UK Enterprise Awards 2023

207 | UK Enterprise Awards 2023 Apr23226 Best Social Impact Brand Marketing Firm 2023 - London London-based DEFY Brands is a Social Enterprise branding consultancy striving for a fairer world where gender equality reigns. This purpose-led branding consultancy, founded in 2021, ‘design for good’ and is in the business of building mission-led brands that create genuine positive impact. Company director and founder Suni Sekhon tells us more. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a notable shift in how companies approach branding. As more consumers become aware of the impact businesses have on societies and environments, there’s an evolving emphasis for brands to tell stories about their contribution to creating a positive impact. Outlining their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and policies that help rise the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Brand perceptions are hard to build and slow to change. A strong purpose and reputation don’t just make the world a better place; it builds consumer trust. Change-makers that take the lead are more attractive to consumers and prospective partners, driving growth for the brand and the company. But how do we translate responsible attitude and honourable intentions into branding? DEFY Brands create compelling brands that defy tradition and shape the future. This womenowned company strives for ‘divergent design excellence’ and a fairer creative world where gender equality reigns - branding a new world order with intelligent strategies that uncover untold stories to unlock meaningful connections that spark impact by putting the planet first. When we defy and challenge thinking, we create change for the better. Change that helps people, businesses and the planet to thrive Suni tells us about the company’s values: at DEFY Brands, we believe everything we do should innovate for the future and advance humanity. But big goals need new ways of thinking. That’s why we use strategies that inspire action and shared values that shape us. Our clients are global industry shapers, mission-led businesses, startups, NFOs and Social Enterprises, and they’re as diverse as we are. But they do share one thing in common; they contribute to society. They create positive change. We collectively respect our planet and its people; we aim to positively impact our environment whilst championing all humans. Suni founded DEFY Brands to create a Social Enterprise branding consultancy that provides opportunities for female creatives to level up the playing field - giving more voice to women in the creative services industry. Suni says, “When we design for the good of our planet, we end disparity and encourage industry diversity. We strive towards greater gender equality.” With a client base that stretches far beyond the borders of the U.K. and Europe. DEFY Brands work with global planet-conscious clients as far away as Canada, the USA, Israel, and Indonesia. Suni believes that being U.K. based gives the company a distinct advantage. “Businesses in the U.K. will always appeal to international businesses seeking cuttingedge creative thinking, making sense of how purpose connects to a brand’s core proposition. British design has always been at the forefront of innovation. Our divergent team with diverse perspectives thinks differently. We shape the future with authentic human-centred solutions at heart. We’re adept at uncovering new ways businesses can drive change by solving problems that culturally commit to long-term impact.” Recent clients of DEFY Brands include Redefine Meat – a business specialising in 3D printed plant-based meat that looks and tastes like real meat; Calysta – a company providing sustainable plant-based proteins for human and animal food; Aliet Green – a sustainable producer of organic ingredients; and the City of London Corporation – dedicated to supporting a diverse and sustainable London. At present, DEFY Brands is working with start-up AHET, which aims to eradicate gender bias through well-being. In her time in business, Suni has been fortunate to work with a range of high-profile institutions and organisations. But she recognises that having a background in further education can open doors that stay closed to many. She says, “Many ambitious, underrepresented, enterprising young people find it difficult to get their ideas and solutions to the forefront. DEFY Brands is looking to change this. We are working with Social Enterprise UK and other supporting networks to introduce a new programme for social change in the future.” Visit the DEFY Brands website to learn how this Social Enterprise branding consultancy can help your brand disrupt the industry and achieve the extraordinary. Contact: Suni Sekhon Company: DEFY Brands Web Address: www.defy-brands.com

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