Only Human: Chris Howell
● What drives someone to build a media brand that’s as bold as his shoes?
● Chris Howell shares the real story behind Howell Media – and why he’s determined to open doors for the next generation
● Almost a year after relocating to the BIC, we look at the roots of his big energy and even bigger purpose
“People see the fancy shoes and make assumptions. But the truth? I grew up where opportunities were rare. That’s why I want to create them.”
That’s how Chris Howell sums up the contrast at the heart of his journey – from a challenging upbringing to the fast-paced media world he inhabits now.
Known for his sharp style and unstoppable drive, Chris is quick to point out that appearances can be deceiving.
“It would be easy for people to look at me now and think I’ve always had it easy,” he says. “But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I don’t mean to come across as a kind of Dick Whittington character, you know, with my bag on my back, a poor kid made good. But that’s closer to the reality than the assumptions people might automatically make.”
The spark that started it all
Chris grew up in Nottingham, where career advice boiled down to three options: “the pit, the steelworks, or a building site.” He chose none of the above. “I wanted to be a graphic designer,” he says. “And the response was basically, ‘no one around here ever does that.’”
He did it anyway, thanks to a teacher who was willing to go out on a limb and run an entire A Level graphic design course just for him.
That decision set him on a path that’s spanned decades in the creative industry – from designing newspapers by hand in the late 80s, to running Howell Media today with daughter Issy.
Along the way, he’s launched a design agency, a printing firm, a clothing brand (a steep learning curve, he admits), and several film and media companies.
He’s worked across the UK and Spain, gaining a wealth of experience into creative and business cultures that now powers Howell Media’s award-winning video production and live events work.
Values forged by experience
But it was those early experiences he attributes not only to his determination to succeed – but also to shaping his values.
“I know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in,” he says. “That’s why I’m passionate about giving poor kids a break in the creative industry, which I maintain is more class-biased now than it has ever been.
“If it hadn’t been for that teacher giving me a chance, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I want to be able to repay that.
“There’s often an expectation that young people should gain experience by working for free. But many simply can’t afford to do that which means only the privileged ones can get a break through.
“That’s why anyone who comes into our business – even if it’s for a day of work experience – learns something new.”
Backing the underdog
When Howell Media outgrew its base in Barnard Castle, Chris had the whole of the North East and Yorkshire to choose from. So why Sunderland?
“Sunderland is an underdog city that’s on the up. That resonates with me. I’ve always backed the underdog because I suppose I’ve been one.”
Sunderland reminds him of Nottingham – a city with a proud past, a football team on the up, a fighting spirit, and a future full of promise. A city that knows what it means to dig deep and keep moving forwards.
“We wanted to be in a place that is embracing investment, embracing change and it was obvious that Sunderland was going to be the right choice for us,” he says.
Almost a year in, the decision still feels right. “One of the most striking things is the people. When we talk about our plans, people seem genuinely keen that we do well. Even our competitors say, ‘it’s great to have you in town.’”
The golden thread of change
With almost 40 years of experience in the creative industry under his belt, Chris could be forgiven for slowing down. But that’s never been his style. The industry’s evolution has always kept him on his toes – and that’s what he loves about it.
“Every 18 months to three years, it’s like you start again. You’re the new boy again. That really appeals to me,” he says.
From the days of paste-up artistry and hand-built newspaper layouts to the rise of desktop publishing, digital photography and now AI-driven content, Chris has embraced every wave of change.
“Those that failed to adapt and adopt simply aren’t around anymore,” he says. “Whether you like it or not, you’ve simply got to give it a go. We’re all in the same boat so let’s crack on with it.
“The day I stop being excited by new technology and the things we make is the day I should stop doing this.”
Next big move: Howell Studios
This appetite for change is fuelling Chris and Issy’s next big idea – a green screen podcast and TV studio designed to give creators broadcast-quality production without the usual barriers.
Unlike traditional podcast setups, Howell Studios will offer fully bespoke, hyper-realistic backgrounds and a “white glove” experience, handling everything from filming to distribution on platforms including Spotify, Apple and YouTube.
It’s a first-of-its-kind concept in the region, combining cutting-edge technology with simplicity for the client – meaning all they need to bring is their voice and the team will take care of the rest.
With Howell Studios set to launch in the New Year and more new ideas brewing every day, Chris says he’s living proof that where you start in life doesn’t have to define where you finish.
Want to connect with Chris?
Visit Howell Media’s website for more about their services, including the new podcast studio, connect with Chris via LinkedIn, or say hello when you see him at the BIC.