Manningtree creative recognised among UK's top small businesses
Bry Bird's design studio is in the top 10 for Best Business Branding
A Manningtree-based creative designer has been named among the UK’s top small businesses, following a year of rebuilding her company around neurodiversity, accessibility and sustainable ways of working.
Bry Bird, founder of inclusive design studio ‘Hi This Is Bry’, was recently recognised in the UK Small Business Awards, receiving a place in the Top 10 Best Business Branding, and being named one of the Top 100 Creative Arts Businesses nationwide.
The recognition comes after a transformative year for Bry, who is autistic and ADHD. She made the decision to reshape her business to better suit how her neurodivergent brain works. Since doing so, she has experienced her strongest quarter to date, both professionally and personally.
Bry said that working with her own rules and flexibly really helps her.
"I set my own rules and that suits me and my autism, and I work around that. I really like the flexibility.
"I wanted to do something different, and kind of work with people who are like me, and don't fit into the difficult kind of business world.
"Being recognised means a lot to me. When I first started my own business I debated sharing my autism diagnosis at all, because I was worried I wouldn't be taken seriously.
"It is great to be proven wrong.
"Times are changing, and this proves there is a place in business for neurodivergent centred talent."
She said that businesses should take more note of those with neurodivergence, saying that it is being more recognised.
"In order to succeed as a business you need to understand a percentage of the population are neurodivergent, and we do run businesses, we do buy products, we are starting up our own opportunities if we don't have them.
"I would definitely recommend other businesses look into neurodivergence and inclusion, and don't leave people who are different behind."
Bry thanked her family for their support, and said she was looking forward to a successful 2026.