Almost 1 in 10 uk employees will hand in their resignation this month. What’s more surprising?
This number hasn’t dropped from last year, even with unemployment expected to rise this year.

So, what’s really going on?

Well, it’s not about the grass being greener, or chasing £££.
It’s not because your coffee machine is a bit pish and Pret’s filter cuppa on the corner is better.
And it’s not because your logo is blue and really should be red. 

No.

It’s about the deeper stuff that’s making folk feel a biiiit disconnected:
• non-existent career progression
• values that feel fake (or – worse – no values at all)
• talent shortages elsewhere with places that have an obvious purpose

By the time someone hands in their notice, the decision was often made up to 18 months earlier and the real cost of their quiet quitting has already been felt:

Productivity has gone down to the basement…
Motivation has gone awol…
and Enthusiasm has sidled out the door on a permanent fag break.

Jeez. That’s a lot of waste.

Here I’ve broken down the why, the who, and the what leaders are missing…

Want to rediscover what makes your place special once again and help your people find their mojo? Get in touch with us for a confidential chat.

Your people ARE your biggest asset – let’s keep ‘em! 

Sources:
1.  ACS research, 2025. Base: 3,500 UK adults
2. Payfit.com
3. Culture Amp global benchmarking, 2025
4. Co-operatives UK
5. Investors in People
6. Deloitte

The post Nearly 1 in 10 UK employees plan to quit their jobs in Jan. appeared first on 39steps Limited.

Porsche? Engineering perfection with a hint of character.
Lotus? Lightness. Colin Chapman literally scribbled “Simplify, then add lightness” somewhere.
Alpine? Tiny, nimble, properly fun little cars that make you grin every time you tackle a corner.

Then along comes the future. And the future’s heavy, quiet, full of batteries, screens, and people talking about sub 2 second zero-to-sixty, like it’s more important than actually feeling the car move under you.

Suddenly everything you stood for feels… old hat.

That’s the exact challenge these three brands are wrestling with right now. It’s a perfect example of brand evolution in the EV era – how do you keep your soul while producing electric cars that weigh over 2 tons and have a faint whiff of silicon rather than petrol?

And it’s not just a car problem. Every business faces this issue at some point: governments meddle, technologies change, customers shift, the world keeps spinning – and you either adapt or yer dead.

Case Studies: Three ways to not totally bugger it up

Porsche – playing it safe, but on thin ice

Porsche have always balanced performance, precision, and reliability. The Taycan was brilliant – an EV that actually felt like a Porsche. But now? Look at the Macan, and soon the Cayenne. Big. Luxurious. More home cinema than purebred sports car. Sure, folks will buy them, but I can’t be alone in longing for a more driver-focused Macan – something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5N but with a bit more class and a bit less gimmickry.

My take: Porsche remain the most successful so far. But they’re skating close to danger. Keep pumping out luxury SUVs and the enthusiast fans might start feeling a wee bit betrayed. They’ve got an electric Cayman and Boxster coming soon, but I can sense they’re keiching it – scared their diehards won’t buy an EV sports car.

Lesson for business: Strong brands can carry their values into new territories, but only if they don’t dilute the parts that define them. Confidence is fine, but stay true to the soul.

Lotus – trying hard but losing the plot

Lotus. Oh Lotus. You’ve really gone for it, haven’t you? The Emeya and Eletre are massive. Heavy. You need to dock them, not park them. They’ve gone for super-luxury interiors and bold styling, and in the process have thrown the old mantra of lightness clean out the window. It was always going to be a challenge, with the ghost of Colin Chapman looming over everything – but these colossal land yachts feel miles away from what made Lotus special.

That said, you can see what they’re trying to do. They’ve had to modernise, to appeal to global markets, and they’re making brave moves with tech and materials. There’s huge effort there – it just feels like they’ve traded too much soul for status.

My take: I think they’ve worked hard to stay relevant, but it’s come at the cost of their core DNA. The spirit of lightness and driver connection has been replaced by screens, space, and luxury touches that don’t quite sit right. Ambitious? Definitely. Authentic? Maybe not yet.

Lesson for business: Big transformations take guts, but you’ve got to bring your believers with you. If your loyal fans don’t recognise you anymore, it’s time to course-correct – not double down.

Alpine – the wee purist trying something brave

Alpine’s DNA has always been about agility, lightness, and pure driving pleasure. The A110 was a featherweight joy – the kind of car that makes you drive to the shops via Glencoe. Now their A290 is a first amongst EV’s, an attempt at a proper hot hatch. I quite like it. They’re not just chasing huge power bragging rights, they’re trying to make it fun to drive, without resorting to fake engine gimmickry and pretendy gear changes. They’ve worked on control weights, body control and supple suspension to get that nimble, front-drive character. Not sure about the silly overtaking button though – what’s wrong with just slamming your foot to the floor?

