Mat Lazenby is a key figure in the region's creative industries sector and has played an instrumental role in many of York’s more creative initiatives, most recently as part of the group which created the bid for York to become a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

Before founding York-based design agency LazenbyBrown he worked in senior creative positions for a number of agencies in York and Leeds.

As a well known figure within Yorkshire’s creative sector, Mat has developed graphic design projects for a whole host of businesses including John Smith’s, Tesco, Barclays, Venturefest Yorkshire, Animalcare, Theakstons, Harrowell Shaftoe, Business Link and Customer First.

Mat is also committed to creative education and often speaks in colleges, schools and staff rooms about the developing business challenges that face the creative and digital industries.

An award winning designer, Mat was chosen by Design Week and The Guardian to represent young British Design at the Global Creative Summit.

Mat is now a keen advocate for the creation of a new guild for Media Arts in York.

Mat's brand design company LazenbyBrown, based in the Shambles, which he co-founded with business partner Gary Brown, has been responsible for the creation of many well respected brands in the city including; Make it York, Pilot Theatre, Rudgate brewery, Bang Hair, Andrea Ubhi, Harrowells, Middletons Hotel and The York BID to name but a few.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary this year LazenbyBrown has teamed up with longstanding client Rudgate Brewery on a new beer venture, which will see it develop a number of new craft beers with Rudgate, which LazenbyBrown will brand and promote.

The ten-year milestone is also being marked by the firm with the launch a Contact Points, a new four-step branding process which works to get measurable results for business based on skills the agency has honed over its decade in business.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"I’d love to work outdoors, near or on the water."

Greatest achievement?

"Creating a sustainable, respected, profitable company that affords me time with my family."

What makes you most angry?

"Greedy elitism."

Biggest mistake?

"In former roles I have been too trusting, I see the best people."

What do you need to make life complete?

"My life is complete."

Why do you make a difference?

"I’m generous with my time and my ideas."

Epitaph

"This is all there is, the path comes to an end among the parsley" - Alan Watts