A BRAND design company which says it has played a key role in the development of York as a city is pitching for a title in The Press Business Awards 2016.

LazenbyBrown, which has entered the Small Business of the Year category, said: “We have been a vital part of (York’s) cultural and commercial fabric for over ten years.”

The company said it was “a creative, forward-thinking business” based in Shambles, with a client list which includes “some outstanding local clients” such as York Cocoa House, Star Inn the City, York Against Cancer, York Data Services and Harrowells to “larger local and national players “.

“Our creative director, Mat Lazenby, is highly active in York’s creative and business sectors and has been instrumental in the development of initiatives that have benefitted the city.

“He was part of the small team that developed York’s bid as a Unesco city of media arts and now is a court member of the newly formed guild of media arts.”

It said Mr Lazenby had spent much of his career speaking in schools and staff rooms on the key role of creative education, and had also delivered talks for other organisations.

The company added that LazenbyBrown was the creative business behind many of York’s well-known brands.

“We feel we occupy a very special position in the city and often act as the glue and also the catalyst to many of the city’s more ambitious projects. We collaborate well with others and are generous with our time and ideas.

“We have recently acquired a new programming business that we have worked alongside for many years. This will bring us two new members of staff and we are also moving to larger premises on Shambles.”