Mel Downing joined the Bridgwater Chamber in 2023 after being appointed to design and produce the Chamber’s InBusiness magazine. Since then, she has continued to support the Chamber with creative direction, branding and marketing initiatives, while also contributing to projects that positively impact local businesses and the wider business community.

Mel is the Director of Design Hive, a multi-award-winning branding agency based in Highbridge, Somerset. With more than 20 years of experience in branding, graphic design and website development, she is passionate about helping businesses grow through creative thinking, strategic branding and meaningful customer experiences.

Alongside running a successful agency, Mel is committed to helping clients unlock their full potential through strong branding, clear communication and strategic support. She is a member of the Institute of Leadership & Management and uses her knowledge of leadership, business growth and client development to help businesses achieve both their short-term and long-term goals.

Her expertise includes:

• Branding and Graphic Design
• Website Design and Development
• Business Development
• Client Strategy and Development
• Finance Performance
• Project Management
• Account Management

Beyond the Branding

What’s your favourite film?
Dirty Dancing and The Holiday. I like light hearted films with a feel good factor and take me away from the day to day.

What’s your favourite place?
Spain. I haven’t travelled extensively, but I love the sunshine, relaxed atmosphere and the way everything comes alive in the evenings.

What’s your proudest moment to date?
Taking a dream, turning it into an award-winning business that supports my family and helps other business grow and succeed, and then proving to myself that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

What’s your favourite hobby and why?
Street dance, netball, badminton and freestyle dancing around the house with my girls – because life should never be taken too seriously.

What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Graphic design at college – it was the beginning of the career and life I truly love.

What’s the most valuable advice anyone has ever given you?
Improve everything you do by 1% and over a year you will see a huge impact.

What’s your favourite season and why?
Definitely summer. I’m convinced I was meant to be a lizard living in Spain, sunbathing on an old stone wall overlooking the countryside.