Smart Thinking and Business-changing Design

Stocks Taylor Benson is an independent, employee-owned design studio.

We’re based in Leicester and London but create globally for everyone from Avon to Avanti West Coast, Morrisons to Metro Bank, Baker Hughes to Besa, and Cemex to Centrica.

A close-knit team of Smart Thinkers and Bold Designers, we blend strong ideas with commercial nous, passion for our craft, and unshakable dedication. Why are we so dedicated? Because we all have skin in the game. Our unique EOT structure means everyone at STB – including our designers, creators, animators and client services team jointly own the business. Collectively, it gives us a fiercely independent mentality. Individually, it means we’re all committed to achieving success for mutual benefit.

And with over 36 years of global expertise across design, brand, strategy, and digital, we know our stuff.

Results matter, and we’re unashamedly commercial in our thinking. But philanthropy runs through our veins too, and our Good Deeds initiative gives us a platform to support great causes and give back to our community.

5 ways we think smarter for our clients



At STB, Smart Thinking is more than just a positioning statement – it’s embedded in everything we do. Here’s how we apply those smarts to design that delivers real results:

1. Smart strategy: all the thinking without the clutter

Strategy gets a bad rap for being unnecessarily complex, full of convoluted diagrams and obscure theories. We use a common-sense filter: each design element earns its place by being effective, never just on-trend or decorative. Because smart thinking means clarity, not complexity.



2. Smart commerciality: creativity to boost your bottom line

We’re unashamedly commercial. Our work is bold and beautiful, but always in service to your business goals. We don’t design to win awards – in fact, we don’t enter them on principle. It’s all about driving growth and making a measurable impact. The real measure of success? Your results.

3. Smart resourcing: maximum bang for your buck

We want you to get the best possible value from every collaboration with us. You won’t find fancy job titles or needless processes here – just skilled (and smart) professionals who apply their expertise diligently and creatively to deliver exceptional value for every client, on every project.

4. Smart processes: the right tools for the right job

Sometimes a pencil and sketchpad are all you need to get a great idea from brain to paper. Other times you need cutting-edge technology to elevate the work. Smart thinking means embracing innovation when it serves the purpose, not because it’s trendy.

5. Smart insights: research that’s useful and relevant

We back up our design decisions with practical insights and targeted research. No ego, no arrogance – just evidence-based choices that support your business objectives. We invest in the right research to prove concepts, not months of unnecessary studies that drain your budget.

For more information visit our stand at the Midlands Business Network Expo in Leicester on 3rd July, or contact Caitlin Westlake, Client Services Partner:

[email protected]
0116 240 5600