make a CMS be an ECommerce platform or vice-versa, we can simply take the bits we want of both to create the perfect solution for each client.”  

More and more businesses are turning to the headless CMS approach, because it’s simpler than ever to produce digital content and have this deployed to any front end, with minimal fuss and development time.  
Content siloes are a thing of the past, and the headless CMS comes with added benefits such as decreased load time (more on speed in a sec!), improved scalability and a more seamless UX. 

Here’s a quick explainer of Headless CMS by 

It’s a phrase you’ll be seeing and reading a lot more about in 2024 and beyond - we’re calling it now, and there’s so much more we could say on this topic.  

Keep an eye out on this very blog for a deeper dive into Headless CMS - coming soon.

The brands we’ve worked with who want to disrupt - and millions more across the web - are building digital tools and products alongside and on top of the more traditional digital assets expected of them. 

These digital products are ones identified by the business as opportunities to do more for their customers, for example, they can speed up the buying journey or make their lives easier and some way. The impact cannot be ignored. 

Organisations investing in digital products beyond the standard website are already a good few steps ahead of the competition, and the only way is up. 

One thing we’re always pushing for here at Show+Tell is a faster loading time. We’re constantly saying to each other “Great! Can we make it any faster?” and when the answer to that is no, our work is done.

As web users, we all expect speed as standard. Slow-loading websites not only frustrate visitors but also adversely impact search engine rankings, send bounce rates through the roof and - no surprise! - impact the bottom line. Businesses simply cannot afford to be anything other than rapid.

To build a better website in 2024, speed is King, and there are several development techniques we deploy here at Show+Tell that keep speed, and therefore the user experience - at the forefront.


“Next.js makes it really easy to create modern websites that are optimised for performance. Headless architecture removes the overhead of the CMS from the website, whilst features such as prerendering and image optimisation reduce load time and bandwidth requirements, which is so important to achieving good Core Web Vitals scores.”

As voice-activated devices become increasingly popular, optimising for voice search is important. Focus on natural language in your content, incorporate long-tail keywords, and ensure that your website is easily navigable by voice commands. This will not only enhance user experience but also improve your website's search engine visibility. 

If you’re stuck, our pals at sister agency, 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration:

No, AI isn’t going to steal your job. But it could make your website a better place to be (if you let it!) 
AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a powerful tool for enhancing website functionality. Incorporate AI-driven features such as chatbots for customer support, personalised content recommendations, and intelligent search capabilities. 

These elements not only streamline user interactions but also contribute to a more engaging and dynamic user experience.

Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with impairments and disabilities, is a fundamental aspect of building a better website. Not only is it the right thing to do on an ethical level, it also makes better business sense.
Implementing accessible design principles, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring keyboard navigation are just a few steps towards creating an inclusive online environment. You’d think these elements would be commonplace after so many years, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to improve accessibility on the web. 

 has some kind of disability, which equates to around 16m people, so it is an important aspect to get right, and therefore do right by 

With an increasing emphasis - an ever-changing concern - on online privacy, data protection is paramount. Implement robust security measures, use HTTPS protocols, and regularly update your website's software to safeguard against potential threats. 

Signpost your privacy policy, and ensure that users feel confident in the security of their information when interacting with your site.


Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a responsibility. Implement eco-friendly design practices by optimising website performance to reduce energy consumption, using sustainable hosting options, and minimising the environmental impact of your digital presence.
Again, there are development principles, such as the aforementioned composable architecture and JamStack options, that are a more sustainable option when creating digital products and websites.

Building a website or digital product for the modern web requires businesses to embrace the latest technologies, rather than doing what’s been done for the past 2 decades and expecting to match the innovation and experience provided by thousands of forward-thinking companies already embracing new tech. 

In 2024, we hope to see more and more organisations utilise the endless possibilities available for websites, apps and other digital products. The future is very much now.

By prioritising the aspects we’ve included above, you can create a website that not only meets current expectations but is future-focused, too, and sets a new standard for excellence amongst your competition. 

If “sort the website out” is something that’s been on your list for a while, why wait any longer?  

 if you want to discuss your branding and digital needs for the year ahead.

Building a better website in 2024

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of today's business world, where every industry is completely saturated with products and services, the importance of branding cannot be overstated. Among the myriad elements that contribute to a brand's success, distinctiveness stands out as a key factor that can make or break a business. In this blog post, we explore why distinctiveness in branding is crucial for businesses today.

One of the fundamental challenges businesses face today is the need to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Whether you're a tech startup, a fashion retailer, or a local coffee shop, there's likely no shortage of similar offerings in your industry, and when times are tough, consumers are increasingly selective about the businesses, products and services they invest in. 

A distinctive brand helps a business stand out in the crowded marketplace, catching the attention of potential customers amidst the noise of countless alternatives. 

With an internet jam-packed full of options, an attractive, meaningful brand - and strong brand marketing - is often the only way to cut through the noise. 

Distinctiveness plays a pivotal role in creating brand recognition and recall. A unique logo, a memorable tagline, or a specific colour scheme will set a brand apart from others in the minds of consumers. When customers can easily recognise and recall a brand, they are more likely to choose it over competitors when making purchasing decisions.

Consumers today are not just looking for products or services; they are seeking experiences and emotional connections. 
A distinctive brand, with a clear and compelling identity, has the power to evoke emotions and resonate with consumers on a deeper level. This emotional connection fosters loyalty, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers and brand advocates. 

Consumers no longer buy without forethought, and the brand on offer, its values and its overall vibe are huge contributing factors when choosing the right provider. 

In the age of social media and digital presence, a distinctive brand is essential for making a lasting impression. With the vast amount of digital content bombarding consumers daily, businesses must create a unique digital footprint that cuts through the noise. A cohesive and distinctive brand presence across various online platforms helps in building a strong and recognisable online identity.


Distinctiveness in branding goes hand in hand with trust and credibility. When a brand is consistent in its messaging and visuals, consumers perceive it as reliable and trustworthy. 

A clear and distinct brand identity signals professionalism and dedication, instilling confidence in customers and making them more likely to choose your brand over competitors.

A distinctive brand is not only about capturing the current market but also about ensuring long-term success. Trends evolve, consumer preferences change, and businesses must adapt. A brand with a strong and unique identity can weather these changes more effectively, maintaining relevance and appeal over time.

TLDR: Distinctiveness in branding is not a luxury but a necessity for businesses in today's competitive landscape. 

It is the key to standing out, building recognition, fostering emotional connections, navigating the digital landscape, and establishing trust. As businesses continue to evolve, investing in a distinctive brand will prove to be a strategic decision that pays dividends in the form of customer loyalty, increased market share, long-term growth, and business success.

If you’re looking to reinvigorate your brand for 2024 and want to speak to the experts in doing exactly that, get in touch.  We’ve shared the story on our own brand reinvention here, and we’re always open to have a chat about the hopes, goals, dreams and aspirations you have for your own brand, to help you bring them to life.

The Art of Distinctiveness: Why Branding Matters More Than Ever

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, having an effective Content Management System (CMS) is crucial for the success of any business, including in the B2B sector. A CMS not only facilitates the creation and management of digital content, but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing user experience, streamlining operations, and driving business growth. 

With a myriad of options available, selecting the right CMS for your B2B organisation requires careful consideration of various factors and can often be a tricky choice. Let’s face it: not all CMS options are created equal. 

So, we wanted to help make that choice a little simpler and share our long-honed wisdom on the topic. In this post, we'll explore the key aspects to keep in mind when choosing the perfect CMS to meet the unique needs of a B2B organisation.


Before diving into the wonderful world of CMS options, it's essential to clearly define your business objectives so that you’re choosing from a place of understanding of what you’re aiming to achieve, along with the short, medium and long-term goals of the site. 

Understanding your target audience, the type of content you will be managing, and your long-term business goals are vital aspects when choosing the right CMS. Whether it's lead generation, customer engagement, or seamless collaboration with clients, a CMS should always align with your specific objectives.


B2B-focused businesses often experience growth, and your chosen CMS should be able to scale alongside your expanding needs. Look for a CMS that offers scalability and flexibility to accommodate the increasing volume of content and users. This ensures that your digital infrastructure remains robust and adaptable in the face of future changes.

