Mad River

Mad River The ‘Be There’ Agency

We help adventurous brands show up and be where it matters most. In culture, in people's lives and in the moments that drive growth.

Brand Strategy • Identity • Design • Packaging • Experiences

21/08/2026

From brand strategy to visitor experience.

Over the last two years, we’ve been working closely with the Caldey Island team to shape how this extraordinary place presents itself to visitors.

It started with strategy. From the positioning, Far from Everyday, to a new identity system spanning logo, colour, typography and illustration. Since then, that identity has rolled out across the visitor experience, from the ticketing kiosk, welcome literature and website to information and interpretation signage. Each new touchpoint building a connected, cohesive experience from first welcome to final goodbye.

The Monastic Story Hall is the latest chapter.

The challenge here was to open up a world that most visitors know exist, but may never actually see.

Bespoke printed books span the length of a wooden lectern, each chronicling a day in the life of a monk, from rising just after 3am for prayer to meals, work and chores.

Turn around and the bigger story unfolds; an illustrated timeline traces almost 1,500 years of history, from Caldey’s first Celtic monastery to the Cistercian community that calls the island home today.

And there’s more to come...

On the horizon is the design and delivery of the new Visitor Centre. A critical next step and a launchpad into Caldey’s nature, culture and history.

From strategy and identity to communications, interpretation and physical spaces, Caldey is a great example of the joined-up expertise we bring to cultural heritage and visitor destinations.

Operation POSTMASTER. A remarkable story, beautifully told.Some projects deserve more than great design. They deserve ca...
14/08/2026

Operation POSTMASTER. A remarkable story, beautifully told.

Some projects deserve more than great design. They deserve care, respect and an obsession with the detail.

Black Alpha Whiskey’s new Operation POSTMASTER Limited Edition is exactly that. A rare 10-year-old, single cask Irish Single Malt, bottled at natural cask strength and limited to just 220 bottles worldwide. Inspired by one of the most daring covert operations of the Second World War, every element of the presentation has been thoughtfully designed to honour the story behind it.

We were delighted to work alongside the Black Alpha team to design and produce the commemorative booklet that sits within the presentation case. More than an accompanying piece, it’s an integral part of the experience, bringing the history, people and legacy behind Operation POSTMASTER to life.

It’s a great example of what we love most: helping brands create meaningful moments through considered design, craftsmanship and storytelling that adds genuine value.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this exceptional release to market.

Explore the collection at Black Alpha Whiskey.

07/08/2026

Some people change the way you think. Others change the course of your life. Nims did both.

We first met him in 2018 through military connections, when we were asked to help deliver a fundraising event for what would become Project Possible. We didn’t know then where that journey would lead, only that within minutes of meeting him something clicked.

We shared the same belief that ordinary was never enough. That if something was worth doing, it was worth doing properly. There was an energy, ambition and determination about Nims that was impossible not to be drawn to.

From that day on, what started as a project became a friendship built on trust.

Over the years we had the privilege of helping shape his personal and business brands as the world came to know the extraordinary mountaineer behind them. But behind the records, documentaries and headlines was the man we were lucky enough to know.

Nims was one of the most principled people we’ve ever met. He did exactly what he said he would do. Every single time.

He never over-promised. He never dealt in fluff or ambiguity. He was refreshingly direct, fiercely loyal and utterly dependable. With Nims, you always knew exactly where you stood and that honesty earned complete trust.

He challenged us too. He showed us what commitment really looked like. What resilience meant. What happens when you refuse to accept that something can’t be done.

We will miss the endless calls and voice notes from somewhere high in the mountains. The updates from base camp. The excitement of the next impossible idea. The conversations that somehow always ended with us believing a little more was possible than we did before.

Looking back, we realise he gave us far more than the opportunity to build a brand. He gave us the privilege of being part of an extraordinary journey. He trusted us with something deeply personal. He became a friend. And in doing so, he helped shape us as people and as a business in ways we’ll always carry with us.

One thing Nims said over and over again was, “Don’t be afraid to dream big.” It wasn’t just something he said. It was how he lived. He encouraged everyone around him to think bigger, reach higher and believe that the impossible was only impossible until someone proved otherwise. We know those words will stay with us forever.

The world will remember his records. We will remember the man.

Thank you, Nims, for your friendship, your trust, your loyalty, and for reminding us every day not to be afraid to dream big.

We miss you more than words can ever say. 🖤

A brilliant new project, right on our doorstep.We’re excited to be working with The Regent Centre, a much-loved 1930s Ar...
31/07/2026

A brilliant new project, right on our doorstep.

We’re excited to be working with The Regent Centre, a much-loved 1930s Art Deco cinema, theatre and entertainment venue in nearby Christchurch.

There’s something especially rewarding about working with businesses close to home. Places we know, spaces with real character and organisations that play an important role in the local community.

And The Regent has character in abundance. From its Art Deco heritage to its packed programme of film, theatre, music and entertainment, it’s a truly special venue with a story that stretches back nearly a century.

We’ll be working across the interiors and wider visitor experience, helping to shape a space that feels every bit as memorable as the venue itself.

A brilliant local client. A very cool venue. And an exciting new project we can’t wait to get started on.

Watch this space.

24/07/2026

60 years open and looking to the next 60.

As Chartwell House marks 60 years since the National Trust first opened Churchill’s family home to visitors, we’ve been reflecting on nearly a decade of working alongside the property team.

