MorePeople Podcast: Creative Courage and Garden Sector Growth with Phil Wright
Welcome back to The MorePeople Podcast, your go-to source for the latest insights and conversations in the world of recruitment, careers, and industry innovation. In this episode, Andrew Fitzmaurice sits down with Phil Wright, Managing Director of WrightObara, a creative marketing agency specialising in the home and garden sector.
From architecture student to band member to marketing expert, Phil’s journey is anything but conventional, and that creative DNA runs right through the work he does today.
From Video Editing to Garden Marketing
Phil’s route into marketing began behind the scenes as a video editor, before expanding into directing, writing, and ultimately launching a full-service creative agency. WrightObara now works with some of the biggest and boldest names in the garden industry. Think Evergreen Garden Care (Miracle-Gro) and Pyrex, as well as supporting exciting, fast-growing startups.
“We realised we loved working with companies in the garden sector,” Phil says. “So two years ago, we made the decision to specialise.”
Creative Thinking for Every Client Size
Whether it’s big brands with huge marketing teams or ambitious independents needing guidance, Phil and his team approach each project with the same passion: creative storytelling.
Clients often come to Writer Bar with challenges - maybe a product isn’t selling well or a message isn’t landing. The solution? Step back and diagnose the root issue, whether that’s branding, positioning, or audience mismatch.
“We’ll often present three creative routes: safe, bold, and brave. Sometimes the boldest option is the one they’ve been too afraid to consider - until now.”
The Power of Podcasting
Phil is also the host of The Underground, a podcast shining a light on the business side of the garden industry. While it started as a way to promote the agency, it quickly became a community-driven platform.
“It’s less about how many people listen and more about who’s on the show,” he explains. “The conversations, the networking, the insights - it’s invaluable.”
Future Trends in Garden Retail
Looking ahead, Phil sees sustainability as a defining theme over the next five years. From compost innovations to eco-friendly product lines, the industry is evolving fast. But there’s also a shift in audience: younger, urban buyers are turning to houseplants and balcony gardening.
Stores like Not Another Jungle are leading the way in this new landscape, catering to customers who want greenery in small, stylish spaces. No garden required.
“There’s a big opportunity for brands to meet this audience where they are, especially in city centres,” says Phil.
What's Next for Writer Bar?
While Phil can’t reveal the brands just yet, he teased two exciting new campaigns:
A full range repositioning for 2026 to better align with customer expectations.
A bold new messaging strategy to highlight a product’s unique value.
Expect surprising, memorable work with that signature WrightObara creativity baked in.
Final Thoughts
From championing courageous creativity to helping redefine the future of the garden sector, Phil Wright and WrightObara are proving just how powerful the right story can be.
