Member Article

Welsh web business has designs on expansion after pandemic client boost

A PROMINENT web company has designs on further growth this summer.

St Asaph-based Designweb is expanding after securing new clients and partnerships.

Led by director Paul Lyons, from Rhyl, the business has customers from across the UK, Europe and even New York.

The 44 year-old says Designweb met the challenges of the pandemic head-on and is now preparing to take on recruits to meet a surge in demand as sectors build back from the impact of Covid-19.

Having launched the company in 1998 aged just 21, Paul witnessed many technological advances over the past two decades, but like most people has never experienced a period like this.

“The last year has been a real learning curve for us, and for many businesses who have had to rely on the internet and digital platforms to continue trading and communicating with clients and partners,” said the dad-of-three.

“Like most organisations we were facing the unknown, but over past months there has been a surge in demand for web design, branding and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) support, with new customers joining us all the time.

“As a result, we are expanding, which is fantastic for Designweb and gives us the opportunity to recruit an apprentice and help bring through the next generation of web developers.

“We have one eye on the horizon and will probably need to take on another apprentice later this year if things continue, which is a fantastic boost considering the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Having launched Designweb within 12 months of graduating from the University of Wolverhampton, Paul set aside his dream of becoming an architect to focus on a new sphere, where significant growth was imminent.

With customer service at the heart of all decisions, he has won business in myriad arenas over the years – including construction, tourism, engineering, technology, education, and healthcare – and admits that ethos has never faded.

“There have been countless changes in what we do over the past two decades, with mobile replacing desktop when it comes to digital priorities and day-to-day use,” he said.

“But one thing that has never changed is our adaptability, personal touch and the care and attention we give to every client, and every project.”

Paul added: “As we work more and more on SEO, branding and in collaboration with top copywriters, PR agencies and marketers from across Wales, the service we offer has expanded, without losing the quality.

“Even to this day most people come to us via referrals and word of mouth, which there is no substitute for. Knowing customers are spreading the word and so supportive is really heartening and drives us on to do better.

“And we work with organisations of all sizes, including start-ups from the very first design or digital concept throughout their journey, which is always rewarding.

“The trust they instil in us is crucial; the website is their shop window, it is important to get it right and that’s a responsibility we welcome, we crave the opportunity to produce something that will make a real difference to their trade, and to their lives – long may that continue.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Williams .