A successful B2B ecosystem involves the seamless integration of various tools and technologies. Your CMS should have the ability to integrate with other essential systems such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, e-commerce platforms, analytics tools, social media tools and more. Integration capabilities contribute to a unified and efficient business operation.

B2B businesses often have unique requirements that demand a high level of customisation. Choose a CMS that allows for easy customisation of templates, workflows, and user interfaces.  This flexibility ensures that your CMS aligns perfectly with your brand identity and provides a tailored user experience for your clients and stakeholders.

Security is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive B2B data. Ensure that the CMS you choose adheres to industry-standard security protocols. Look for features such as regular security updates, data encryption, and user access controls. Additionally, consider any industry-specific compliance requirements your business may need to meet, such as GDPR.

A user-friendly CMS is crucial for efficient content management. Consider the usability of the platform and the learning curve for your team. Look for intuitive interfaces, comprehensive documentation, and responsive customer support. Investing in user training can also enhance your team's ability to leverage the full potential of the CMS.

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices, your chosen CMS must provide a seamless mobile experience. It’s simply not an option to neglect the mobile UX of your site.  Ensure that the platform supports responsive design and mobile optimisation, enabling your users to access and manage content on the go.

While considering the initial costs of a CMS, it's equally important to evaluate the total cost of ownership over time. Account for expenses such as licensing fees, maintenance costs, and potential upgrade expenses. A CMS with a reasonable TCO ensures that your investment remains sustainable in the long run.

Key Considerations when choosing a CMS for a B2B Organisation


Using an open-source CMS platform is a popular choice for man a B2B organisation, but one complaint that’s heard a lot is the lack of support for users in the event of an issue. How do you flag something to ‘Support’ when there isn’t a Support team? 

This can lead to some resourcing issues as internal teams may not have the skills, training or experience to deal with such problems. To add to this resourcing issue, open-source systems generally require more maintenance in general than their cloud-based counterparts. If that’s a potential roadblock for the future of your site, it’s better to factor this in now and make the right choice. 


Both options have their pros and cons. A cloud-based CMS solution comes with all the functionality of an open-source CMS, with a 3rd-party host managing things like functionality, security, accessibility, etc. This, of course, comes at a price.

On the other hand, an open-source CMS is free to download and easy to use. These systems use a code that teams can use, modify and distribute and the platforms are frequently updated by diverse community members. As a result, open-source CMS often offer the latest technologies, which gives B2B organisations more options for site builds.

That said, open-source CMS options are often more disposed to security threats.

The question we’re asked so often these days.
Traditional CMS platforms keep internal teams dependent on vendors’ preferred frameworks, databases, and technologies. At the same time, you can render only one front-end, for example, a website or mobile app.

When you add up the costs of training, maintenance, and security updates, the ROI of traditional CMS is hard to justify nowadays. On top of it, your team has to deal with unmanageable content silos across multiple CMSs and services.

Headless CMS, on the other hand, come with all the content your team uses to produce various types of digital content stored as structured content within the CMS. This content can then be distributed to any digital frontend from a single repository.

In the long run, a headless CMS can provide scalable architecture while eliminating content silos, and it’s often the preferred choice here at Show+Tell. 

 predicted that organisations adopting a composable approach would “outpace the competition by 80% in the speed of new feature implementation.”  It’ll quickly become a phrase you can no longer ignore. 

In a typical website or app, the front-end code (what the user sees) is tightly coupled with the back-end code (the database and server side). This creates development and deployment challenges. This is because even small changes to the front end can require developers to make significant back-end changes. 

A composable architecture decouples the front-end and back-end code, making development faster and easier. A composable platform typically uses a headless CMS. This type of CMS provides an application programming interface (API) that the front-end code can call to fetch data. The separation of the front-end and back-end means each area can be developed independently, which makes deployments simpler and more efficient.

A composable approach enables a more modular and scalable approach to website development. 

This post gives an overview of the ways to choose the right CMS for a B2B organisation, there’s so much to discuss and it’s a conversation that we find works better over a coffee, delving into the unique requirements of your business. 

