A small agency making a big impact: Chapel celebrates its spot on the shortlist

In 2019, Chapel was a one-man creative venture operating out of a disused pub in London’s East End. Five years later, it’s a thriving agency that’s been shortlisted for the Small Content Marketing Agency of the Year award. Giles Arbery, founder of Chapel (and frequenter of disused pubs) attributes this trajectory entirely to his team – and we couldn’t be prouder. 

Each team member has played a fundamental role in getting Chapel to where it is today so we wanted to spotlight this unique group of individuals and showcase the work that sets them – and the agency – apart.

Home to less than twenty permanent staff, Chapel works with the world’s most innovative brands, while simultaneously producing pro bono work for non-profit organisations like The Brixton Finishing School, The Felix Project and The Young Foundation. Whether commercial or charitable, we approach every project with the same goal: produce exceptional work – and have fun doing it.

We entered work which demonstrated our range of expertise and highlighted our contribution to conversations around race, diversity, equity and inclusion. We felt this was an accurate representation of both our professional capabilities and our company culture.

In 2023, Chapel amplified Meta’s call for better representation of Black talent in creative industries, by creating a video series and accompanying online hub entitled ‘Proud to Be’. “Working in collaboration with Meta and GUAP gave us the freedom to push creative boundaries and it was great to be involved in such a meaningful campaign spotlighting Black creative talent.” said Ellie, Chapel’s Content Producer + Creative Strategist.

Following that, we played a fundamental role communicating Snap’s dedication to DEI. Equally invested in ensuring positive change, we married compelling narrative with impactful creative to produce videos and assets which were showcased at Snap’s global and regional All-Hands.

Chapel was eager to enter the Small Content Marketing Agency of the Year category because we’re proud of the work we produce and the creative minds behind it. United by the same work ethic, but driven by diverse talents, we aim to build great relationships and deliver beyond the brief. Being shortlisted for the Small Content Marketing Agency of the Year award after just five years in the industry is an honour. From our founder and team of PMs to our writers and designers, we’re conscious that we’re greater than the sum of our parts. At Chapel, every effort is a team one, every challenge a shared one and every win a joint one.

“We’re all super excited to have been shortlisted for this award. It’s an incredible achievement,” Giles says. “We’re lucky enough to have won awards in the past, but it’s the first time the agency, and the team as a whole, has been recognised.”