Horrible win award for Creative StartUp of the Year

A Horrible Win Worth Shouting About

We’re buzzing to announce that Horrible Brands™ has been crowned 2025 Northern Ireland Creative StartUp of the Year at the UK StartUp Awards.

Here’s a photo of me looking suitably smug:

Not bad for a team that was built to challenge the predictable. This award isn’t just a shiny trophy for the shelf. It’s proof that when you lead with guts, creativity and a healthy dose of cheek, you can make serious waves, and fast!

Gratitude (The Real MVPs)

We couldn’t have done it without our crew, our clients, our collaborators and our wider tribe who’ve backed us from day one. You’ve trusted us to push boundaries, tear up rulebooks and build brands that shout louder than the competition. For that, we’re massively grateful.

Special props to:

• Kris Byers – Creative Director and partner-in-crime
• Gareth Fisher – bringing our website designs to life in Webflow
• Pearse McCann – marketing genius (and office funny guy)
• And to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far 🙌

Behind the Scenes

Big thanks also to my fiancée Nichola, who not only joined us on the night but managed to balance out my questionable style choices (and secured the essential post-award celebratory burrito 🔥🌯). Because let’s face it: branding is important, but burritos are life.

We’re just getting started!

For us, this win is fuel. It proves that start-ups with big ideas and bigger energy can compete with the best. In the coming months, we’ll be building more brands with emotional intelligence, cutting through the noise with clear communication and delivering even better results at speed.

This award is a milestone, not the finish line. Expect more disruption, more creativity and more Horrible energy in 2025 and beyond.

Onwards & Upwards 🚀

To every client, partner, supporter and burrito shop that’s been part of this ride: thank you. We’re lifting this award with you, and we’re fired up for what comes next.

Here’s to shaking up the branding world, one bold move at a time.

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