WIRRAL DIGITAL MEDIA FIRM WHITFIELD REPORTS RAPID SALES RISE
BESPOKE FUNDING PACKAGE HELPS ART SCHOOL CHAMPAGNE BAR LAUNCH GO WITH A FIZZ
W L BUSINESS NEWS
WIRRAL DIGITAL MEDIA FIRM WHITFIELD REPORTS RAPID SALES RISE
BESPOKE FUNDING PACKAGE HELPS ART SCHOOL CHAMPAGNE BAR LAUNCH GO WITH A FIZZ
Wirral digital media specialist Whitfield Business Support is reporting a 50pc sales rise in the last 12 months .
The Heswall business which specialises in graphic design and marketing has driven sales by 54pc since September 2016 servicing more than 175 clients . The firm is run by co-directors Nik Ellis and Justine McLaughlin . Justine said the firm is experiencing strong demand from start-ups to larger SMEs looking to outsource their entire design departments . The design outfit ’ s sales growth is also being matched by internal investment and several new recruits taking the total staff count to 12 .
“ After three years building our brand we have become established in the market place and continue to drive strong momentum ,” said Justine . “ In the last year we have ramped up project wins and there is much greater awareness of who we are , and what we do . While our specialism lies in social media , graphic design , website design and email marketing we can offer clients much more than that . Our senior management benefits from years of entrepreneurial experience , successfully running other multimillion pound businesses . We understand the challenges which come with running a business , and the passion , energy and dedication which is required to make it a success . We are able to match our client ’ s appetite to achieve the best possible results every step of the way . Most importantly , we use our combined total of more than 35 years of design experience so our clients can concentrate of delivering their own services . Our client base has broadened considerably over the last twelve months working with a large range of clients from start-ups to larger SMEs .”
Nik said due to the increase in work Whitfield has been able to invest back into its team . The recently expanded outfit now includes three graphic designers , a web designer , marketing and communications manager , marketing assistant , business development manager and three first impressions coordinators . “ We have invested in our design team so we can provide a variety of different styles of design to suit the varied needs of our client base ,” said Nik . “ Our team has created a strong bond quickly because we believe in making the workplace an enjoyable , creative and dynamic experience . We also invest in lots of events for our staff outside of work for team bonding which is essential for any creative environment . ”
For more information of Whitfield Business Hub visit the website : www . whitfieldbusiness . co . uk or call 0151 342 0679 .
A bespoke financial package has helped an awardwinning Liverpool restaurateur ’ s latest venture go with a fizz .
Paul Askew , chief patron and founder of exclusive city centre eaterie The Art School , has opened a new champagne and wine bar , The Art School Cellars , in the basement of its Sugnall Street venue . This has created 11 jobs , and more will follow with the planned opening of a new private dining room . The new walk-in wine cellar and tasting room boasts the biggest range in the city , with up to 350 different wines and champagnes which Paul believes will make The Art School Cellars the perfect pre- and post-dinner or concert drinks venue in Liverpool . The bar offers a collection of cheeses and charcuterie and a private tasting room , seating 10 people and offering a wine and food-matching service , with accompanying sommeliers , for both the private and corporate markets . “ We wanted to create something unique that Liverpool didn ’ t have ,” he said . The inspiration for the new bar came from the Basque Country region and Northern Italy . In San Sebastián bars you have beautiful pinchos on the bar that you can match up with a glass of wine . We have the warmth and hospitality in Liverpool , but maybe not the matching experience . This is capital city standard .”
Mr Askew worked with Gordon Andrews , managing director at West Kirby financial specialist Bathgate Business Finance to fund the creation of a completely new range of furniture for the bar , alongside local companies Telegraph Furniture and designer Crave ID . He said : “ All the furniture is bespoke . I would describe it as old meets new . Victoriana meets contemporary . We are in a 1888 building and we want to keep the characteristics of the Victoriana , but with a slightly more modern look .” Bathgate arranged a £ 33,000 loan to fund the furniture and Mr Askew said : “ People might look at it and think , ‘ that is not very much ’. But to an individual restaurant it is quite a lot of money . It is all about the management of cash flow . Bathgate made it very easy for ourselves , Telegraph Furniture and Crave ID to work together . I hope to work with them in the future .”
Bathgate Business Finance managing director , Gordon Andrews , said : “ We are delighted to work with Paul in launching the new champagne bar , which will be a great addition to The Art School offering .” wirrallife . com 75