What we do
We are a Marketing & Communications Agency built on the belief that the two disciplines work best when they work together.
Strategy, storytelling, data and creativity — aligned, not competing.
We know how to create campaigns that connect commercially and creatively. Grounded in insight, powered by storytelling, and delivered with intent across the right channels. A shared goal that blends data-driven thinking with creative spark.
Straight Up is our single value. It defines how we work with clients and with each other. We're direct, honest and hands-on.
Whether you want us to embed within your teams as interim senior figures or to act as consultants working alongside your existing teams, we aren’t trapped by internal structures or ways of working, because we understand that every business has different needs.
Partnering with our clients to go beyond their ambitions.
how we do it
Grounded in straight‑up conversations that drive action, our approach brings together decades of leadership experience with the energy and spark of industry specialists, working seamlessly with our clients to shape strategy, narrative and execution with straight‑up, honest advice.
Each client we work with is given a dedicated team that is led by one of our founders, guaranteeing you senior, strategic counsel and a trusted voice. We don’t pitch and run!
We build long term relationships with a clear campaign plan for success, adapting to the needs of our clients and working collaboratively.
strategy with substance
We bring senior strategic clarity to the decisions that shape growth and we get there through honest, direct conversations. Always asking the right questions to sharpen thinking.
From positioning and go to market, to the commercial levers that matter at board level. Our approach is grounded in decades of experience and strengthened by structured sessions that keep direction focussed, assumptions tested and plans commercially anchored.
Whether you need a full review of your Marketing and Communications strategy, advice and planning for growth of a service line or product, we are well placed to partner with you to bring new thinking and importantly, the ability to then deliver.
stories that spark
We know how important it is to create a spark. A spark is an action, a moment of connection. The split second an audience reacts.
Every audience is searching for meaning, authenticity and proof a brand “gets them”. We've spent decades creating and activating campaigns built to deliver exactly that moment.
We don't lead with a format. We lead with the spark and let that decide the campaign plan.
Storytelling, creative campaigns, influencer and social content, experiential activations, media relations.
Our senior-led team seamlessly execute our shared vision, with a laser focus on creating that spark.
how we deliver
Every successful partnership starts with getting to know each other. And we don’t mean just a quick immersion session over a coffee. We REALLY want to get to know you.
Whether you’re a startup focused on accelerating growth, a scaling company preparing for investment, or an established organisation planning its next chapter, we want to know all about your ambitions before stepping in to our role.
That's why we begin with our Straight Up Session. Led by our founders, it's a hands on, collaborative workshop where we ask probing questions, challenge assumptions and bring an external perspective that’s been shaped by years of working with multiple businesses.
The outcome. Complete clarity on what needs to be achieved.
From there, it's all about delivery. We bring together the right mix of expertise. From former journalists and communications specialists to brand strategists, reputation experts and digital marketers, our team combines strategic thinking with stories that spark to build credibility, influence decisions and drive growth.
Strategy with Substance. Stories that Spark.
what's important to us
We’re direct, honest and hands‑on, challenging assumptions and staying close to the work. No jargon, no fluff, no politics. We communicate clearly, have the conversations that matter, and support each other with intent.
Led by outcomes, driven by shared success and refreshingly frank in how we show up.
Whether we’re shaping strategy, sparking stories or collaborating as a team, we say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done.
Like the sound of this? You can find out more about working with us on our Team & Culture page.
our founders
Shelley and Dave bring together two complementary disciplines that deliver their strongest results when paired. With both having years of experience leading large agency teams at Managing Director level, after working side‑by‑side for over five years, they chose to build their own agency.
They combine deep expertise in strategy, digital, PR and creative with a commitment to strong client relationships. With decades of experience in FMCG, Ecommerce, Healthcare, MedTech and the Third Sector, they have a broad, practical understanding of how to deliver commercial value for clients.
Straight Up is how they show up: hands‑on founders, senior thinking, and a refreshingly frank approach that gets teams aligned and ambitions realised.
David has been a great strategic sounding board on everything from board presentations and five-year business planning to sense-checking our D2C ambitions and measurements, as well as helping me think about how we can get more from our agency relationships. He’s very good at challenging my thinking, asking the questions I might not have thought about and helping me get to a clearer answer, rather than just telling me what I should do.
What I value most is that David’s advice comes from having actually done it himself. He understands the reality of leading digital teams today, setting ambitious but achievable targets and getting senior stakeholders on board, so his advice is always practical, relevant, and genuinely useful. I couldn’t recommend him more!
Michelle, Head of Digital
Hipp Organic
David and the Straight Up team have been trusted partners in our growth journey. They helped us turn She Strides from a fast-growing community into a more sustainable business, creating the commercial foundations and financial model to support our ambitions.
From growing membership and raising our profile to supporting new club launches and She Strides Live, they bring clarity, challenge and a genuine commitment to our success. The impact has been felt across every part of the organisation.
Hollie, Founder
She Strides Run Club & She Strides Live
Shelley and Dave have been invaluable partners across a broad range of brand, communications and marketing projects. Their complementary skill sets have brought strategic clarity, fresh thinking and real commercial focus as we have shaped our brand positioning and marketing strategy.
They have seamlessly integrated into our team, combining strategic advice and insight with the hands on delivery of initiatives that are strengthening our market presence and supporting business growth.
Wallace, Head of Marketing
Inivos
I had the pleasure of working with Dave and his team for over a year during a brand relaunch. He was instrumental throughout the process and supported us in defining the go-to-market strategy and then executing across email campaigns, social strategy, influencer and podcast outreach, and a number of other activities.
Always ready to support the team in any capacity with a stellar attitude. He was an absolute joy to work with and I would highly recommend any day of the week.
Michael, General Manager
Qitone
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founders@wearestraightup.com
07985 192 462
