Branding costs for UK small businesses

What to budget for professional branding in 2026 — and what you should actually get for the money.

"How much does branding cost?" is the first question most small business owners ask — and the answer they usually get is "it depends." Here's a more useful answer, with actual numbers.

Branding price ranges in the UK

Costs vary based on what's included and who does the work:

Logo only A single logo mark with basic file formats
£150–£800
Logo + brand guidelines Logo with colour palette, typography, and usage rules
£300–£2,000
Full brand identity Complete system — logo, colours, type, guidelines, stationery
£600–£5,000
Agency rebrand Strategy, naming, identity system, rollout across all touchpoints
£5,000–£50,000+

What's included in a branding package?

The word "branding" covers a wide range. Here's what each tier typically includes:

Logo only (from £150 at HELYI)

  • 3 initial concepts
  • 2 revision rounds
  • Final files: SVG, PDF, PNG
  • Colour and reversed variations

Logo + brand guidelines (£300 at HELYI)

  • Everything in logo-only, plus:
  • Defined colour palette with hex, RGB, and CMYK values
  • Typography system (primary and secondary fonts)
  • Logo usage rules (spacing, minimum sizes, don'ts)
  • Brand guidelines PDF document

Full brand identity (£600 at HELYI)

  • Everything in logo + guidelines, plus:
  • Business card design (print-ready)
  • Letterhead and email signature design
  • Social media profile and cover templates
  • Complete brand guidelines document

How much should a small business actually budget?

For most UK small businesses, £300–£600 gets you everything you need to look professional and stay consistent across print, digital, and social.

If you're a sole trader or just starting out, a logo-only package at £150 is a solid starting point — you can add guidelines later as you grow.

If you're hiring staff, working with printers, or getting a website built, invest in the guidelines. They save time and money by keeping everything consistent without you being the bottleneck.

Why HELYI's fixed prices work for small businesses

Most agencies quote branding projects case by case. That means you don't know the cost until you've already had the sales call. HELYI does it differently:

  • Logo: £150
  • Logo + guidelines: £300
  • Full brand identity: £600

You work directly with Louis Lantos — 20 years of design experience, no account managers, no junior handoffs. The price you see is the price you pay.

When to invest more in branding

Fixed-price branding works brilliantly for small businesses, local services, and startups. But there are cases where a bigger investment makes sense:

  • You're entering a crowded market and need extensive competitor research and positioning strategy
  • You need naming — coming up with the business name itself is a separate discipline
  • You're rebranding an established company with existing brand equity, multiple locations, or complex stakeholder sign-off
  • You need a full brand rollout across packaging, signage, vehicles, uniforms, and environments

For everything else, HELYI's packages cover what you need without the overhead.

FAQs

Common questions

How much should a small business spend on branding?

Most UK small businesses should budget between £300 and £1,500 for professional branding. HELYI offers logo + brand guidelines from £300, and a full brand identity (logo, colours, typography, guidelines, and business card design) for £600.

What's the difference between a logo and a brand identity?

A logo is a single mark. A brand identity is the full visual system — logo, colour palette, typography, usage rules, and how everything works together across different formats. Think of the logo as one part of the identity.

Do I need brand guidelines?

If you'll have anyone else producing materials for your business — a printer, a web developer, a social media manager — then yes. Guidelines ensure your brand stays consistent without you having to check every output.

Can I start with just a logo and add branding later?

Absolutely. At HELYI, a standalone logo is £150. You can upgrade to full brand guidelines or identity later without starting from scratch — your logo carries forward.

How long does a branding project take?

At HELYI, a logo + guidelines package takes about 1–2 weeks. A full brand identity typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on complexity and feedback turnaround.

What do I need to provide for a branding project?

Your business name, a short description of what you do and who your customers are, any colour or style preferences, and examples of brands you like. That's enough to get started.

Ready to brand your business?

Fixed-price branding from £150. No quotes, no surprises.