The upcoming A390, competing with the Macan and Polestar 4, is relatively compact and a wee bit more clever. Its three-motor setup could help mimic the agility that lightness used to provide. It’s designed to be driver-focused without being obnoxious about it.

My take: Alpine are quietly doing the most interesting work here. They’re prioritising driving experience first, not just battery size. It feels true to their ethos, and that’s no small feat in this crazy EV world.

Lesson for business: Sometimes you can’t replicate the old tricks, but you can capture the feeling behind them. Focus on experience, not just specs.

Overall assessment

So if I had to rank ‘em: Porsche is winning for now, but they better watch that line they’re walking. Alpine are quietly clever, producing driver-focused EVs that feel right. Lotus? Brave effort, but still looking a bit lost.

In summary – how to keep your soul while embracing the future

These three brands show that changing with the times doesn’t have to mean selling your soul. Alpine experiment and stay true. Porsche mostly succeed, but risk letting luxury creep too far in. Lotus… maybe just need to find their centre again.

Key takeaways for anyone with a business:

• Keep the spirit alive, even if the form changes.
• Be honest about change and tell a story people can believe.
• Consistency beats slavish literalism.
• Make it real. People forgive compromise if it feels like you tried.

EVs are just one version of disruption. Every industry has its ‘batteries and touchscreens’ moment. The lesson? Smart brand evolution in the EV era can happen if you focus on delivering the experience you’re known for. Sell agility – not lightness. Sell ease – not excess. But above all, show intent. Every brand needs a halo product – something for fans to admire. Just make sure it still feels like you.

Thinking about your own brand evolution?

If you’re trying to pivot, evolve, or just avoid turning into the Lotus of your sector, give us a shout. We’ll help you evolve your brand – without losing the bits that make you, you.

The post Brand evolution in the EV era: How Alpine, Lotus and Porsche are trying not to look like traitors appeared first on 39steps Limited.

Because here’s the thing: your customers don’t carry around a brand manual. They keep shortcuts. Mental Post-its. If you don’t give them a clear one, they’ll make up their own – and it might not be the one you’d choose.

The strongest brands don’t leave that to chance. They plant a flag in the ground and make it unmistakable.

Patagonia? Responsibility.
Airbnb? Belonging.
Monzo? Transparency.

It’s not marketing fluff. It’s a filter, a promise, and a rallying cry – all rolled into one.

How to uncover your brand’s one word (the 39steps way):

We often do this with our clients through our MarketStreet process. But if you want a DIY taste, here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Spill it all out

Get messy. Grab a pad and list out everything you believe about your brand – values, benefits, quirks, the things people actually say about you. Don’t edit, just spill.

Step 2: Strip it back

Cross off anything bland, borrowed, or buzzword-y. If a competitor could claim it tomorrow, it’s not yours. (We ban words like “innovative” for this reason.)

Step 3: Feel the weight

What’s left? Circle the words that carry real meaning for your audience and that you can deliver — even on your scrappiest Tuesday. This isn’t about aspiration, it’s about truth.

Step 4: Choose your anchor

Now, pick the word that feels undeniable. That’s your north star. From here on, everything should line up behind it: your design, your tone, your campaigns. If it doesn’t, adjust until it does.

At 39steps, our word is Clarity. It keeps us honest — and it keeps our clients sharp.

From strategy to visuals to web builds, it’s all about helping you see what makes you different, and say it in a way people remember.

Own your word. Own your space.

The best brands aren’t forgettable. They’re unmistakable. Let’s uncover the one word that makes your brand stick.

Book a call

The post What’s your brand’s one word? appeared first on 39steps Limited.

The short answer: Yes. Yes you do. And here’s why.

1. A brand launch campaign builds momentum

Your rebrand is the culmination of careful planning, research, and creativity. Without a strong launch, all that hard work can go unnoticed. A launch campaign helps build buzz around your new look and messaging. It creates excitement, allowing your team to rally behind your new brand, and most importantly, it engages your target audience from the get-go.

A successful launch campaign doesn’t just show off a new logo or tagline; it builds anticipation, tells your story, and explains why the change matters. This sets the stage for a lasting connection with both existing your clients and potential new clients.

2. It’s an opportunity to re-engage your audience

A brand launch is more than just an announcement – it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your current clients, partners, and prospects. After all, they’ve grown accustomed to the old-look you, and it can take a little time for them to adjust to the new you.

