Making a noise for Bowers & Wilkins

One of this month's nicest surprises was a referral from designer Thomas Manss to his client Bowers & Wilkins, makers of probably the finest loudspeakers in the world. Their astonishing Nautilus speaker (shown here), the result of five years' research and development, is certainly the most amazing-looking speaker I've ever seen.

The company, which has been going since the mid-60s, is one of those wonderfully artisan businesses. One that really is founded on a 'passion' - surely the most over-used word in branding today.

This particular passion is genuine, however. It's a passion for music. And in getting to know the client, I discovered that the business was founded on the fruits of that passion.

John Bowers, a former wartime Signalman, turned to making loudspeakers for customers of his electrical store. And one elderly customer, a Miss Knight, was so impressed with his handiwork, and his knowledge of classical music, that she left him £10,000 to start a business.

Isn't that a terrific story? One hears about 'brand stories' a lot these days, and some people seem to think it's even a good idea to make them up. I can't quite get my head around that - I'm not sure I could get excited about a company based on a fiction. But a company rooted in its own craft and love - now you're talking.

Anyway, the first job has gone very well - I've written the copy for an interactive pod at the forthcoming Geneva motor show. Bowers & Wilkins is making its first foray into in-car audio, alongside another great British brand: Jaguar. I seem to have come on board at an exciting time, so I'll hopefully have more news of Bowers & Wilkins work soon.