Member Article

Behind the business with Colin Harris Website Development

The Northumberland-based Colin Harris Website Development has started the new year with a trio of new recruits and a host of exciting client wins. Here the eponymous Colin Harris takes Bdaily behind the business.

What key challenges has the company recently faced?

The key challenge we have faced in recent months is to successfully persuade potential customers to invest in themselves, in a time when they are tempted to limit their expenditure.

In this economy people are more hesitant about spending money; we aim to show them that they can have a high-quality bespoke website without spending huge quantities. A website is a platform for communication as well as promotion and will provide a good return of investment; the challenge is getting people to take that first step.

What is your biggest achievement over the past six months?

The past year has been very busy for the company, but by far our biggest achievement is expanding the company so fruitfully in such a short period of time.

We have taken a head on approach to this tough climate and have secured several new clients and tender wins resulting in the company growing at a phenomenal rate. In only a year and a half I have gone from being a freelance agent to employing six team members. In this economy not only is this an achievement but it is a credit to the expertise and reputation of our team.

What is the biggest focus for the coming year?

Our biggest focus for the coming year is to solidify our position as a lead producer of results-driven websites and create an even higher standard of work for our clients.

We will be working to gel our recently expanded team, merging our skills and expertise to grow our portfolio. From this solid base we hope to expand again in 2014 and beyond.

If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out in business, or is currently operating within your industry sector, what would it be?

To anybody looking to start in the industry I would say “do it!” You’ll never work harder or longer, but you will be master of your own destiny. The rewards from building up a successful business are not only financial but a deep satisfaction.

The main advice I would give somebody in this industry is to never underestimate the power of the web. This is not only from the perspective of a website designer but also a business man. The internet provides a level playing field - anyone can set up a blog, Twitter account or Facebook page, this can create both more competition and more opportunities.

Can you share with us your view on the current landscape of business, in your region or generally, and where your organisation sits within it?

The North East economy seems to be strong despite the recent “double dip” and threat of further downturn. The recession has trimmed the fat from a lot of businesses and encourages lean and mean practices rather than speculative investment.

We are extremely fortunate to have won many new tenders resulting in hiring new staff and expanding our team. We pride ourselves on providing a personal, good quality yet affordable service and I feel this is why we are sitting comfortably in this time of economic turmoil.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .