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Press release April 2004

Oak Creative, the design and advertising agency, has taken on two new staff members, adding illustration to its services.

Children’s book illustrator Rick Hatfield brings more breadth to the design team.

Katy Morrison, 21, an undergraduate of Ashford School of Art and Design, is employed on a part-time basis as junior designer.

The appointments are part of Oak’s rebranding and recent move to new premises – the former Royal Oak pub at Newingreen, near junction 11 of the M20.

The company was formerly called abcDesign of the Evegate Business Centre at Smeeth, near Ashford, which it outgrew.

Until recently Rick, 36, who trained at Kingston University, was a freelance illustrator whose clients included Stenna, Sun Alliance and Childsplay International Publishing.


Rick Hatfield
Illustrator

Katy Morrison
Junior Designer

 

We’ve gone to the pub - published by Kentish Express, March 2004

After 12 years of hard work one of Kent’s most creative businesses has celebrated  its success by moving into a pub for its 13th birthday. Apple Barn Creative Design (abcDesign) has outgrown its offices in the Evegate Business Centre at Smeeth, near Ashford, and moved to a former inn.

The seven-strong team’s new home is now the stylishly converted former Royal Oak pub at Newingreen, Hythe, just off junction 11, M20. And with the new offices comes a new name – Oak Creative.

“We feel that Oak perfectly captures our company values: reliability, style and adaptability," said director Caroline Butterfield. "It also reflects the confidence we feel in our new team."

Caroline co-owns the firm with Gerry Pack, the founder of Holiday Extras, whose new headquarters are next door.

The transition from abcDesign to Oak Creative has also increased the company’s services, adding copywriting and illustration to the core design and advertising expertise.

Oak Creative prides itself on its long-term relationship with customers.

“Our first client, back in March of 1991, was Chas Issett of Acorn Printed Products, Ashford. He still chooses to work with us today,” says Caroline.

The award-winning company prides itself on a professional but friendly approach to business. A philosophy that obviously works, as its client portfolio includes a raft of Kent’s small businesses as well as larger clients such as National Express, Kent County Council, MacArthurGlen and Imperial College London.

“We believe that our business will sit comfortably at the bar of the Royal Oak. However we want to make it clear that we will be knocking back cappuccinos rather than pints,” added Caroline.