Member Article

Growth plan is weaved into web firm's future

A Berwick-based online marketing firm has won new contracts and added to its workforce after taking part in the Business Northumberland High Growth Programme.

First 4 Websites was established by husband and wife team David and Sarah Williams in January 2012 providing clients with the full range of design, internet and social media marketing services.

The business now employs nine people including two new recruits – graphic designer Laura Turnbull and 17 year old apprentice Reece Vail.

“In our first 18 months of trading we experienced steady growth working closely with clients from a wide range of sectors,” said Sarah. “However we felt that to enable First 4 Websites to reach its full growth potential, we would need to enlist some expert support.”

Sarah turned to Oxford Innovation, the business coaching specialists tasked with the delivery of the £1.35m Business Northumberland High Growth Programme.

Mike Jobson, programme manager at Oxford Innovation, worked with Sarah, David and their entire team, advising on marketing strategies and growth plans. “What initially struck me about First 4 Websites is the fantastic team spirit and the passion they all share for what they do,” said Mike. “I wanted to make sure that enthusiasm and commitment to deliver the highest possible standards of customer service were woven into the firm’s growth strategy.”

With input from the whole team, Mike led a review of First 4 Website’s own marketing and business development activities. “We knew our existing clients were very happy with our work and after sales service because they have all stayed with us at annual renewal. One has even recorded a 750% increase in their website traffic since we started working together,” explained Sarah. “However, we needed to refocus on our own identity in order to reach out for new business opportunities. Mike took us through a very thorough review of our brand which was a fascinating experience and great team-building exercise.”

With his own background in senior marketing roles with global brands such as Guinness, Diageo and Colgate Palmolive, Mike also advised the First 4 Websites team on the different demands of pitching to larger organisations for new business.

Having now completed the Business Northumberland High Growth Programme, Sarah is more optimistic than ever about the future of her business, commenting: “Mike has been so helpful and we’ve all really enjoyed working with him. Since taking part in the Programme, we’ve recorded our most successful month of trading, we’ve added Laura and Reece to the team to help ensure we’re resourced for future growth and in November we’ll re-launch our own website www.first4websites.com.”

Reflecting on his work with First 4 Websites, Mike says the only barrier the team faced was a familiar one: “Prior to it participating in the Programme, the company’s success had been based on the quality of its product and the relationships the team enjoy with clients. That’s fundamental to any successful organisation so we had to preserve that but if First 4 Websites is going to reach its full growth potential the team have to work on their business as well as in it. I’m convinced they’re now equipped to do so and I look forward to following their progress.”

The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme is jointly funded by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company; Northumberland County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Programme provides free coaching and business support to existing businesses and start-ups across Northumberland.

Oxford Innovation’s methods have proved successful elsewhere in the UK, where the organisation has worked with over 2,500 high growth businesses and start-ups. And despite the challenging economic circumstances of the last three years, Oxford Innovation has helped its clients across the UK access over £100 million of funding, creating or safeguarding more than 400 jobs.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Business Northumberland High Growth Programme and how Oxford Innovation can potentially support their business should call 01670 528403, email northumberland@oxin.co.uk or visit www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Round Table Solutions Ltd .