As Arbor Forest Products and Sowdens celebrate five years working together, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to look back at five projects that have helped shape one of our favourite long-term partnerships.
Working alongside one of the UK’s largest independent timber importers and processors has seen us support everything from brand strategy and product launches to national PR, internal communications and business growth.
1. Building the Arbor brand
Every great partnership starts with a strategy. One of our very first projects was helping Arbor define its vision, values, positioning and brand voice, creating the strategic foundations that continue to shape every campaign and communication today.
2. Launching Arbor Edge
We developed and launched Arbor Edge, creating a distinctive specialist MDF mouldings brand supported by a comprehensive sales toolkit and merchant engagement strategy that helped Arbor extend its reach across the timber trade.
3. Supporting major investment
From strategic PR through to campaign delivery, we helped communicate Arbor’s £1 million investment in advanced timber treatment technology, positioning the business at the forefront of timber innovation while supporting growth in offsite construction.
4. Bringing Wood & Slumber to market
From strategy and branding through to launch communications, we supported the creation of Wood & Slumber – Arbor’s premium equine bedding brand backed by a £2 million investment in advanced baling and packaging technology.
5. Taking timber to Silverstone
One of our favourite projects saw us create an unforgettable experience for Arbor Trex installers at Silverstone, demonstrating the durability and performance of Arbor’s products on one of the world’s most iconic racing circuits. Not your typical timber industry setting. Exactly the point.
Five years has allowed us to become much more than an agency delivering campaigns.
We’ve developed a genuine understanding of Arbor’s ambitions, investment strategy, customers and long-term commercial goals, allowing strategy, creativity and communications to work together in support of business growth.
That philosophy extends across many of our longest-standing client relationships.
Today we’re proud to work with organisations across manufacturing, broadband, healthcare, education, renewable energy and software, with long-term partnerships including:
• 11 years with Hull York Medical School
• 9 years with City Health Care Partnership CIC
• 7 years with Ørsted
• Almost 4 years with Quickline
As Polly Sowden, Co-owner and Creative Lead, explains:
“What I’m most proud of is the substance behind the partnership.
“We’ve supported Arbor through major investments, new brand launches, infrastructure expansion and national trade positioning. It hasn’t just been about creative campaigns; it’s been about helping a business grow stronger, deeper and more resilient.”
Jason Ostler, Managing Director at Arbor Forest Products, agrees:
“Our partnership with Sowdens has helped us communicate some significant developments for the business, from major capital investment in treatment technology to the expansion of our port infrastructure and the launch of new products.
“Over the past five years, Sowdens has helped us ensure those milestones are shared with the customers, partners and communities that matter to us.”
Whether you’re:
• Repositioning your brand
• Launching a new product
• Planning your next marketing campaign
• Investing in digital growth
• Building your employer brand
• Looking for a long-term strategic marketing partner
It all starts with the right conversation.
Book a complimentary 30-minute marketing review with one of our team.
We’ll take a fresh look at your current marketing activity, share honest, practical feedback and identify opportunities to help your business grow.
No obligation. No hard sell. Just useful advice from people who genuinely enjoy solving marketing challenges.
Call us on +44 (0)1482 649 311, email [email protected] or get in touch via our contact page to arrange a time that works for you.
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