Ever wonder what's in a name? For us, it's a decade of growth, learning, and unwavering commitment to B2B excellence.
We’re now Think B2B Marketing, but our journey to this point is a story worth telling. Many of our long-standing clients have witnessed our evolution firsthand – after all, our impressive retention rates mean some have been with us since day one!
But for those just getting to know us, or anyone curious about the path that led us here, we’re opening up our scrapbook. From our beginnings as PHD Marketing to becoming the marketing and communications powerhouse we are today, our tale is one of ambition, resilience, and constant adaptation. It’s a story of how a small team with big dreams became a leading force in B2B marketing.
So, grab a cup of coffee and join us for a trip down memory lane. Discover the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the values that have shaped us.
Because understanding where we’ve been is key to appreciating who we are today – and why, when it comes to value-adding strategic marketing, you should always Think B2B Marketing.
Our origins:
A vision for fundamentally better marketing (2014-2016)
In 2014, PHD Marketing emerged from a simple yet powerful idea. Joanna Stephenson, working for a global plastic packaging company producing trays and films, was getting frustrated with marketing agencies that didn’t truly understand the industry. After all, it’s full of nuance and esoteric knowledge that a general agency simply wouldn’t know. So, she decided to create the agency she wished she’d had as a client.
With a team of three, a wealth of industry knowledge and a lot of ambition, Jo set out to fill a crucial gap in the market.
Our initial focus was on the print and packaging sectors, where our deep industry expertise quickly set us apart. We didn’t just execute scattergun marketing tactics; we thought deeply about our clients’ challenges, opportunities, and unique market positions to craft truly effective strategies. We connected directly with the needs of the audience, and soon gained a loyal following of clients that loved our approach. As a result, Jo was recognised as Wakefield Business Person of the Year, as well as UK Start up of the Year by Novi (Forward Ladies) sponsored by the HSBC.
What we learned: Truly understanding the industry – the trends, technology, competitors, issues, legislation and players – and the client’s vision and goals, always come first.
Growth and expansion:
From niche to comprehensive (2017-2020)
As word spread about our strategic approach, we began to grow rapidly. We expanded our team, bringing in specialists across various marketing disciplines. Our service offerings grew from PR and communications to include digital marketing, SEO, content creation, and media buying.
This period also saw us branching out into new sectors. While print and packaging remained our core strength, we found our approach resonating with companies in life sciences, technology, and manufacturing.
Our growth really encapsulates how we do business – bringing the best people together and empowering them to deliver.
What we learned: Diversification in services and sectors strengthens the business, but maintaining core expertise is crucial. Always play to your strengths!
The Covid Years:
Resilience in action (2020-2022)
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, businesses worldwide faced unprecedented challenges. For our team, this period became a defining moment that showcased the true strength of our values and commitment to our clients.
As global trade shut down, we ramped up. Many of our clients, particularly those in the packaging industry, were deemed essential businesses. We recognised their increased need for support and communication during this critical time and went into overdrive to meet those needs.
While Covid hamstrung many businesses in the PR and marketing arena, it galvanised us. Our talented team quickly adapted to remote working, ensuring seamless service delivery. We developed new ways to support our clients, from crisis communication strategies to digital marketing solutions for brands that typically preferred in-person events and traditional media.
Our team’s dedication during this period was extraordinary. We worked tirelessly to keep our clients informed, connected, and visible in their markets. When in-person events were cancelled, we pivoted to virtual platforms, supporting our clients with online conferences and webinars that kept them engaged with their audiences.
This period tested what we had always known as ‘PHD values’ – resilience, adaptability, excellence and unwavering commitment to our clients. We didn’t just talk about being an extension of our clients’ teams; we lived it, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them through one of the most challenging periods in modern history.
Of course, these qualities are now the ‘Think B2B Marketing values’!
What we learned: True business values are revealed and strengthened in times of crisis. Our commitment to our clients and our ability to adapt quickly became our greatest assets.
Maturity and recognition:
Strengthening our position as an industry leader (2021-2024)
By our eighth year, PHD Marketing had become a recognised leader in B2B marketing, not just in print and packaging. Our team had grown to over 25 professionals, serving more than 40 clients globally. Since the outset, we have prided ourselves on fantastic client retention rates, with many partnerships lasting over five years – a rarity in the marketing industry.
Our success didn’t go unnoticed. We were shortlisted for prestigious awards, including B2B Agency of the Year at the UK Agency Awards. This recognition validated our approach and the value we brought to our clients.
What we learned: Long-term client relationships are built on consistently delivering tangible results and ROI.
Rebranding to Think B2B:
Embracing our identity (2024)
Over the last decade, we’ve helped our clients evolve and refine their own brand identities. As we approached our 10th anniversary, we recognised that it was time to revisit our own. The rebrand to Think B2B Marketing isn’t just a cosmetic change; it reflects our evolution and a recommitment to our core values.
‘Think B2B Marketing’ encapsulates our strategic approach, our deep industry knowledge, and our commitment to delivering thoughtful, results-driven marketing for B2B companies. It’s a name that speaks to what sets us apart in a crowded agency landscape. We’re ‘thinkers’ and doers. We plan strategically, tactically and proactively for our clients ensuring continuous impact and ROI.
What we learned: A strong brand should reflect not just what you do, but how you think and approach challenges.
Looking ahead:
The next chapter
As we enter our second decade, we’re more excited than ever about the future.
We’ve grown from a small, niche-but-targeted agency to a comprehensive B2B marketing partner. Our core mission remains the same: to deliver strategic, industry-focused marketing that drives real results and value for our clients.
Whether you’re in print and packaging, life sciences, technology, or any other B2B sector, when you need a marketing partner that truly understands your business, think Think B2B Marketing. Think us.
For more information about Think B2B Marketing and our services, visit our new website at www.thinkb2bmarketing.co.uk.
