Flair Consultancy Limited

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Duncan Lovett, Creative Director

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Know what we're talking about

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: We have set out to provide tailored solutions for our individual clients. There is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' package when it comes to a website. We provide services that will help our clients use the internet to its maximum potential and bring in a profitable return for their business.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Our studio is located in Claverley, Shropshire. It is an extremely comfortable atmosphere that gives us plenty of opportunity to think about our projects without distraction.

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: We have a large open plan office, and discuss client projects regularly to make sure things are on track. We remain in contact if we are away from the office using the latest email, IM and Video Conferencing.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: Our directors have had years experience of working for Blue Chip companies and therefore understand sound business principles. We come up with ideas that will help you make profitable returns for your business. While working for previous companies, we have also looked at the practices that cause most annoyance to clients, and have tried to eliminate these from our own business model.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: We are happy that a good portion of our business comes via word of mouth and recommendation. We pro-actively follow leads and also use targeted marketing to bring us extra work. We have recently signed some authorised partner agreements with some recognised web software providers and act on leads they pass on to us.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: We track each project using online collaboration, allowing us to view progress up to the minute.

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Honest, regular communication. That's it. As long as we speak to our clients regularly, and keep them updated, even if there are problems, it goes a long way to building the best relationship. Ignoring calls, making the client chase, breaking promises to call back only frustrates customers, and doesn't inspire them to put any future business your way.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: We welcome demanding clients. They give us a challenge, and inspiration and drive to push the boundaries of each project.

Q: If a client was trying to decide between a shortlist of web design companies, how would you recommend they go about selecting the right one for them?
A: Never reach a decision based purely on price. Look at the experience a company has to offer. Is the company simply happy to give you a design that you will approve, or do they inspire you with ideas of how to make your site an asset to your business?

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: A leader in innovation of design and development principles within specific industry sectors.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Ecommerce is still the future. Not enough small companies have realised its potential and are still even now cautious of it. It's getting there now but the internet still has a lot to offer as a sales platform; that is what the design industry will need to focus on.

Q: What computers do you have use in your offices, PCs or Macs?
A: Both PC and Mac

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: We were looking for something that gave an impression of competence and expertise, something that also focuses on niche skills. Our skills give us flair and make us stand out from the crowd.

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Use it as another revenue stream for your business, but focus on your existing customers. Give it something to bring them value and you'll open up possibilities you never knew were out there. Never say 'the internet is not for me', even if you cannot see how it could benifit your company, it will, and we can show you how.