Member Article

Free Thinking Design celebrates birthday with a move

Peterborough agency Free Thinking Design is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an office move and a new member of staff.

The business was started by Matt Free, offering print design and production, from home. Within a year there was too much work for one person and Matt coaxed Lee Mason, a web designer for an international company and part time promoter and designer, to join the business.

The rapid growth of the internet and the realisation among companies that a user-friendly, well-designed website was key to their success was good news for the agency. Further expansion saw a move into formal office space and the recruitment of experienced developer Dan Crack.

Now, just five years after the inception of Free Thinking Design, the agency has three directors, three members of staff and has just moved to a new, larger office in Culley Court, Orton Southgate, Peterborough. The range of services on offer is constantly expanding.

“At the outset, our focus was creating artwork, brands and websites for local small businesses, artists, musicians and charities,” said Matt. “We have always been led by a drive to create something for ourselves, rather than just profits. As a result we’ve grown slowly and organically over time.”

Many of those individuals and business are still clients, sitting alongside a number of larger companies and national charities. Each member of the team has brought a new specialism to the firm which now offers graphic design including branding, logos, illustration and printed materials; website design, development and support.

“Essentially, we’re a one stop shop which means we can work with start ups wanting to develop a brand right through the design and development of their website,” said Lee. “The same goes for established business wanting to refresh their image.

“The areas we work in are changing rapidly and we have to make sure we’re one step ahead. Responsive websites – suitable for viewing on tablets and mobiles – are becoming more important for businesses while the growth of video online has also seen us move into animation and motion. More and more businesses are moving their processes online and need us to develop a bespoke system that will allow smooth integration.”

Newest member of the team, Matt Reedman joined as a developer at the end of 2012 and is an expert in building dynamic websites.

“Matt’s experience has enhanced the team further and enables us to grow new areas of the business,” said Lee.

“It does feel like we’ve achieved so much in the last five years but also that there’s so much more to look forward to in the next.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Brocklebank .