Together, we’ve helped create a connected visual and interpretive experience across the property. From developing a site-wide visual language to designing printed interpretation, timed-ticket touchpoints, exhibitions, interactive experiences and children’s trails.

The result feels distinctly Churchillian, but unmistakably National Trust.

Our relationship with the Chartwell team has always been grounded in a shared ambition: to create experiences that feel true to the spirit of place, relevant to today’s audiences and engaging across generations.

We’re proud to have played a part in that journey, and to continue supporting the property as it looks towards its next chapter.

Chartwell is just one part of our wider work with National Trust properties and heritage organisations, helping teams turn complex histories into coherent, engaging and memorable visitor experiences.

Huge congratulations to the Chartwell and National Trust teams for such a wonderful milestone. Join us in raising your glasses to the next 60. Chin Chin!!

17/07/2026

Designed to travel. Built to start conversations.

We are super proud to work with the International National Trusts Organisation on the concept, design and production of Withstanding Change. A touring exhibition exploring the powerful role heritage can play in building resilience and responding to a changing climate.

First unveiled at The British Academy in London, the exhibition has since travelled to the magnificent Long Gallery at National Trust Blickling Estate in Norfolk.

Our challenge was to create something bold enough to hold its own within these remarkable historic spaces, while remaining flexible, freestanding and ready to tour. From the arched graphic panels and brass structures to the integrated object displays, every element was designed as part of a cohesive system.

The archways were inspired by the many doorways INTO’s global network protects. Literal entrances to historic places, but also gateways into the stories, knowledge and cultures that heritage opens up to the world.

The result is an exhibition that brings international stories, shared learning and complex ideas to life. It invites visitors to stop, explore and see heritage as an active part of the climate conversation.

A brilliant project, a hugely important subject and a touring design we are incredibly proud to see out in the world.

10/07/2026

THREE SHORTLISTINGS. TWO BRILLIANT CLIENTS. ONE VERY HAPPY MAD RIVER TEAM. 🎉🏆

We’re absolutely buzzing to share that we’ve been shortlisted THREE times in this year’s Awards.

Our work with Roastworks Coffee is up for both Brand and Packaging, while our project for the brilliant Aldo Kane has also made the shortlist in the Brand category.

Three shortlistings across two projects we’ve poured a huge amount of thinking, creativity, craft and heart into. We’re seriously proud of the work. And even prouder of the team behind it.

BUT NOW WE NEED YOU. 👊

The People’s Choice Award is open for voting and we’re up against some seriously huge competition, so every single vote really does count.

If you’ve got 30 seconds, we’d absolutely love your support.

👉 Head to the link in our bio or Stories
👉 Find Mad River
👉 Cast your vote
👉 Help us take on the big guns and bring one home 🏆

Every click counts. Every vote matters. And we’ll love you forever.

COME ON TEAM MAD RIVER. LET’S DO THIS. 🚀

440 million white garments. One monumental message.For Dr. Beckmann, alongside our friends at Wonderland Comms, we made ...
03/07/2026

440 million white garments. One monumental message.

For Dr. Beckmann, alongside our friends at Wonderland Comms, we made the scale of textile waste impossible to ignore.

Built to mimic the famous Murray Mound, a 5m-high mound of discarded whites appeared on London’s South Bank during Wimbledon fortnight, fronted by Judy Murray and designed to put the issue centre court.

Research commissioned by Dr. Beckmann and circular clothing experts Reskinned revealed that white is officially the UK’s favourite colourway to wear in summer, but also one of the most likely to be thrown away, with staining, dulling and discolouration sending millions of garments to landfill.

From venue sourcing and logistics, to structural design, build and delivery, our team brought the mound to life. Then, dressed in tennis whites, our brilliant sampling team handed out 2,000 Dr. Beckmann samples, helping passers-by connect directly with the cause and keep their whites in play for longer.

Big stat. Bigger statement.

This is what we mean by Be There. Real-world brand moments that stop people in their tracks, create conversation and make an invisible issue impossible to miss.

26/06/2026

When Taste of London turned up the heat, we brought the cure for everything lunch left behind. ☀️

In the festival sunshine, we teamed up with our friends at Wonderland PR to create the Dr Beckmann Stain Clinic. A bright, bold drop-in destination for the drips, splashes and sauces that come with a very good day out.

Part pit stop, part live demo, the clinic gave festival-goers the chance to pick up stain-fighting know-how from our Stain Sommeliers, watch the solutions in action and leave with a Dr. Beckmann sample ready for the next culinary casualty.

Across the festival, we handed out 24,000 samples and delivered 150 live stain demonstrations, with queues rolling through the sunshine from opening to close.

Great food leaves its mark. Luckily, Dr. Beckmann was there to take it out.

Design, production, logistics and operations by Mad River.

19/06/2026

Introducing the Microchip Shop for Pet Database!

A feel-good pop-up with a seriously important purpose, designed to show how one small chip can help bring lost pets back home.

Working alongside our friends at Hope & Glory, we took over a much-loved chip shop on Brighton seafront and transformed it into a playful, public-facing experience built to stop people in their tracks.

Fun on the outside. Full of heart at every touchpoint.

Design, production, logistics and operations all by the team here at Mad River, turning an everyday space into something where people could engage with the campaign, talk about it and remember.

With Chris Hughes stopping by and the story being covered widely across press, it was brilliant to see the pop-up spark conversation beyond the shopfront.

Tiny chip. Huge chance of getting home. 🐾

Address

5 Stratfield Saye
Bournemouth
BH88JN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

01202292933

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