Hands-on associates Visual communication design About us How we work What's new? Portfolio Contact us
  How we work. Who we are and what we can do for you.

In our design work we aim to bring a balance of visual creativity and logic to a wide range of communication projects. Through this creative but pragmatic approach we combine fresh visuals with effective layouts to get your message across to the intended audience.

We undertake various kinds of projects, ranging from one-off leaflets, through corporate identity design, to complete web sites and complex reports. No matter how large or small the project, we bring to bear the same level of expertise, attention to detail and concern for quality.

Our approach
We make it our business to understand our clients and their needs as fully as possible. This often necessitates challenging, probing and questioning until we have established a true picture of the circumstances we need to respond to, and the aspirations we need to meet. Invariably our clients end up considering their requirements more carefully too, recognising that our intention is to minimise arbitrary decision making. Naturally we ensure that our client’s views and opinions are evaluated, while throughout we are ready to guide and counsel with the benefit of our expertise and experience.

Even the most straight-forward project will benefit from a disciplined approach to its execution. Invariably this involves:
 determining the client’s aims and objectives
 analysing the information
 considering the needs and expectations of the audience
 identifying appropriate information structures
 developing suitable design proposals.

Time and money well spent
We aim to ensure our expertise is used effectively and efficiently so that a client’s money is wisely spent. We endeavour to meet our client's targets with flexible and cost-effective solutions, and plan projects with our suppliers to develop sensible and achievable schedules.

Our fee structures are straight-forward, fair and competitive. We work on a ‘fixed fee’ basis ... our invoices match our estimates. We carefully monitor all our projects to ensure they are delivered on budget. We deliver on time – naturally.

Other aspects of our service
In addition to design we can offer project management, production management, supplier liaison and overall quality control as an integral part of any design project.

When you commission Hands-on associates your project isn’t delegated to juniors.

Paul Leadbitter Principal
Paul specialises in developing systematic, straight-forward solutions to complex communication problems. He is responsible for information design, client liaison and administration.

Paul was educated at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design (BA Hons) and Central School of Art and Design (MA). He has taught design at undergraduate and postgraduate level at a number of institutions in the UK.

Specialists The associates
Specialised skills are provided by a small network of people with proven abilities. Depending on the type of work, database developers, editors, IT experts, print production services, project managers, web site developers and writers may be involved.


We attempt to make a difference where global issues are concerned.

Ethics The big issues
We support charities that take direct action on environmental and humanitarian issues, and we bank with The Co-operative Bank because we empathise with their ethical policies.

Environment Every little helps
We encourage the utilisation of sustainable materials and environmentally sound processes during the production of the items we design.

Hands-on symbol  
Copyright Hands-on associates 2008