In Talks With... Ned, Founder of Not Another Bill

Laura from NAB

I have previously came across Not Another Bill through their Instagram account and was really impressed by the idea of having surprise boxes delivered to your mailbox each month. Upon subscription, you simply need to fill up a questionnaire asking you about your preferences and Not Another Bill will deliver 2-3 products to your mailbox each month at just 18 pounds/month. It not only makes you anticipate looking into your mailbox, but most importantly, help you discover great artists, designers and brands as well as give support to these young artists.

The products range from small leather goods and stationeryI personally think that this surprise box is much better than subscribing to beauty boxes.
At the recent Design Junction (London Design Festival) held immediately after London Fashion Week, I was delighted to find that NAB had a booth there and chatted up with its founder, Ned
Naked Glory: How did you come up with the idea of Not Another Bill?
Ned: The idea sort of stemmed from the fact that I am a compulsive shopaholic and teamed with being an art director at M&C Saatchi I had interesting items arriving in the post most days. My copywriter and good friend Martin always complained he never got anything, and I think that's where it all started from. So I went about just building a basic site and from there blogs and people started talking.

NG: How do you select the designers and the products to carry each time?
Ned: Finding and selecting the gifts is my favourite part and one I wish I could spend more time on. I have always been surrounded by art, design and creative things team that with my magpie tendencies and you've got a certified hoarder. I went to art college at central st-martins and from there have built up a black book of artists and designers, I also trawl markets fairs and trade shows for cool things. As the business grows I am working more closely with brands i admire to create exclusive one-off presents.

NG: What has been your favourite collaboration thus far?
Ned: I would say I really enjoyed the crispin finn collaboration or the Chris Jarratt DIY catapult, it is very hard to choose just one! Recently the most enjoyable collaboration would probably be with Undercover, creating the recycled A4 leather document holders.



NG: What would you consider are the surprises or perhaps some of the things you've learnt from founding NAB?
Ned: I have learnt to judge how much an item will cost to send just by sight. But I've also realised that there is a lot more than meets the eye setting up a business.

Beautifully designed packaging from NAB

NG: Do you think people in the UK are generally supportive of young designers and enjoy unique lifestyle design products? 
Ned: Yes I believe on the whole they are supportive. However I think that young designers, artists and brands could benefit from more exposure, but the response from our subscribers towards the products we send is always positive.