SIX COUNTIES. ONE EXTRAORDINARY REGION
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THE STORY STARTS HERE
COMMON GROUND
Notswolds is England’s most exciting emerging region – and a cultural movement in the making.
While we’re early in our journey, we’re clear on our direction: a design, culture and lifestyle platform showcasing the best of the Notswolds. For early partners, this is a chance to help shape, not just join, a vision powered by premium editorial, thoughtful collaborations and engaging experiences.
A SENSE OF PLACE
Perfectly situated at the centre of England, the Notswolds is where a timeless rural heritage meets modern life. Unhurried and understated, it offers the rare luxury of space, connection and quality – a new chapter in English country living.
Notswolds | nɒts-wəʊldz
noun (often used with “the”)
1. A quietly remarkable region of rural England, north of the Cotswolds, encompassing Rutland and the surrounding shires.
2. Geographical. Where the honey-coloured seam of oolitic limestone begins its journey from Lincolnshire, south to the Cotswolds, defining the architectural character of towns and villages across the region.
3. An alternative countryside ideal. Characterised by rolling fields, heritage villages, and an understated richness of craft, culture, and community.
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OVER ONE MILLION
people call it home, shaping its culture and community
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ONE HOUR
to London by train, well connected across the midlands and to the north
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SIX COUNTIES
with their own distinct charm and character
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ONE EMERGING REGION
rich in heritage, alive with possibility, and rooted in quality
A SENSE OF PURPOSE
We’re building a design, culture and lifestyle platform for locals and visitors to the Notswolds. Our purpose is grounded in four guiding principles:
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We thoughtfully showcase the best of local culture, craftsmanship and community.
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We shine a light on what makes our people and places unique and inspiring.
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We nurture talent, ideas and relationships that help our region thrive.
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We bring together individuals, businesses, and stories to create lasting impact.
A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE
From curious explorers to busy young families, our audiences are united by a desire for nature, culture and connection.
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Fast living, with a love for wellness, brunch, and trying new things. Nature offers a much-needed chance to reset. Always on the lookout for great food, out-of-the-ordinary experiences, photogenic escapes with friends, opportunities to meet new people, and stories worth sharing.
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Moved their family to the countryside for more space, better schools, and a gentler pace of life. Busy juggling work and the chaos of family life, yet still valuing design, culture, and fine dining. Looking for engaging activities for the kids and a chance to find their people
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Having retired to a more manageable house with a beautiful garden, they enjoy nature, culture, and meaningful connection. Curious and active, they love walking, and value heritage, craft and lifelong learning.
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Outdoorsy and adventurous, with a love for cycling, trail running, kayaking, and wild swimming - followed by good food and coffee. Valuing experiences over things, with rural escapades as the ultimate playground. Health-conscious, quality-focused, and drawn to a minimalist way of living.
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Seek out lesser-known regions rich in history, folklore and literature. Avoids tourist crowds in search of authentic experiences, happy to travel solo, and values depth, comfort and casual over aesthetics.
DESIGN, CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
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THE NOTSWOLDS PLATFORM
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DIRECTORY
A curated guide to the best of the Notswolds, as recommended by the region’s leading experts and tastemakers. Cultural compass and quality benchmark, it’s the cornerstone of our story.
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STORYTELLING
Bringing the Notswolds to life through quality editorial, film, social, and interviews. Weaving stories that capture the depth, character, and creativity of the region’s people, places, and products.
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EXPERIENCE
Tap into an engaged community against a backdrop of memorable, intimate experiences. Curated events, supper clubs, talks, and exclusive gatherings foster emotional connection and brand loyalty.
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CONNECTION
Cultivating meaningful collaborations, introductions and community. A vibrant network of creatives, makers, businesses and culture lovers, connected by a shared passion for place and culture.
DESIGNING VALUE BEYOND CONTENT
An editorial-first design, culture and lifestyle platform, seamlessly integrating content and commerce.
CREATING VALUE FOR PARTNERS
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We don’t charge for inclusion in our directory. Our recommendations are driven purely by quality, not fees. It’s how we keep our curation independent and credible.
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We’re creating a content-first brand world where places, people, and experiences come alive through storytelling. It’s about weaving together the most compelling narratives as part of our shared world.
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We share stories, run campaigns, and spark conversations – all to celebrate the region and grow a community around it.
