About us
The Surgery was founded in 2013 by Paul Cohen and Nick Cordell, built on a heritage of graphic design, brand thinking and digital craft. From brand development, print and sponsorship activations to retail environments and digital experiences, our roots have always been in creating work with clarity, intelligence and unmistakable creative polish.
As our relationships with clients deepened, one discipline consistently drew us in: internal communications. With the insight and encouragement of client and internal comms specialist Sarah Meurer, who later joined our leadership team, we made a deliberate decision to specialise. Carly Murray soon followed, strengthening our strategic capability and helping us shape a rare blend: design thinking and internal communications working seamlessly together.
Today, Sarah has returned client‑side, but her influence runs deep. As part of her legacy, we continue to run Barn to Boardroom – the internal comms event she and Carly launched over a decade ago. Now in its eleventh year, it remains one of the sector’s most valued forums for insight, challenge and connection.
This integration of disciplines has become our hallmark. Insight sharpened by creativity. Creativity grounded in human understanding. A combined practice designed to create communication which resonates and transforms.
We’ve grown intentionally, not exponentially. A 20‑strong team, proudly independent and purposefully lean. Strategists. Designers. Brand thinkers. Writers. Internal Comms specialists. All working side by side to deliver clarity, confidence and meaningful change for some of the world’s most respected organisations.
Our studio sits in a converted barn on a working West Sussex farm, a place with room to think, challenge, create and breathe. It shapes how we work: focused, thoughtful and always curious. A setting that invites fresh thinking and fosters great ideas.
We’re proud of our blue‑chip client list. Proud of the awards we’ve earned. But most of all, proud of the impact we create – work that helps people understand, connect and move forward with confidence.
This is The Surgery.
Independent. Insight‑driven. Creatively led.
Work that works®.
What drives us
Our mission
To create work that works – strategic, insight‑led, creatively crafted solutions that move people and organisations forward.
Why we do what we do
Because when people understand, believe, and feel connected to what’s happening around them, organisations thrive. Clear, purposeful and creative communication changes everything.
What we do
We combine human insight, strategic intelligence and creative craft to deliver internal comms, EVPs, brand, design and digital solutions that align and inspire your people.
How we do it
We listen deeply, think boldly and design with intention. We cut out the unnecessary, focus on what matters and turn complex challenges into clarity – and clarity into action.
We`ve all been paired up with a Great British Bake Off contender. When they leave the show whoever has paired with them has to bake! So, it was Becca’s turn to step into the Bake Off spotlight! Paired with GBBO contestant Gary, who bowed out during Free-From Week, Becca took on the challenge of creating a bake without gluten or dairy-free ingredients. Her bake of choice? A combination of chocolate and vanilla in a vegan and gluten-free cake!
Full recipe method here:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas 4. Line 3 x 20cm cake tins. Sieve all dry sponge ingredients together.
2. Mix sugar, coconut oil, vanilla, vinegar and hot water until melted. Combine with dry ingredients until smooth and divide between tins.
3. Wrap damp kitchen paper and foil strips around tins. Bake for 30 minutes until firm. Cool completely.
4. Ganache: Heat cream and vanilla until boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate, leave for 3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool and chill until pipeable.
5. Buttercream: Whisk flour, sugar and milk in a pan over medium heat until thick. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then cool and chill.
6. Beat vegan butter until fluffy. Gradually add the cooled flour mixture, then vanilla and pink colouring. Beat until light and smooth.
7. Assemble: Layer the sponges with ganache between each. Cover the top and sides with pink buttercream and smooth to finish.
What do you think candidates value most from employers today?
https://ineedsurgery.com/how-do-you-convince-a-candidate-to-join-you/
See how we can help you create a very merry festive season for your audiences…
#InternalComms #ChristmasComms #Christmas
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How do you encourage fresh ideas in your team?
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Happy Halloween, from all of us at The Surgery
Things are getting tasty in our Great Surgery Bake Off!
For our fourth bake, our brilliant Senior Account Manager Kerri took inspiration from her GBBO partner, Molly, who left the competition during bread week.
With flatbreads, garlic bread and festive loaves on the menu, Kerri opted for a classic flavour combination, baking a roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia.
A delicious challenge and another bake to add to the Great Surgery Bake Off collection!
Do you use employee personas, and how have they helped your communications?
Link in bio – Our Blogs
The third bake of our Great Surgery Bake Off took place this week!
Our dedicated digital developer, Caian, was paired with Nikki from GBBO.
Unfortunately, Nikki had to leave the show due to a family emergency, which meant it was Caian’s turn to step up to the oven!
Nikki left during bread week, where the bakers tackled flatbreads, garlic bread and a festive loaf.
Caian chose to take on the grape and cheese flatbread recipe, and we certainly weren’t disappointed!
Check out the bake in these pictures…
