About us

In a nutshell

People look to us for high-quality prose and creative advice. At heart we are an editorial bureau supplying text and images, with a focus on European culture and travel. We also provide consultancy services in the travel area. We have also worked on projects relating to cultural heritage, educational development, Europe’s minority languages and the high theology of rail ticketing.

In short, we are flexible. If a client wants bold and assertive prose, that’s what we provide. But if the situation demands something more nuanced, then we rise to the occasion and supply text that is balanced and evocative — words worth reading still matter in our world.

The longer version

  • Skill 1.

    Our small team is multi-talented and boasts a number of specialist interests

    • Issues of culture and community in remote and rural areas of Europe
    • The economic and social dynamics of border regions
    • Rail and ferry transport with emphasis on community development aspects of transport projects
    • Diaspora communities and minorities in Europe
  • Skill 2.

    We undertake consultancy projects with a strong practical dimension.

    Our product intelligence in the rail fares and ticketing realm allows us to secure the best inventory for online retailers.

    Skill 2.

    We undertake consultancy projects with a strong practical dimension.

  • Skill 3.

    Our work in the travel and tourism area has been supported by dozens of organisations. Here are just a few.

    • Bell Pottinger Business & Brand
    • Mercury Public Relations
    • Ministry of Industry: Kaliningrad Oblast
    • Catholic University of Lublin
    • The Malta Tourism Authority
    • Office National du Tourisme (Luxembourg)
    • Deutsche Bahn UK
    • Visit Flanders (Toerisme Vlaanderen)
    • Tresco Estate
    • Smyril Line
    • P&O Ferries
    • Eurostar (UK) Limited
  • Skill 4.

    Words and images by Nicky or Susanne have featured in many media. Here is a selection of examples.

    • New Statesman
    • The Independent
    • Journey Magazine
    • CGA Magazine
    • Barents Observer
    • Kyiv Post
    • The Literary Encyclopaedia
    • Times Out Guides Ltd
    • Bradt Travel Guides Ltd
    • Thomas Cook Publishing
    • Bus User
    • The Guardian
    • Leipzig Zeitgeist
    • Buxton Advertiser
    • C-Magazine
    • Russian Life
    • E!Sharp: People, Power and Process in Europe
    • The Lady
    • Globe Magazine
    • My Weekly
    • Sunday Sun

    Skill 4.

    Words and images by Nicky or Susanne have featured in many media. Here is a selection of examples.

  • Skill 5.

    hidden europe relies upon the creative input and writing skills of Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries. Here are some organisations that over the years funded some of our projects.

    • Zone Content
    • COW PR
    • Thomas Cook Publishing
    • Futerra Sustainability Communications
    • iCrossing
    • Bradt Travel Guides
    • Rail Europe Limited
    • Touchline Publishing Ltd
    • The Economic and Social Research Council
    • Ministry of Economy and Tourism Macedonia
    • Association of Commonwealth Universities
    • Higher Education Funding Council for England
    • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
    • Dun and Bradstreet
    • Groupe Planeth
    • Oxford Analytica
    • Eurail Group
    • UK Department of Trade and Industry (now the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
    • British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW)
    • Time Out
    • Catholic University of Lublin