Well we’ve managed to move up the design week top 100 rankings and now are 92, up from 98. A long way still to go but the report has prompted me to write my first blog.
Last year was a good year for us at to the point but when filling in this years forms for design week we took a cautious approach to future growth in 2009. All the trademarks of recession were there. Having set up in '91 we've experienced it before, so a great time for start-ups but I was more than surprised that we were one of only two to put forward negative growth. For us this would still see us in profit but realistic about the coming year. We have grown steadily and secured a debt free business with owned premises - in boom times we didn't over expand, over indulge or rely on one sector or client.
With steady growth, a focus on client service, delivery and value for money we have retained a wide client base across a variety of sectors. Budgets have been cut, projects put on hold and long term relationships with individuals ended through redundancy but work is still coming in. We will for now remain focused on helping these existing clients rather than chasing the ever increasing number of unpaid pitches for new business.
There may not be the money now but when things do improve these clients will work with the suppliers/partners who have supported them through tough times. The lost colleagues will get new jobs and growth will be on the cards again. So for now its helping some of them make their CVs look more creative and even looking at our own brand and communications. It’s the first time in 18 years that we've had the time and with sound investment in the business and our staff we will weather this recession and come out strong on the other side.
We'll need to evolve our offer to suit the new landscape, but without jumping on the sustainability band wagon of designers changing the world. I prefer the more modest 'butterfly effect' that even small changes we help our clients make will have an impact.
