Lancashire product design agency npd wins Creative Studio of the Year

Preston-based product design powerhouse recognised for breakthrough innovation at Prolific North Creative Awards 2025

npd, the award-winning product design agency, has been named Creative Studio of the Year at the prestigious Prolific North Awards 2025, cementing Lancashire's position as a hub for world-class design innovation.

The Preston-based studio, which has been redefining product design for nearly a decade, was recognised for its portfolio of breakthrough projects that transform complex challenges into impactful solutions. From revolutionary healthcare devices to sustainable industrial systems, npd's work demonstrates how Lancashire’s creativity is driving global innovation.

Transforming Ideas into Impact

Founded on the principle that great ideas deserve extraordinary execution, npd has generated over £40m in revenue for local businesses whilst maintaining a selective approach - turning down 90 per cent of projects to focus on those with genuine transformative potential.

Nathan Partington, npd founder, said: "This recognition belongs to our incredible clients who trust us with their impossible ideas.

"From our Preston studio, we're proving that Lancashire's industrial heritage and creative excellence can solve some of the world's most complex challenges."

Award-Winning Innovation Portfolio

The agency's standout achievements include:

• thinAir: The award-winning oxygen therapy system that earned Prolific North's Creative for Good award in 2024 and is transforming healthcare outcomes
• Arc Master: Revolutionary golf training technology that attracted global attention within three months of launch
• Sustainable Power Systems: Clean energy solutions powering major events including Glastonbury's Arcadia stage
• Callie: Life-saving wearable technology that reimagines personal safety through elegant design

Local Manufacturing, Global Impact

npd's commitment to Lancashire extends beyond design excellence. The agency prioritises local partnerships where possible, working with manufacturers within 50 miles of Preston to support regional industry whilst maintaining the flexibility to source globally when projects demand it.

Nathan Partington added: "We're passionate about supporting local manufacturing and always explore Lancashire options first.

"But we're honest with clients - if their product needs specialist capabilities or cost structures that require international partners, we'll find the best solution wherever that might be. Our goal is responsible innovation, whether that's local or global."

Selective Excellence Drives Growth

With turnover growing from £600k to a targeted £800k by 2025, npd's success stems from its rigorous 'do good' assessment criteria. This selective approach has attracted enterprise-level partnerships whilst maintaining the agency's focus on projects that deliver measurable environmental or social benefits.

The five-strong team combines technical mastery with imaginative problem-solving, working with everyone from ambitious startups to established brands seeking breakthrough innovation.

Lancashire's Creative Future

The Creative Studio of the Year award reinforces Lancashire's growing reputation as a centre for design excellence. npd's success demonstrates how regional agencies can compete on the global stage whilst maintaining strong local roots and sustainable practices.

As npd looks towards 2025, the agency continues to prioritise projects that pass its stringent impact criteria, proving that profitable business and purposeful design can work hand in hand.

About npd Founded in Preston, npd is an award-winning product design agency that transforms complex challenges into elegant, impactful solutions. Specialising in healthcare technology, sustainable industrial design, and breakthrough consumer products, the agency has generated over £40m in revenue for regional businesses whilst maintaining its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.