BETTER TOGETHER
Having worked both here and overseas at some of the industry’s renowned creative hotspots, Steve Richardson and Simon Barbato have gained outstanding experience in the best creative environments, with some of the very best creative people.
This experience, plus their own individual take on life provides the foundation for Mr B & Friends.
With complementary skills and personalities, they’re good together – there’s a big mutual respect, and a shared passion for great ideas and creative excellence. But because opposites do attract, their differing views constantly generate the creative spark required to produce the great ideas they always strive for.
Born in Leeds but bred in New Zealand could make a slightly odd mix. But this mix of up’t north and down south has provided a diverse backdrop of creative influences.
He has worked both in the NZ and UK in various creative roles including Creative Director at The-Field, Bell Communications and at DDB/Interbrand New Zealand. Steve has returned to partner Simon at Mr B & Friends having worked together initially in 2001.
“We delve under the skin of our clients' businesses to find the nugget of truth on which to build our creative strategy. Then we look to deliver this through as many touch-points as possible”. Clients Steve has worked on include the award-winning Snowberry skincare range, Vibe, Price Terrier, Visa, Zurich, Heinz and Cadbury.
A selection of Steve's past projects.
Simon's interest in creativity began at an early age where he had ambitions of being a journalist: using research, insight, words and creativity to tell stories.
Persuaded to follow an education in marketing, he chose to work agency-side feeling strongly that gaining exposure to many different companies in a wide array of industries would satisfy his inquisitive side. After 8 years at 3 of London's best, he took the first step in agency ownership. 11 years later and he's still loving it – and has fulfilled his ambition of using research, insight, words and creativity to tell stories.
"I love the daily diversity of Mr B & Friends. Helping brands of all sizes to communicate more persuasively is what excites me and I couldn't have imagined a better situation than what we have here. Working with a great partner and growing a network and community of talented friends is very, very cool".
A selection of Simon's past projects.