Swindon-based creative agency GEL Studios has been shortlisted at the Haier Zero Distance Excellence (ZeroDX) Awards, an international accolade recognising organisations reshaping how businesses operate around their people and customers, with winners announced at an event later this year.
The awards, run in partnership with the Haier Model Institute and the Business Ecosystem Alliance, celebrate organisations putting the principles of “Zero Distance” into practice: closing the gap between the people doing the work and the customers they serve. This year, GEL Studios’ approach to running a purpose-led agency was recognised alongside a global field of nominees, including the likes of Mercedes Benz.
Following its collaboration with Simon Reindl, CEO of Advanced Product Delivery, GEL Studios has focused on creating value through a deep understanding of customer needs. This approach is underpinned by direct client engagement across the entire team and the adoption of self-managing teams, fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and transparency. As a result, its team are empowered to take ownership of their work. These foundations have contributed to strong employee retention, high levels of client satisfaction, an efficient operating model, and a positive impact on the local community.
By building a model where everyone understands and shares in the value they create, GEL Studios is positioning itself for sustainable growth while continuing to balance commercial success, employee fulfilment, client value and community impact.
Graeme Leighfield, Founder and Managing Director of GEL Studios, said:
“Being shortlisted for the ZeroDX Awards and having our story told on this kind of stage, means a huge amount. When we set GEL Studios up, the plan was never to copy a textbook model, it was to build something that made sense for our team and our clients. Seeing that recognised alongside organisations from right across the world is a proud moment for everyone here.”
Simon Reindl, CEO of Advanced Product Delivery Ltd, said:
“It’s been a delight to work with GEL Studios over the years and support them on their journey. They have intuitively developed an organisation that lives the principles of Ren Dan Hey Yi. The connected way they work with their customers and partners is an outstanding example of how working collaboratively helps the organisation, their clients, and the customer in a win-win-win partnership.”
