Member Article

Kendal entrepreneur sets up digital agency with help from Cumbria growth hub

Kendal-based Creative Essence, a digital agency, was launched in April 2014 by Helen Dowthwaite.

Creative Essence has had help from the Cumbria growth hub with an advisor on hand to mentor Helen on the day to day administration tasks and how to time manage a busy schedule.

The Cumbria growth hub is led by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and includes Cumbria County Council, Lancaster University Management School, UCLan and University of Cumbria.

The company is already set to make a turnover of approximately £30k after just six months of being in business.

70% of its client base are in Cumbria however they also have clients from Holland, Madrid and London.

Its focus is on small to medium sized businesses but it also deals with larger companies as and when demand arises.

The company has growth plans but wants to stay personal and approachable within that growth.

Creative Essence doesn’t directly employ anyone apart from Helen, however she does work directly with a variety of freelancers to give her customers the full digital agency experience.

Helen has been a freelancer for 15 years and so built up a client base that followed her when she set up her own company.

The difference between freelancing and running a business has been noticeable with a lot more time having to be dedicated to administration, something Helen initially found a challenge.

Helen said, “We do the personal service aimed at small businesses, we focus on building relationships and there is always someone on hand to speak to clients on a daily basis.

“I offer the full design agency experience but on a local level, it’s more affordable, cost effective and I think a better service”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .