Typesetting is the discipline of arranging text, headings, tables, data and imagery on a page so even complex information is easy to read and easy to navigate by being visually coherent. Done well, it’s invisible, the reader simply finds the document clear and credible. Done poorly, even strong content looks unprofessional. For organisations producing reports that need to land with authority, typesetting can be the difference between a document that gets read and one that doesn’t.

Our report design and typesetting services

We design and typeset reports for organisations that need complex information communicated clearly in a visually engaging way to hold the attention of their audience. From annual reports and policy papers to research publications, evaluation reports and technical documents, we help through our expertise in typesetting to turn dense, often data heavy content into reports that are easy to read, to navigate and are effective in both print and online.

Whether the goal is to inform, influence or persuade (or a mix of all three), we focus on structure, accessibility and presentation, so the final document is user friendly and an asset to the brand.

Who do we design for?

We work with clients across the UK, for example: Family Hubs Network, Centre for Social Justice and io consulting. Our experience spans sectors where clarity and rigour matter most; charities, government, think tanks and industry bodies. If you:

• need to present lengthy and / or technical information clearly
• have multiple stakeholders involved in the publication’s delivery
• need people capable of working quickly to a fixed publication or launch date
• need a report that works in print, online or both
• need an accessible final document
• want experienced designers who can act as partners suggesting ways of improving the work

then let’s discuss your brief today. 

Types of reports we design

We design and typeset reports ranging in length from short 5 page update papers all the way up to weighty 300+ page reports. The common factor is that whatever the topic or audience, our focus is always the same: clarity and precision:  design and typesetting done properly.

Annual reports and accounts

These might be an organisational requirement, an opportunity to attract investment and / or a marketing opportunity. We will work with you to define and confirm the driving purpose of the report, the audience and their needs and what this means for your final publication. We will then collaborate with you to create a report which brings together performance, priorities, financial information and organisational updates in a way that is clear and on-brand.

Policy reports and white papers

We work with think tanks, consultancies and policy-led organisations to design publications that present evidence, recommendations and analysis clearly for professional audiences.

Research, insight and technical reports

We typeset research-led and specialist documents so they retain their rigorous focus on the data without becoming visually overwhelming. This means designing carefully to feature long copy, detailed tables, charts, citations and appendices in a legible, readable manner.

We can also advise you in how you can combine the best of print with digital technology, eg. through using QR codes to expand upon the data within your reports.

Impact, evaluation and sustainability reports

We design reports that need to communicate outcomes, data and broader organisational value in a way that is engaging, structured and easy to follow.

No matter the type of report you need designed, our team’s experience and grounding in the rules and discipline of graphic design mean they can deliver for you.

Need help with wider design support too?

Many reports sit within a bigger communications picture. We can also support with graphic design, campaign materials, social assets, presentation slides and other supporting content that help your report reach the right audience in the right format.

Our approach to report design

Our approach is guided by our desire to design properly, we respect and meet deadlines without compromising on quality, which we’re able to do through our years’ of experience and accumulated expertise.

Every report and every client is different, but our process is designed to make sure everything runs smoothly no matter the situation, it involves predictable timelines, clear communication and crucially – no surprises.

1. Objective setting
   We start by understanding the purpose of the report, who needs to read it, the key messages and what the deadlines are.
2. Content & brand review
   You share your draft content (in Word), data (in Excel or Google Sheets), imagery and brand guidelines. We review and make suggestions for improvement (where there are any to be made), generally to facilitate greater consistency and alignment with your brand.
3. Concept & sample spreads
   For larger reports or for new projects or brands we can design initial layouts and a small set of sample pages for you to review, these might include examples of charts, tables and pull-out content so you can see how everything will fit together.
4. Full report design & typesetting
   Once the direction is agreed, we roll it out across the full report, carefully laying out the text, applying styles and building in section breaks and space for imagery and data visualisations.
5. Review & amends
   We work through review rounds with you and your stakeholders, managing versions and incorporating feedback while keeping the document coherent.
6. Accessibility & technical checks
   We run through accessibility checks, ensure styles are correctly applied, and prepare print-ready files and accessible PDFs.
7. Launch support
   If needed, we liaise with printers, provide web-optimised versions and create social or presentation assets to help you share your report.

Throughout, we keep you informed, flag risks early and make sure the final report feels like a natural extension of your brand.

Accessible report design as standard

Accessibility isn’t an add-on for us – it’s part of how we design because it’s part of doing things properly.

Many organisations now have legal or regulatory duties around accessibility, especially in the public and charity sectors. Even where it isn’t a formal requirement, it’s simply the right thing to do.

In practical terms, that means we:

• Design with WCAG-aligned principles in mind
• Use typography and spacing that support long-form reading
• Check colour contrast and avoid relying on colour alone to communicate meaning
• Structure documents with proper headings, lists and reading order
• Create tagged PDFs that work better with screen readers
• Consider accessible alternatives for charts, infographics and images where possible

If you have specific internal standards or audit requirements, we’ll work to those too.

How long does report design take – and what does it cost?

Timelines and budgets depend on length, complexity and how many people are involved in sign-off, but some general guide rails are:

Most annual reports and accounts take around 3-6 weeks from signed-off content to final files.
Shorter impact or policy reports can often be completed inside 1 week.
Large, multi-volume or highly technical documents are scoped individually.

We’ll give you a clear quote once we’ve seen:

• A draft or outline of your content
• Any existing brand guidelines
• An idea of your desired format (print, digital, or both)
• Key deadlines and internal approval steps

If you’re working to a fixed date (such as an AGM or public consultation window), tell us upfront and we’ll shape the project plan around it.

Why work with us?

Because you’re looking for designers to become an extension of your own team; our commitment to designing properly means our clients tend to stay with us long after the initial project.

We know these projects often involve complex content, fixed deadlines and multiple rounds of review and, if not managed properly can miss deadlines and go over budget. Instead we make the process feel manageable and deliver a finished report that feels polished, coherent and fit for purpose.

Got a report that needs to make an impact?

If you need a report that communicates complex information clearly and feels properly put together, we’d be glad to help – get in touch today.