From Fairfax & Favor to Blakely Clothing, how one boutique Lincoln agency has been supporting giants.

Based at Sparkhouse Studios in the heart of Lincoln, an unassuming digital agency has spent the past 20 years building websites, ecommerce and bespoke web applications for some of the UK's most recognisable brands and organisations. 

As TRS quietly celebrate two decades in business, I realise that understated and unpretentious are hallmarks of the TRS brand.  An agency that could boast about an enviable client roster including some of the largest success stories in UK retail such as Fairfax & Favor and Blakely Clothing, plus giants like The FA, and yet they very quietly let the work speak for itself.

Well, that’s not quite true. A Google review in 2024 from the founder of Fairfax & Favor (now a £50m+ British luxury lifestyle brand) does a lot of talking for them -

"Back in 2013, TRS Design built the first Fairfax & Favor Website and they still run our current website to this day. Over the last 10 years we have worked with 100's of different advertising / SEO agencies / PRS Agencies...BUT TRS is the only one that hasn't changed in 10 years, taking us from £0 to £35M in sales. Choosing to work with TRS back in 2013 will go down as one of the best decisions I ever made!"

When it comes to client testimonials, that has got to be a hard one to beat. Speaking to TRS Founder Toby Stephenson, we asked what the secret is to the success they’ve delivered for their clients.  Toby said:

"Clients often come to us knowing what they want to achieve, but looking for advice on the best way to get there. Our role is to understand their business, challenge assumptions and find solutions that genuinely make a difference.

The relationships are what really matter.  The best results come from working closely with ambitious people over many years, and we're fortunate to have been part of some exceptional teams."

LoveLincoln asked Technical Director Mike Peacock how AI might change the industry for the next 20 years of TRS.  Mike said:

“AI is already changing what we can do for clients. We're actively developing AI-powered tools, and I think we'll see websites and online stores become far more intelligent and personalised over the next few years. Technology will keep changing, but understanding what a client actually needs and applying the right solution will remain just as important.”

TRS remains firmly rooted in Lincoln, with a close-knit team that also supports local businesses. Lincoln High Street menswear retailer Eqvvs has been a TRS client for several years. Eqvvs said:

Overall, working with the TRS Design team has been an absolute pleasure. Their expertise, reliability, and commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in the success of our online presence. We couldn't be happier with the results, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.

TRS are a prime example of the local talent that's performing on a national stage and proof that you don't need to move to a major metropolis to attract the big clients, the big clients will come to you.