Inchpunch Design
Craig and Siobhan Hymes of Inchpunch Design & Communication were no strangers to the SCY Business Mentor Service when they met up with mentor Dr Norman Slater at Venturefest Yorkshire 2010.
SCY helped Inchpunch to:
- Undertake a full business review
- Plan a comprehensive business development strategy
- Broaden their client base
- Expand their current business and set up a new company
The outcome
- Increased volume of business
- Doubling of turnover
The agency, based in Kellington, North Yorkshire, had already been involved in producing marketing material for the service in readiness for its launch. During that first meeting with Norman they were quick to identify how his support would be of vital use to them in building their company.
Keen to take the business forward, Craig and Siobhan found that the day to day needs of the business meant they were predominantly focused on the present, with little opportunity to plan the future structure and direction of the business. They knew that they needed to broaden their client base but were unsure of the best way to market themselves to larger organisations, conscious that, as a small graphic design agency, they needed to identify their USP in a highly competitive market.
After an initial assessment of the business, Norman helped the agency undertake a full business review,from assessing their pricing structure to evaluating the company’s position within the market. Applying the learning from the review, they were able to plan a comprehensive business development strategy.
Siobhan explains: “We needed to sit down and work on the business rather than in it. Norman made us stop and have a look at what we are doing, where we are going, and how we are going to get there.”
Areas reviewed and addressed, included:
Development of a USP
Using strategic alliances, Inchpunch are now able to offer a fully bespoke marketing solution to clients, providing a ‘one stop shop’ for all promotional needs and helping to set them apart from competitors.
Market Penetration
A planned business strategy, together with improved presentation skills, has helped Siobhan and Craig to successfully target larger companies.
Capacity
The agency has taken on more design staff and increased studio space, enabling them to successfully fulfil their plans for expansion.
Business Expansion
Inchpunch Design has also set up a sister company, The World Famous Wall Art Rockers, which designs and produces a unique range of contemporary themed wall art printed on huge acrylic panels.
A Brand New Company
The World Famous Wall Art Rockers sells its modern,high end art to an international market via its online portal, www.wallartrockers.com
Liz Green, Wall Art Rockers Sales Director, states: “We offer a complete service. Our on-line gallery features some incredible and unusual digital art by some of the world’s most creative artists.” The company has also developed a corporate / bespoke division that works with companies who have specific art requirements.
This is a business that Craig and Siobhan are keen to develop and feel has great potential for the future.
For Craig and Siobhan, the results have more than exceeded their expectations:
“Norman has given us the confidence to make ambitious plans for the future and he helped us realise that Inchpunch can be much bigger and better than we would ever have imagined,” explains Siobhan.
Winning Business
Since beginning to work with Norman, Inchpunch Design has been winning an increased volume of business and expanding their services to current clients. This has led to a doubling of turnover in the last financial year.
In line with their new business strategy, Inchpunch are also confident that turnover will continue to rise substantially.
Dr Norman Slater is very proud of what Craig and Siobhan has achieved and looks forward to continuing to work with them on a regular basis. “They now have the conviction and the relevant tools to move forward positively and with direction,” he says. “I greatly admire their courage, grit and determination to succeed.”
Please download this case study using the attachment below.
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