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A chance to work together on co-created products, experiences, and campaigns that celebrate shared values. Through joint marketing, we can tell richer stories, grow audiences, and connect meaningfully with customers while driving measurable results.
For businesses, it’s free to collaborate on:
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Our curated print guide is distributed through bookshops, partner venues, and collaborators. It not only generates revenue but also extends our storytelling into physical spaces, building brand visibility and connecting with a community of engaged readers.
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Exclusive merchandise available via our platform and partner venues. More than a revenue stream, it’s a way to extend our brand into people’s daily lives and celebrate the creativity of the region.
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Paid events designed to bring our brand to life – from curated workshops and pop-ups to larger cultural gatherings.
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Products and campaigns created in collaboration with aligned brands and local makers, sold via our platform and partner venues. Seamlessly integrating content and commerce, these campaigns generate revenue while showcasing local talent and telling richer, more meaningful stories.
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Revenue generated from the sale of featured makers’ products through our carefully curated online shop.
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Long-term ambition to offer insider access, curated experiences, and exclusive benefits drawn from our trusted network. This membership creates a sense of belonging for our community, while generating recurring revenue and deepening engagement with the brand.
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Exploring new ways to bring the Notswolds vision to life through products, experiences and channels that embody its design, culture and lifestyle ethos.
Diverse and growing revenue streams:
HOW WE MONETISE OUR PLATFORM
PARTNER WITH US
This is just the beginning. We’re open to ideas and excited to explore collaborations that will define what the Notswolds can become. Get in touch to build the story together.
ROOTED IN CRAFT. DEFINED BY PLACE.
We’re a small, hands-on team united by a love of the land and a shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Drawing on our experience running independent businesses and our creative and technical expertise in brand building, strategy and storytelling, we’re working together to bring the Notswolds vision to life.
LAURA JEKYLL
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Guided by a brand‑centric vision, Laura creates bold, impactful ideas that inspire and deliver exceptional results. Her commitment to quality, purpose, and storytelling is central to crafting the Notswolds universe.
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Led a flagship rebrand for a FTSE 100, shaping a bold new market position.
Built a career positioning wealth brands for professional and high-net-worth audiences.
Proven expertise in crafting brand, marketing, digital and data-informed strategies at the highest level.
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Taking inspiration from Scandi antiques, folk art, and the Bloomsbury Group, Laura creates hand-painted heirlooms and homewares from her independent studio in the Notswolds. She produces one-of-a-kind furniture, murals, and decorative pieces.
JOHN DAVISON
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Naturally curious and skilled at drawing out stories, John combines technical expertise with a keen eye to bring the Notswolds vision to life. His work captures the people, places, and ideas that celebrate and elevate the Notswolds.
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Television, short films, and high-impact campaigns with leading media organisations and directors.
BAFTA-winning documentaries and critically acclaimed projects.
Outstanding technical expertise paired with a meticulous, craft-led approach.
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John’s lifelong connection to the outdoors began as a young trainee gamekeeper, fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife, nature, and practical skills. From growing and building to crafting, painting, and fishing, John finds purpose in working with his hands, his life shaped by a deep respect for the land and its rhythms.
CHRIS YOUNG
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A brilliant strategist and an energetic force, Chris drives planning with a focus on momentum and engagement. With his talent for turning vision into action, Chris brings clarity and direction to the Notswolds journey.
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20 years’ experience in publishing and media.
Consultant Gardening Publisher for DK Books.
Led editorial at the RHS, overseeing content for web, books, magazines, podcasts, and specialist titles.
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Originally trained in landscape architecture, Chris runs CY Gardens, a bespoke garden and landscape studio. He draws on 25 years’ experience and a trusted network of specialists to deliver expert design, planning, and consultancy for beautiful outdoor spaces.
Visit CY Gardens
BRONYA HALLETT
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A natural connector known for her insight and creative flair, Bronya leads press and media relations. With exceptional connections at major national titles, she shapes our story and raises the profile of our partners.
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Agency and in-house PR & communications roles
Property, personal finance, food & beverage, lifestyle, alternative luxury investments, travel
Strategic planning, brand partnerships, external communications, and profile building.
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Sedere & Co creates bespoke, handcrafted club fenders here in the Notswolds. With a focus on colour, craftsmanship and conviviality, each piece is made to order at Bronya’s design studio, here in the Notswolds, offering a perfect blend of function and style for contemporary interiors.