Pillory Barn Creative Agency

The future of aviation is moving rapidly, with innovative technology including autonomous aircraft, AI and pilotless drones. Last week, we supported Lydd Airport’s launch of plans for a new Centre for Future Flight Innovation, which could put Romney Marsh on the map for next-generation aviation.

The opportunity goes beyond technology. With more than 1,000 jobs and over £70 million in additional GVA projected for Kent, the plans highlight how regional investment can drive innovation, create skilled jobs and support long-term economic growth.

Our role was to help bring this story to the media, securing three broadcast crews on site, facilitating a remote interview and supporting wider coverage, including in specialist aviation titles.

It’s exciting to see the ambition for Kent’s future taking shape and to help make sure stories like this reach the audiences that matter.

Some lovely Friday news to share 🥳

We have been shortlisted as a finalist for Creative Business of the Year 2026 at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Awards.

From creative campaigns, PR and brand through to digital strategy, we love bringing ideas to life for businesses across Kent and beyond. It's great to see the work we do recognised by the judges and to be shortlisted alongside other fabulous creative businesses in Kent 💡

We are looking forward to the Gala dinner and celebrating with the other incredible finalists in November.

We love being part of the Medway community, and for some of our team, this deep-rooted connection goes back a long way. The latest is from our super talented designer Alice, telling us how her creative journey began right here in the heart of Medway.

"My design path started in Medway, back when I was doing my Visual Communication Foundation course at UCA Rochester. I have such fond memories of being set loose around Rochester and Chatham for our project briefs.

One of my absolute favourites was crafting miniature sculptures and heading over to Jackson's Field to photograph them, playing with angles so they looked massive, life-sized installations.

It was during those early days exploring Medway that I truly fell in love with design, before heading to Birmingham for my degree. It's where I realised I wanted to create work that isn't just visually compelling but carries real meaning and impact."

Stories like Alice’s show that the creative sectors are a cornerstone of Medway and creativity can be found in all sorts of places, sometimes where you least expect it 💡

When you think of Medway, what reminds you of its creative spirit?

What an incredible evening for ellenor 👏

Mike had the pleasure of joining the fantastic ellenor team at last night's Bear Hunt Auction, bringing to a close a campaign that has filled the streets of Dartford and Bluewater with colour, creativity and smiles throughout the summer 🎨

Together, the trail and auction raised an incredible amount to help ellenor continue providing vital hospice care and support to local families when they need it most.

As Creative Partner, this was a true passion project for Pillory Barn. From the first spark of an idea through to the final trail, it has been a privilege to help bring the campaign to life. Seeing families exploring the trail with maps in hand made every step of the journey worthwhile, and we're hugely grateful to ellenor for trusting us with their vision.

A special wave goodbye to Shine On, our sponsored bear, who went under the hammer and is now heading off to its new forever home. We're so attached to it we're already wondering whether joint custody might be an option! 🐻✨

Congratulations to everyone at ellenor for creating such a memorable campaign and a fantastic fundraising success. 🧡

🎬 Behind the scenes with the team this week…

Our MD, Mike Smith, spent the day on site with the Knauf UK & Ireland team capturing content for new health & safety induction materials.

Over 400 clips captured, thousands of steps taken, and plenty of valuable insight gained into the production process made for a fantastic day on location.

Pride in Medway has always been about bringing people together, and local businesses have played a huge part in making that possible.

For our latest Medway Memory, we’re hearing from Miranda Chapman, CEO of Pillory Barn, who has been involved with the awards for an incredible 25 years.

"I’ve been part of these brilliant community awards for 25 years - initially as a Senior Advertising Manager at the Medway Messenger, right up to today as CEO of Pillory Barn.

What started as a celebration of inclusion has become a much-loved part of Medway's identity, bringing together people from across our communities in a spirit of pride, friendship and support.

For me, it perfectly reflects what makes Medway such a fantastic place: welcoming, diverse and full of people who genuinely care about creating a sense of belonging for everyone."

"Long may it continue." 🤩

As we look towards 2027 and the 25th anniversary of Pride in Medway, we’re looking to build on that legacy and bring even more local businesses and organisations into the celebration.

There are opportunities for businesses to become sponsors and partners of the 2027 awards, helping us shine a light on the people, organisations and communities that make Medway what it is.

If your business would like to be part of something that celebrates Medway and its people, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Get in touch to find out more about becoming a Pride in Medway 2027 sponsor or partner: https://www.prideinmedway.co.uk/how-to-sponsor/

Shine On will be joining the Dartford Bear Hunt Farewell Weekend! 🐻✨

It’s been a real privilege to be involved in the Dartford Bear Hunt as creative partner, and we’ve loved seeing these incredible bears bring so much colour and joy to the community.

Don’t miss your final chance to see all of the bears together in one place before they head to auction, raising vital funds for ellenor 🧡

🎟️ Get your tickets: https://dartfordbearhunt.co.uk/event/farewell-weekend/

While our new office may be a new addition to Medway, our connections to the area are anything but new. From family ties and treasured memories to professional moments and favourite local spots, Medway has already played a part in many of our stories.

As we become part of the Medway community, we’re sharing some of those stories in , celebrating the places and connections that make this such a special area.

First up is Zoe, whose family connection to Medway goes back generations...

Her parents grew up here, and her grandad worked as a naval engineer at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in the 1940s and 50s. Today, Zoe visits the Dockyard with her boys, creating new memories in a place that holds so many family stories.

The Dockyard has also been a favourite venue for Pillory Barn client events and team days over the years, making it even more special to have this piece of Medway history on our doorstep.

Zoe’s other Medway favourites include:
🏰 Fort Amherst – a recent discovery and fast favourite
🍺 Rochester High Street – perfect for a wander and drinks at The Wolfe & Castle

What’s your favourite Medway memory or place? 💬

Join some of the biggest names in Medway supporting the Pride in Medway Awards 🏆

25 years. One incredible community.

This year, the Pride in Medway Awards celebrates its Silver Anniversary, recognising the incredible people, organisations and businesses going above and beyond to make a difference across our region.

You could join the amazing community of sponsors getting behind this landmark celebration, with Uniper, Grain LNG Limited, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa, Medway Council, mhs homes and Cherrywood Productions among the sponsors already joining us for the 2027 awards. ✨

Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity to put your brand at the heart of one of Medway’s longest-standing community awards while showing your support for the people and organisations making a real difference locally.

Whether you’re a long-standing Medway business or looking to strengthen your presence in the area, join some of the region’s biggest names and become part of our 25th anniversary celebrations.

Want to get involved? Get in touch or drop a comment to find out more about sponsorship packages 💌