We were proud to once again be involved in the Two+Two event, organised by Creative Resource, which brings together marketing, creative and advertising students to work on a live brief and gain hands‑on industry experience.

This year’s event saw 135 students from 14 Northern universities come together with 37 mentors and leaders from 25 Northern agencies, including 10 Two+Two alumni, supported by five industry judges. Working in teams, students were challenged to think strategically, work collaboratively and pitch creative ideas in response to a real‑world brief.

A timely and thought‑provoking brief

For 2026, the live client was Beyond Equality, who engage men and boys in workplaces, universities and schools to rethink masculinities and create positive change. Students worked on the brief ‘Beyond the Manosphere’, focusing on how sport, one of the most influential cultural spaces for young men, can shape attitudes, behaviours and identities, both positively and negatively.

And the winner is…

The standard of thinking and creativity on display throughout the day was exceptional, with teams delivering bold, insightful and socially aware responses to a complex brief.

Following final pitches, the judges selected the winning teams:

  • First place: Green Horses
  • Second place: Orange Horses
  • Third place: Red Tigers

As winners, Green Horses have won a day at the APS Innovation Lab, where they’ll work with the APS team and Beyond Equality to further develop and refine their idea. The other finalist teams will receive mentorships and internships with agencies across the North, helping them take their next steps into the industry.

APS supporting the next generation

APS was delighted to support Two+Two again this year in a number of ways. Simon Rhodes, APS Marketing Graphic Designer and Photographer, provided complimentary design and print support and captured the day through photography.

Our Creative Business Director, Laura Fox, joined the judging panel, while Laura Dixon, Account Manager, and George Farrell, Head of Design, attended as mentors, with George acting as a lead mentor for the event.

Reflecting on the day, Laura Fox said:

“Two+Two is always a highlight of the agency calendar and a brilliant opportunity to give back to our creative community. It’s inspiring to see the level of talent, enthusiasm and passion coming through from the next generation of creative minds and marketers, so being invited to join the judging panel this year was a real honour.

This year’s brief, ‘Beyond the Manosphere’, was both challenging and incredibly timely, sparking some important and thought‑provoking conversations. It was great to see such fresh, bold thinking from a younger perspective, with ideas that felt genuinely in tune with the world we’re living in today.”

Supporting initiatives like Two+Two is an important part of APS’s commitment to the creative industry, helping to nurture emerging talent, share real‑world experience and champion work that makes a positive impact.