WHITLEY CARNIVAL
A carnival of partnerships in Reading’s most disadvantaged area.
For this project we fundraised £45,000 from local and national funders in less than six months. We worked with 11 local arts organisations, 11 schools, two charities, one university and multiple local community groups to launch and run a carnival. Two parades processed through Whitley with 5,000 local people involved in various capacities, raising the profile of Whitley through the arts. Led by and with the people of Whitley to bring pride, joy and community spirit to the area, and offering new opportunities and experiences to local residents, this event was so successful that we repeated it in July 2025, again with funding from the Arts Council and a range of local and regional funders.
"Helen's vision and commitment to Whitley Carnival meant it surpassed all expectations."
Danielle Corbishley, Event Director for Whitley Carnival
EVENTS
FUNDRAISING
DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS
EVENT PRODUCTION
MARKETING AND COMMS
IMPACT EVALUATION
SCHOOLS
BRANDING
RECRUITMENT COMMS
MARKETING STRATEGY
THE KENNET FEDERATION
Marketing and strategy at these primary schools focused on branding and pupil admissions.
Our first task for this Primary Federation was to create a logo and brand guidelines that were sympathetic to both partner schools. Following this, we created a staff recruitment brochure that significantly boosted applicants. Next, we advised on bespoke pupil recruitment strategies for each school, resulting in a 137% year on year rise in pupil numbers, in a declining market.
137% rise in primary school pupil numbers, year on year
ASPIRE2
Charity development for this local micro-charity led to increased funding and a clear plan for growth.
Aspire2 had no strategy, no formal budget and no clear vision for its future. We worked with trustees to put together an ambitious and compelling five-year strategy, and then set to work to execute it.
We fundraised over £100,000 in our first full year, giving disadvantaged children opportunities to go on residential trips, visit Beale Park, take part in regular early years music sessions, participate in competitions and spend a day at the University of Reading.
Our next step was to involve our beneficiaries in the design of a new arts project in Whitley – leading to the Whitley Carnival project.
"Helen was an absolute asset for Aspire2"
Molli Cleaver, Trustee at Aspire2
STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY
AUDIENCE RESEARCH
DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS
SUPPORTING SCHOOLS
GENERATING FUNDS
STRATEGIC SUPPORT
STRATEGIC PLANNING
CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT
MARKETING AND COMMS
FUNDRAISING
CONNECT READING
Strategic development, marketing, events, fundraising, campaigns communications and more…
Connect Reading was suffering from a lack of resource, and needed support to find a way forward. Little But Loud were brought in to give a strategic overview, to hone the charity’s objectives and to support with event and campaign management.
Work is still ongoing, but so far has included a refresh of the membership model, refined marketing communications and a record-breaking Giving Tree campaign, which involved over 50 local organisations and raised over £40,000 for local causes.
Our Connect Reading team also won Team of the Year at the Pride of Reading Awards 2025 – a significant achievement for a freelance, part-time team of three.
Helen has an unnerving knack of identifying and putting into words the things that are blockages or blind spots in your organisation. Her marketing expertise gives her real edge in terms of outlining how 'the world' perceives your brand. If you're looking for someone who will listen and be honest (and who you could trust with your life AND your organisation!) then look no further.
Lorraine Briffitt, CEO at Connect Reading
WALKWORKS
This local company needed clarity of purpose, and wanted to explore new opportunities.
Our approach here was to listen to the founders, and understand their core objectives. Next, a shift to focusing on their audience and segmenting their market by need and attitude unlocked some ideas for new avenues to explore.
By having a clear view of who their potential customers are, and targeting their key segments with focused messages, WalkWorks were able to add new services which are already proving hugely successful for them.
"Walk Works were thrilled to have a strategy audit with Helen as she really took the time to understand our business model. When you’re immersed in the day to day of running your busy business, fresh eyes on it can be a game changer. We would have no hesitation recommending LBL."
Caroline Gratrix, WalkWorks
MARKETING STRATEGY
AUDIENCE RESEARCH
STRATEGY
MARKETING
FULL MARKETING MIX
MARKETING PLANNING
PUPIL RECRUITMENT
COMMS STRATEGY
REBRANDING
Marketing lead for a local school, instrumental in its turnaround success.
In 2009, St Joseph’s Convent’s pupil numbers had dropped below 300. The governors made the brave decision to make the school co-educational, reduce fees by 17%, and change its name to St Joseph’s College.
We were recruited to ensure this risk paid off by putting in place marketing strategies to recruit more pupils. Our carefully curated marketing and communications led to pupil numbers doubling in under five years.
St Joseph’s won Independent School of the Year as a result of this success, and we were also shortlisted for the TES Marketing Campaign of the Year Award.