About

Substance was founded by James Groves and Stephen Lloyd, two experienced strategy specialists and seasoned design and advertising educators.

Stephen integrates technology and design thinking into his role as a senior educator in BA Advertising & Brand Design at London’s Ravensbourne University. Outside teaching, his commercial work includes partnering with a leading search engine, an international airport, pioneering startups and cultural institutions.

James has created transformational brand strategy both directly with clients, and with agency partners. He has worked with a global leader in online payments, a multinational professional services firm and numerous fashion, drinks and hospitality brands. He also lectures at Ravensbourne University.

Together, they collaborated as partners with a startup brand to help the company secure £150million in first round investment, and formed the team that delivered the award-winning repositioning of the world’s leading paper specialist.

They created Substance to give creative agencies the vital insights they need to help clients build organisations with purpose.