Brand Identity Insights for F&B, Hospitality and Lifestyle
Explore insights on brand strategy, naming, and visual identity from Marc Cross Brands — a boutique consultancy based in London. Our articles cover trends, practical advice, and creative thinking for hospitality, food & beverage, and lifestyle brands looking to stand out and grow. From customer loyalty to expansion strategies, discover expert perspectives to help shape your next brand move.
Is Branding Worth It? Why Investing in Your Brand Pays Off (And When It Doesn’t)
Is branding really worth it? The truth is, it depends on your goals and timing. Done right, branding drives growth, pricing power, and team alignment. Done too early, it can wait. In this guide, I break down when to invest, what ROI to expect, and how much branding costs in the UK for startups, scale-ups, and established businesses.
What Does Branding Really Cost in the UK? Your Honest Guide to Fees, Value and ROI
Thinking about investing in branding but unsure what it really costs — or what you’ll get in return? This honest guide from Marc Cross breaks down the typical fees for branding services in the UK, what affects pricing, and how to make sure you’re getting real value for your money.
Creative Agencies London — How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Brand
London is home to some of the world’s most innovative creative agencies, but choosing the right partner for your brand can be challenging. In this guide, Marc Cross — founder of boutique consultancy Marc Cross Branding and former co‑founder of Klinical — shares expert insight on what to look for in a creative agency, why boutique studios often outperform larger networks, and how to find the perfect fit for your hospitality, F&B or lifestyle brand.
AI Can Name a Brand. But Can It Build One?
Can AI really create effective brand names—or are you better off with a strategy-first approach? Here's what founders need to know before choosing a name.
Understanding Dubai & Saudi Arabia: A Brand Designer’s Guide
Understanding Dubai & Saudi Arabia: A Brand Designer’s Guide
The Most Iconic Hotel Brands in London – Where Design Meets Experience
The Most Iconic Hotel Brands in London
Preparing Your Restaurant Brand Identity for Franchising
Preparing Your Restaurant Brand Identity for Franchising
Starting a Restaurant Concept in Dubai? Here's How to Build a Stand-Out Brand
Starting a Restaurant Concept in Dubai Here's How to Build a Stand-Out Brand
Expert Branding Insights — London and Beyond
Marc Cross Branding is a boutique brand consultancy based in London, specialising in strategy, naming and visual identity for hospitality, food & beverage and lifestyle brands. This Insights section brings together articles, guides and thought leadership on building distinctive brands that connect with audiences and drive growth.
Our perspective is shaped by 15+ years leading branding projects worldwide — from premium restaurants and hotels to fast‑growing F&B concepts and lifestyle ventures. We share practical advice on topics such as brand storytelling, customer loyalty, naming strategies, and preparing for expansion into competitive markets like the UK and GCC.
Whether you’re launching a new concept, refining your positioning, or exploring franchise growth, these insights are designed to help founders and teams make informed, strategic decisions. Explore the latest articles below and discover how a clarity‑led approach to branding can inspire creative work that delivers real commercial impact.