I often get asked why I’m so passionate about working with new businesses.

Many designers, marketers and agencies actively try to avoid backing start-ups. They see supporting a brand new venture as too much of a challenge. They worry that, because they are new to the business world, their client will need too much handholding as they try to navigate the launch process, and they become concerned they will become too much of a drain on their time and resources.

But this chance to make a real difference to a new organisation doesn’t turn me off a project. In fact, it makes me want to throw myself in at the deep end and get involved!


Why I’ll never give up on start-ups

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about the many things I love about offering my comprehensive start-up packages to new companies. All the points I mentioned here still stand. For example, I love the sheer diversity of the people I get to meet and the businesses I get to work on. First-time entrepreneurs are full to the brim with incredible new ideas and are often ready to contribute something completely unique to the economy, so it’s amazing to be part of bringing a great new product or service to market, then supporting the company as it evolves.

However, times have moved on since I wrote that piece, and we’re now living in a very different world with a strikingly different economy. Some are gloomily predicting mass redundancies and worldwide closures – and while unfortunately some businesses will have suffered irreparable damage as a result of the global coronavirus lockdown, there are, simultaneously, I think, new opportunities for great entrepreneurial minds to flourish.

Startups are going to rise out of the ashes. They are going to be crucial to our recovery, on a national and international scale. But how far they fly will depend on a lot of factors, not least the strength of their brand identity; the cleanness and usability of their website; the attractiveness of their printed materials; and the impact of their digital marketing efforts.


Why choose Design FX Studio over any other Essex-based design and marketing agency?

If you’re looking to start a new business in the near future, and you need help refining your company’s image and exploring different design and marketing avenues, I can help.

I’m usually the worst at singing my own praises – but when it comes to working with new entrepreneurs, I’m all too happy to explain why I’m a much better bet than other consultants or companies in the area.

I have over 25 years’ experience, and I’ve helped hundreds, if not thousands, of businesses launch in this time.

Never underestimate the value of experience! During my time as a self-employed designer, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the downright ugly of the business world – and my career has taught me what does and doesn’t work when it comes to launching and sustaining a new company.

I can manage everything from the development of your brand identity through to your web and print campaigns.

I’m a brand designer, first and foremost. But I also offer graphic design, web design, online marketing and print management services, which means I can pretty much handle every aspect of your brand launch, then work with you beyond your live date to grow your success.

I’ll always be your first point of contact, regardless of the project we’re working on; you won’t be passed between different members of an agency team like a hot potato! And if I think you will benefit from specialist help, I’ve got great relationships with plenty of trusted developers, marketers, copywriters and printers who will be able to step in and take your design or campaign to the next level.

I’m much more affordable than some of the bigger agencies.

Price is a huge factor in any start-up campaign. I get that. That’s why I work hard to keep my fees as competitive as possible, without compromising on the quality of the work I provide.

Work with me, and you’ll get access to nearly three decades of design and marketing expertise, without the sky-high price tags often associated with bigger companies. I work from my home studio, which means I can keep my overheads to a minimum, and I’ve got strong links with many industry partners and contractors who are happy to provide me with trade discounts for my own clients. This means that in some cases I can pass these savings down the chain and get you a brilliant deal on many business marketing essentials.


The proof is in my portfolio

From maritime HR consultants to fit-out companies and all kinds of B2B and B2C businesses in between, I’ve developed stand-out branding and design solutions for many companies throughout my career. Some of these clients contracted me on day one and have worked with me for twenty years or more.

Check out more examples of my work in my online portfolio.