Why clients are moving to small agencies, and why we think they’re right.
By Emma Woolley, on behalf of the YST team
72% of clients say they’re more satisfied working with smaller agencies
There’s a stat from a recent industry report that stuck with us:
72% of clients say they’re more satisfied when working with smaller agencies.
Honestly, we weren’t surprised.
We’re a small team ourselves — three of us, based out of the Custard Factory in Digbeth. And what we hear most from the clients we work with is: “It’s just easier with you.”
Not easier because we’re cheaper. Not because we’re doing less. But because we’re focused. Because we listen. Because we’re actually involved.
When people work with YST, they get us — Emma, Damian, and Andy — the people who are thinking about the work and making the work. There’s no account manager disappearing into the distance. No junior designer who doesn’t know the full picture. No layers.
Left to right: Andy, Emma, Damian
We stay small on purpose.
We want to be close to the job. That means fewer meetings, faster feedback, better work. We’re not stuck chasing big retainers. We’re not scrambling to feed an agency machine. We just want to do good work with people who care.
We’ve built full brand identities. We’ve handled UI/UX projects, motion graphics, product launches, and campaigns across the UK and Europe. And we’ve done all that without losing the part that matters: the direct line between us and the client.
If something’s unclear, we talk. If something feels off, we fix it. That’s how it should be.
This isn’t a pitch. It’s just how we work.
We’re not anti-big agency. There’s a place for them. But there’s also a reason people are looking elsewhere.
Working with a small team means you get:
People who are actually paying attention
Projects led by people who’ve done it for years
Creative that’s not been watered down by a chain of approvals
A real relationship with your design team
That 72% stat? It makes sense. People want straight answers. Good design. Clear thinking. A bit of honesty. That’s what we try to offer every time.
If you're looking for that kind of partnership — human, thoughtful, and creative — we’re here. Drop us a message, or come by the Custard Factory and say hi.
Source:
What Clients Think 2023–2024, by Up to the Light and Design Skillnet
Read the full report here