To schedule one, get in touch with the Show + Tell team 

How To Choose the Right CMS for a B2B Organisation

Welcome to our new brand and identity, Show + Tell is a brand first digital agency, who work with brands to elevate themselves digitally, through the art of visual creativity, storytelling and technical excellence.

Our new brand firmly situates ourselves between brand, creativity, strategy and digital with a bold new name and visual identity that lets the work do the talking.

With a clear focus on our sectors, we have allowed ourselves to really pinpoint what makes us different, and define our value to our clients.

Over the last 14 years we have evolved as an agency and our rebrand signifies a new chapter for us. 'Show + Tell' articulates how we work with brands — by showcasing their unique narratives through innovative strategies, immersive UX, and compelling brand design. It's about bringing brands to life in ways that captivate and resonate.

We believe in the transformative power of showcasing and storytelling. Our mission is to be the creative catalyst that enables brands to shine through captivating narratives and visually stunning designs. Just as 'Show' represents our dedication to presenting your brand's unique story, 'Tell' signifies our commitment to communicating it effectively in the digital world.

We strive to redefine brand identities, fuel digital innovation, and empower our clients to become unforgettable stories in their industries. Through the art of 'Show + Tell,' we craft remarkable brand & digital experiences that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impact on audiences.

The agency’s journey over the last 14 years culminates in a redefined identity that not only mirrors its evolution but signals a commitment to being at the forefront of digital innovation

The simple word mark allows us to scale, and has been engineered to allow us to maintain a memorable clarity throughout our brand. The simple stylisation of the ‘&’ as a ‘+’ solidifies our commitment to digital.

Keeping it simple in it’s execution, we only ever present a horizontal lockup, there’s sufficient kerning on either side of the ‘+’ to keep things comfortable as we scale down.

 We combine the Weltkern’s Everett Light typeface with IvyPresto display as our primary typefaces, the combination of these adds an elegance to clarity and allows us to highlight key words, and adds emphasis to headlines. Everett is a typeface engineered for clarity and can be used as headlines or body, and due to the unique letterforms allows to maintain brand character throughout, whilst using IvyPresto as a prestige alternative we can combine these two to create a unique visual.

Our core colour palette remains streamlined, leading with white and black, with the use of a core brand blue as a brand highlight.

Our new website was designed with a clear focus to coherently communicate our offering without jargon or decoration. Embracing a minimal approach allowed us to design with a clear goal in mind. A simple grid structure allows content to flow seamlessly, whilst using simple oversized section headings and headlines to be bold and straight to the point.

Micro-interactions guide the user, utilising forced scroll and marquee text to add emphasis, and elegant hover states enhance the experience on laptop and desktop devices.

Our brand utilises motion to elevate ourselves, primarily with the use of marquee headlines that is used through our website and digital platforms.

We have a bank of 3D assets that are used throughout many channels and touchpoints, with a chromatic 3D representation of our ‘+’ mark.

In crafting our motion design guidelines, we prioritise a dynamic and energetic approach to visual storytelling. While we don't impose strict rules, we encourage the use of lively and frenetic motion to captivate and engage our audience. White space, in particular, holds a pivotal role in our creative process, allowing motion to breathe and content to shine.

This isn’t just a facelift; it's a strategic transformation. Show + Tell doesn't just provide digital solutions; it crafts digital experiences that leave an indelible mark. The agency’s journey over the last 14 years culminates in a redefined identity that not only mirrors its evolution but signals a commitment to being at the forefront of digital innovation, pushing boundaries, and creating digital narratives that resonate and endure.

Embracing Change: An Introduction to our visual identity

We’ve had the pleasure of working with O&3, a supplier of speciality natural ingredients to the global beauty and personal care markets, since 2018. The team at O&3 trusted us from the beginning of their journey, at the start-up phase, and we’ve been delighted to play a part in their massive success story - especially as they’re a fellow Yorkshire business!

The business has enjoyed phenomenal results over the years, with outstanding commercial growth and a swiftly expanding global team pretty much since the start. We’ve been along with them on the journey, beginning our partnership with the senior leadership team at the Idea phase, where we assisted with Brand Development and Strategy.  