Freshly Brewed Turns 10: A Decade of Learning and Growth

In September 2014, I ventured out into the uncharted waters of self-employment – offering marketing strategies, PPC campaigns and graphic design work.

Fast forward to September 2024, and… well, a lot has changed. I'm proud that the core principles that got me started are still at the heart of what we do now – adding real value and helping our customers’ businesses flourish.

The Freshly Brewed Journey

Freshly Brewed evolved from the early days of busily trying to find any piece of work that was available, attending every feasible networking event and generally just grabbing opportunities as they came. It kept me busy for sure, but strategic? Not quite. Ten years on we are focussed on delivering beautifully crafted brand identities and websites.

To say the last 10 years has been challenging would be an understatement, but it was those challenges that have shaped what Freshly Brewed is as a business, and who I am as a person.

10 Lessons from a Decade of Brewing Success

Here are ten key insights I’ve gained along the way:

1. Busy doesn’t mean productive: It’s easy to mistake a full calendar for productivity. Real progress comes from strategic action.
2. You can’t please everyone: Know your audience. Trying to be all things to all people often leads to being exceptional at nothing.
3. Support is crucial: While no one will do the work for you, having a strong support network can make all the difference.
4. Success isn’t just about money: Profit is important, but not at the expense of family, friends, or health. Balance is key.
5. Comfort is the enemy of growth: The most significant developments often come from navigating challenges.
6. Value is perceived: Focus on the value you bring to a business, not just the time you spend.
7. Relationships are fundamental: Most of our work comes from referrals. Build trust, and growth will follow.
8. Beware of perfectionism: Sometimes, done is better than perfect. Don’t let perfectionism hinder progress.
9. Prioritisation is essential: Time-blocking has been a game-changer for focusing on what truly matters.
10. Listen and evolve: Your business should grow with your clients. We’ve shifted from marketing plans and PPC to branding and web design, adapting to our clients’ changing needs.

Looking to the Future

As we look towards the next decade, we are committed to keeping Freshly Brewed authentic, always learning, and putting our clients first. Our journey from marketing plans to web design exemplifies our ability to adapt to our clients’ evolving needs.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without our incredible roster of clients and everyone who’s been part of this journey.

In particular, I want to thank:

Carrie Osman , CEO/Founder of Cruxy . From the early days of 5am wake ups, kitchen-table strategising and Starbucks working to Chancery Lane, introductions and beyond, I owe a lot of the success of Freshly Brewed to her. ?

The amazing team who work behind the scenes to help deliver Freshly Brewed Marketing projects: Alan Molnar , Samuel Hall , alan cheetham , Isana Alija , Liam Gorman , Jordan Blyth , Mitch Hall , Trevor Campbell , Tom Shannon , Marko Simi? , Jim Taylor and many more.

Here’s to the next decade of fresh ideas and continued success!

Michael Turner Joe Davidson CFA Mark Veevers Iain Larkins Matt Smith David Palmer Damian Cessario Sophia H. Rebecca Osman (FCA) Emma McConachie Patrick Baptista Pinto Goran-Danilo Stojanovic Andy Shovel Rod McDonagh Andrew Stewart Annija Punte Rachel Cordes Frank Glock Anthony Hughes Emmy Granstr?m Lauren Muir Matt Millar Jo Smiley Hailey Katie Roberts Gavin O'Brien - Honorary Doctorate BA MInstLM Adrian Barrett Andrew Sanaghan Matt Gosden Melita Pazitka Lily Covington Fergus Mckie