WHO WE ARE
We are a collective of strategists, thinkers, researchers and planners unified by the belief that great strategy illuminates the way forwards for brands
The brightest minds
Delivering illuminated thinking
Like neon, opportunity is inert until someone captures it and gives it life
We’re the sparks that provide new ways of thinking that disrupt the norm and ignite change from within
We bring a different
kind of energy
It shines through both our work and our ways of working. We believe inspiring outputs come not just from great inputs and stand-out thinking but from genuine partnership - both between ourselves and with our clients
We don’t believe in ego, but in an agile and flexible way of working that allows the work to shine
And we like to have fun along the way!
WHAT WE DO
We spark new
ways of thinking
We draw on proprietary models of thinking as conceptual frameworks for analyzing and solving complex problems, offering a structured approach to creative problem-solving and impactful strategy development.
These models are brought to life via robust evidence built from category, commercial, consumer and cultural truths and illuminated in our outputs with clear and engaging strategic stories.
BRAND STRATEGY
- Dynamic consultancy service
- Combines innovation and expertise to create tailored strategic solutions for your brand
- Collaborate closely- an extension of your team
QUALITATIVE INQUIRY
- Emphasis on empathetic exploration
- Human-centered understanding
- In-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnography
TRENDS & LIT REVIEW
- Comprehensive exploration of the latest industry trends, emerging patterns
- Journalistic as well as academic insights
- Providing a solid foundation for informed strategic decision-making
Methods
in our
toolkit
APPLIED SEMIOTICS
- Semiotics of cultural narratives and symbols
- Consumer-focused approach
- Insights are relevant, actionable & strategically aligned
DATA DISCOVERY
- Extracting and interpreting quantitative data
- Data-driven insights
- Bridging the gap between raw numbers and human experiences
EXPERT ENGAGEMENT
- Perspectives of cultural thinkers & doers
- Select and engage experts whose knowledge and experience align with your brand
- In-depth interviews and focused discussions
Our operational model hinges on the age-old adage - two brains are better than one
Why, you may ask? Because in practice, we've found this to be entirely true.
Just as creatives often work in pairs to brainstorm, generating ideas and feedback from each other, we believe there's huge value in adopting a similar approach to thinking and problem-solving.
The dynamic collaboration between two individuals, each armed with their unique perspective and cognitive approach, expands the boundaries of thinking. It challenges notions, strengthens ideas, and ultimately leads to better thinking.
Plus, this dual-brain approach enhances our efficiency. Consequently, every facet of our operations, from our day rate structure to our project leadership and client partnership strategies, incorporates this philosophy. Each project we undertake has two senior people working in tandem at its heart, ensuring we deliver the best results.
OUR WORK
We’ve tackled lots of big,complex questions, including:
TECH & SOCIAL
How do we communicate
the benefits of emerging technology to people who haven’t experienced it?
FASHION
What are the macro-forces impacting
luxury’s value exchange?
BEAUTY
How is the notion of the female gaze changing and what does this mean for brands?
ALCOHOL
How do we best articulate the brand story of our luxury tequila to drive growth in sales?
SPORT
How do we engage our community in experiential events that are hybrid
in-person and digital?
HEALTH
How do we tackle conscious and subconscious drivers and barriers to wellness?
Agency abilities
meetS freelancer agility
We pride ourselves on blending the extensive capabilities and scale of an agency with the agility, accountability, and personalized touch of a freelancer
Our most senior people will work with you on a day to day basis and will be fully dedicated to leading the thinking at every touchpoint - this enables us to deliver work we are genuinely proud of and to problem solve with clients in a much more integrated and iterative way than most agencies
MEET THE TEAM
Female founded and run with the simple aim of delivering exceptional, impactful work and enjoying the ride, our core team is a collective of highly experienced and senior women who know and complement each other well
Based in London but working globally, we draw on our large, multi-disciplinary network of trusted associates to add scale as our projects require, but NEVER hand over the thinking
Hazel
FOUNDER
After 20 + years working in a mix of strategy, insight, planning and client roles within agencies Hazel decided the time was right to follow her dreams and start up her own… and so
Neon begun!
Hazel is an experienced brand strategist, researcher and communications expert who brings vision, energy and creativity to tackling each and every challenge. She’s worked globally across a wide range of categories from health and the reduction of inequalities through to tech, social media and everything in between.
Olivia
PARTNER
Ready for a change Liv couldn’t wait to join Hazel as she began Neon. As a long-time strategic partner, the chance to continue working with Hazel while creating something entirely new was an opportunity almost too good to be true. So Liv’s Neon journey began!
Liv’s career has spanned planning, brand strategy, innovation, and research - tackling highly complex brand challenges across multiple markets to deliver c-suite impact. She loves what she does and brings an enviable passion for sharp storytelling, creative insight, and nuanced strategy.
Sparked your interest?
Get in touch with us
hazel.wilkinson@neon-thinking.com
Copyright © 2024 Neon Thinking LTD - All Rights Reserved
Company number: 14095235 Registered address: 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR, England