With the right campaign, you can guide your audience through the transition. You can share the why behind your rebrand, the vision that drives the change, and how it benefits them. This is your chance to make your clients feel involved, feel part of the journey, which strengthens their loyalty and trust in the process.

3. It’s a chance to clarify your messaging

One of the most common reasons companies undergo a rebrand is to better align their messaging with their target audience. A well-executed brand launch helps communicate that shift clearly.
Whether you’re updating your brand values, refining your mission, or simply refreshing your tone, the launch campaign allows you to convey these updates in a way that resonates with your audience. It’s your moment to communicate why your new brand is a better fit for your clients and how it will meet their needs.

4. A campaign amplifies your reach

A successful launch campaign doesn’t rely on one marketing channel – it taps into multiple touchpoints to ensure your message is heard across various platforms. From social media to email newsletters, website banners, and even in-person events, your campaign should span the most relevant channels to reach your audience wherever they are.

If you want your rebrand to make a real impact, a launch campaign ensures that it doesn’t go unnoticed. Plus, it helps you track the results of your efforts, so you can assess how well your new brand is being received.

5. It aligns your team around a common goal

A brand launch isn’t just about external communication – it’s also about internal alignment. A well-organised launch campaign ensures that everyone within your company knows the brand’s story, its core messages, and how to use the new tools and assets you’ve provided. This internal buy-in is crucial for maintaining consistency across all touchpoints.

When your whole team is on the same page about what you stand for, they’re better equipped to represent the business consistently across all interactions with clients, partners, stakeholders and each other.

6. It creates long-term value

While it might seem like an extra expense, a brand launch campaign is an investment in your brand’s future. It ensures that your rebrand doesn’t just fade into the background – it kicks off a new chapter for your business, generating long-term visibility, trust, and customer engagement.

Without a strategic launch, you risk missing out on the full potential of your rebrand. By giving it a strong launch, you make sure your new identity resonates for the long haul.

Ready for your brand launch?

A brand launch campaign is more than just a celebration of your new look – it’s strategic. It amplifies your message and makes sure your business is noticed by the people who matter most. If you’re ready to make a lasting impression with your new brand, we’re here to help.

The post The key to a successful brand launch: Do you really need a campaign? appeared first on 39steps Limited.

Well, Sleep Action exists for everyone in the UK who seeks help with this fundamental human need.

The team there provides sleep support, training and resources for everyone in the UK who needs help with this fundamental human need.

Capella is an umbrella charity that runs a number of charitable services, one of which is Sleep Action. Involved in the naming and brand identity for Capella at it’s inception back in 2022, we were subsequently approached to tender for the overhaul of the Sleep Action website.

Following a competitive process, 39steps was appointed late 2024 to tackle this project.

With a range of audiences – from parents to health professionals, teens and employers – we started off with an insightful workshop to get to the nitty gritty of who it is this site serves, what info they need and how best to serve it to them.

So chuffed to push it live in early July and have it receive great feedback! Not only from the lovely client team but crucially, from the very people the site is intended for.

Thanks, Team Sleep Action, for trusting us!

The post I can’t get no sleep appeared first on 39steps Limited.

We’ve rebranded. Yup, even us brand folk need a bit of a zhuzh* now and then. Dunno how you spell that either.

You see, at 39steps, we’ve spent years helping clients – from funeral directors to membership organisations – find their voice, sharpen their message, and look a whole lot better doing it. We’ve rebranded, rebuilt, and reinvigorated dozens of businesses and made business owners proud of what they’ve built, once again.

And now it’s our turn.

But this isn’t just about giving the logo a new lick of paint or launching a flashy new website (although we do rather love it). This is about making sure we’re showing up as the agency we’ve become, not the one we were five or ten years ago.

So, what makes 39steps different?

For starters, we’re not a “churn it out and cross our fingers” kind of agency. We’re big believers in structure, strategy, and a good dose of sass. We don’t just make things look nice, we ask the tough questions. We dig into what makes your organisation tick. We find the soul of your brand and make it sing (or shout, depending on the brief).

Collaboration is baked into everything we do. No mystery design divas here – we work closely with you, your team and your Gran if necessary, to make sure your brand feels authentic, clear, and bold enough to stand out in the real world. Not just in the pitch deck.

And we’re not afraid of the so-called boring stuff either. In fact, we love turning the seemingly mundane into something memorable. Do stuff with numbers? Let’s go. Build things? Bring. It. On. If you’ve got a brilliant story hidden behind beige branding, we’ll find it – and set it free. It’s people that make a business and we love making those people proud. Proud to work where they do. Proud to hand out that card. Signpost folk to work they’ve done. Share the good stuff they’re doing.

