Winner: Campaign UK 40 Over 40 2026!
We are thrilled to share that CRUSH’s Founder and Creative Director, Natalie has been named one of this year’s 40 Over 40 winners by Campaign UK.
Now in its sixth year, this award recognises just 40 individuals aged 40 and above who are making a significant impact across the advertising, creative and media industries. With applications drawn from across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and a 32-strong judging panel that included Ed Couchman, Head of Ad Sales UK at Netflix; Lydia Amoah, CEO & Founder of Black Pound Report; Jim Coleman, EMEA CEO at We Are Social; and Deepti Velury, CEO of Publicis Production, it’s fair to say this was no mean feat to make it to the list!
Judge’s comments
Campaign UK’s announcement on Natalie’s award noted how she had “turned CRUSH into an 11-strong, female-founded creative agency specialising in brand for engineering, manufacturing and technology companies”.
After founding the agency in 2003 following a design career in London, Natalie rebuilt CRUSH after Covid as a brand-first business. She hired senior talent from London agencies, invested in systems and technology, moved the team into a purpose-built studio and – crucially – repositioned CRUSH from a supplier, to a strategic partner.
“[Natalie has] challenged assumptions about who leads serious brand work, which sectors value it, and where it can be delivered. She proved that complex B2B industries could benefit from strategic design beyond London and outside the usual tech-sector playbook.”, the judges noted.
Reflecting on the award herself, Natalie said:
“I’m genuinely honoured to be included in this list alongside so many brilliant people. When I started CRUSH, I wasn’t thinking about awards, I just wanted to do good work and build something I could be proud of. Twenty three years on, that hasn’t changed. If anything, this recognition makes me want to push harder, for our clients, for our team, and for the next generation of women who are thinking about starting something of their own.”
This recognition is a testament not just to Natalie’s talent and tenacity, but to the standard of work and culture she has built here. We couldn’t be prouder.
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