Why does this matter?

Because branding isn’t fluff. It’s focus. It’s your internal rally cry and your external handshake. A strong brand gives your team clarity and your audience confidence. And if we’re helping our clients do that day in, day out, it’s only right that we walk the walk ourselves.

So yes, there’s a shiny site. But more importantly, there’s a clearer, bolder 39steps stepping out into the world – one that’s even better equipped to guide our clients on their brand journeys.

We can’t wait to show you.

In the meantime, if you’re wondering whether your brand could do with a rethink, it might be time for a wee reboot of your own.

Have a look at our blog on when it’s time to consider a rebrand. It’s full of the good stuff – no jargon, no fluff, just helpful pointers (and the odd reality check).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, the ice in my G&T is melting – and so am I.

Cheers,
Julie x

The post What makes 39steps different (and why we’re giving ourselves a reboot) appeared first on 39steps Limited.

A great logo is just the start. To really make it work for you, you need to know how to use it consistently and confidently. Here’s our no-nonsense guide to making sure your logo doesn’t just sit pretty, it works hard.

1. Know your formats

Your designer should’ve handed over a lovely little folder packed with logo files. But what are they all for?

• .EPS or .SVG – Scalable files for print or web. Use these for anything big (signage, posters) or anything vector-based (like embroidery or engraving).
• .PNG – Great for web. Has a transparent background so it plays nice over coloured blocks or images.
• .JPG – Good for simple web use, but has a white background and can’t scale cleanly.
• .PDF – Often a good all-rounder for print. Can embed vector info and colours.

Pro tip: Don’t drag your logo off your website to stick it in a Word doc. It’ll look fuzzy and sad. Always go back to the source files.

2. Use it consistently

Your logo is like your signature – use it the same way, every time.

• Don’t squish it.
• Don’t stretch it.
• Don’t add random drop shadows, colours or Comic Sans.
• Stick to the colours, sizes and spacing outlined in your brand toolkit

If you’ve worked with us, we’ll have included clear logo usage guidelines in your Brand Toolkit. Follow them, and you’ll be golden.

3. Mind the space

Your logo needs breathing room. Cramming it into a corner or letting text sit too close makes it look cluttered and weak.

Use the ‘exclusion zone’ (often the height of a letter or symbol in your logo) to keep things tidy. This helps your logo stand out and hold its own – wherever it appears.

4. Match it with the right colours and fonts

Your logo doesn’t live in isolation. It’s part of a wider visual system.

Using random colours or fonts next to it is like wearing a tuxedo with Crocs. It just doesn’t work.

Stick to your brand palette and typefaces. That’s how you build recognition and trust – whether someone sees your LinkedIn post, a business card, or the side of your van.

5. Keep it accessible

Your logo needs to look good and work well for everyone – including people with visual impairments.

Make sure there’s enough contrast against backgrounds. Don’t rely on colour alone to communicate. And always test how it appears on mobile, desktop, dark mode, print, and more.

6. Prepare it for the real world

Think beyond the screen. Where will your logo show up?

• Business cards
• Email signatures
• Uniforms
• Merchandise
• Social media
• Office signage
• Tenders and proposals

Make sure you have the right versions and file types for each. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work — but a little planning goes a long way.

7. Share the toolkit

Your team, suppliers and partners need access to the right assets too. Avoid the ‘Frankenstein logo’ horror of someone stretching an old version in PowerPoint <shudder>

We recommend using a centralised Brand Toolkit (we build them for clients all the time). That way, your team always knows where to find the right logo, in the right format, with the right rules.

In a nutshell…

A good logo is more than just a pretty face. When used right, it becomes a powerful symbol of who you are and what you stand for.

Treat it with care, use it with consistency, and it’ll reward you with recognition, professionalism – and maybe even a few compliments from your competitors (hey, it happens).

Want help pulling your new look together?

Whether it’s a full Brand Toolkit, editable templates, or a social media glow-up — we’re here for it.

Let’s chat

The post How to use your new logo like a pro: a complete guide appeared first on 39steps Limited.

AI is fast. It can whip up a logo, write a paragraph, or generate a colour palette in seconds. That’s impressive.

But if you’ve ever asked ChatGPT to write your brand story or design a homepage, you’ve probably also felt that weird, soulless vibe. You can sense something’s missing, can’t you?

At 39steps, we’re fairly sure we understand what that is:

Context. Taste. Emotional intelligence.

You know, those things that come from real people who understand your business, your audience – and how to bridge the gap between them.

AI is a tool, not a thinker.

We’re not AI-deniers. Far from it. We already use AI to support our work where it makes sense. It helps speed up brainstorming, early content drafts and even layout tests. It helps us move faster.

But we won’t let it lead.

AI doesn’t understand your company’s history.
It won’t grasp the politics in your boardroom.
It can’t sense the mood in a strategy workshop or ask those awkward-but-necessary questions.

That’s what real brand building requires.

Your brand is more than a logo or tagline

A brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
It’s how your team shows up. How your clients feel.
And how you look, sound and behave across every touchpoint.
Will AI replace branding agencies? We can’t see it happening. No algorithm can replicate the magic of finding that story, shaping it, and getting your team behind it.

So what does 39steps do differently?

We blend tech and talent. We use tools like AI to take the grunt work out of certain tasks – but we always put clarity, strategy and bold design first.

We’ll ask better questions.
Push the creative further.
And help you rally your team around a brand that actually means something.

Because in a world where everyone’s churning out generic content faster than ever, the brands that stand out are the ones that dare to be distinct.

Bottom line

AI is brilliant at creating more.
We’re here to help you create better.

Ready to take the first step?

We’ve helped founders, CEOs and marketers embark on this journey and come out with brands they’re proud to lead. If you’re ready to explore what’s next for your business, we’re here, ready to walk with you.

Book a call

The post Will AI replace branding agencies? appeared first on 39steps Limited.

It can feel like a big decision. After all, you’ve built up recognition, trust and a bit of equity. But sometimes, not changing your name carries more risk than taking the leap.

This article will help you work out if a change is right, what to consider before you do it, and how to handle the switch without losing the good stuff you’ve already built.

When should you consider changing your business name?

Here are some of the most common reasons we see:

1. You’ve outgrown it
   Maybe your services have evolved. Maybe you started local and now you’re thinking global. If the name no longer reflects who you are, it might be time to update it.
2. You’re being confused with someone else
   If another company is using the same or a similar name – especially in your industry – that’s a problem. It can create confusion, dilute your message and potentially cause legal headaches.
3. You’re repositioning
   If your target audience has changed or you’re moving in a new direction, a name that fit before might not cut it anymore.
4. You can’t own it
   You don’t have the .com. It’s hard to find in search. Someone else owns the trademark. You’re spending energy defending your brand instead of building it.
5. It’s just not working
   Maybe it’s hard to spell. Or say. Or remember. Or maybe people just don’t get it. These things might seem small, but over time they add up.
6. It’s holding you back
   In some cases, a name might come with baggage – a previous business model, a founder’s name, or a reputation you’d rather leave behind.

How to decide if it’s the right move

Changing your business name isn’t something you want to do on a whim. Ask yourself:

• Does our current name help us grow, or does it get in the way?
• Are we proud to say it out loud?
• Are clients getting confused?
• Could the right name help us stand out and move forward?

If you’re unsure, talk to your team. Get external opinions. Sometimes the signs are clearer from the outside.

What happens if you don’t?

There’s a cost to standing still. If another business is building under the same name, you’re effectively competing with yourself. Confusion creeps in. Your SEO takes a hit. And customers start to question who’s who.

Over time, that chips away at trust. You might also limit future growth – especially if you’re thinking about new markets, investment or expansion.

How to change your name (without losing your audience)

If you do decide to rename your business, here’s how to do it well:

Start with a clear brief
Why are you changing the name? What should the new one do that the old one couldn’t? Keep these answers front and centre as you explore ideas.

Involve your team early
People resist change when it’s done to them, not with them. Bringing your team into the process builds buy-in and excitement.

Pick a name you can own
It should be distinctive, easy to remember, and legally available. Aim for something that fits your tone and your future.

Plan the rollout
Use a “formerly known as…” message during the transition. Don’t just drop a new name and hope people figure it out. Tell the story. Explain the ‘why’.

Keep some familiar elements
If your tone of voice or visual style is working, keep it. That continuity helps people connect the dots and stay with you.

You’re not starting over

A name change doesn’t wipe the slate clean. You’re not erasing your past – you’re building on it.

Your reputation, relationships and brand values are all still there. The right name will help you communicate them better, not lose them.

Thinking about a name change?

We’ve helped many businesses navigate this journey – from subtle name shifts to complete rebrands. If you’re weighing it up, we’re happy to help you think it through. Through our MarketStreet process, we’ll guide you through your name change every step of the way.

Let’s chat. No pressure, just a straightforward conversation about what’s right for your brand.

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Check out The Scoop for the full article!

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