Boxharry

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Amy - Operations Manager

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Attentive, personable, flexible, professional and fun!

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: We believe in keeping it simple—we keep the 'techie' talk to a minimum so you really know what you're getting into. We believe in keeping it real—if we mess up, we'll own up to it. If you mess up, we'll tell you and help out where we can. We believe in keeping it together—we'll work with you as closely as you like. If you need to come into the office, we'll put the kettle on for you!

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: It's a great space and our visitors tell us so all the time. Affectionately known as "Boxharry Stables", it's set in what used to be a chauffeur's garage (for one of the richest families in Brighton) with a light, open and airy meeting room upstairs. Some days our office area is like a silent disco—we're all glued to our computer screens with our earphones on listening to a wide range of music . . . in fact, a HUGE range of music! Fridays are best at Boxharry—it's Cookie Friday!

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: Some members of the team are family. Those of us who aren't are made to feel like we are. Despite the "silent disco", we are in constant communication with each other about every project, whether it be via instant messaging (IM) or quick meetings at one another's desks. We all muck in and help each other.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: We combine technical and creative elements, we manage every project internally and we have even invited clients into the office, on occasion, to work on their projects in-house with us to make sure everything is the way they want it. We are not a team working separately from our clients—our team is not complete WITHOUT our clients and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Word of mouth—something we value highly and greatly appreciate.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: We have various members of the team who are responsible for different parts of the process. From the time clients contact us requesting a website, they are moved seamlessly through the pipeline—workshops, documentation, design, build, launch—all the while kept in constant communication with the project management team.

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Teamwork, honesty and realism—with a smile, of course!

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: With patience, dedication and commitment—as we do with all of our clients.

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: Ensure they take their time, as their website is probably the best marketing tool they have. We try to help them see what we can do for them. This, in turn, will get them thinking along the same lines for the other short-listed companies. They should select the company that most closely mirrors their own work ethic and high standards while also bringing something new to the table as part of the team. We recommend they make the best decision for their company as a whole. If we are not the right fit for that company, we will tell them. We want the experience of building a website together to be a pleasant and painless one for all involved.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: Hopefully expanding at the rate it is now—with a whole list of new and exciting happy customers as well as a slew of new technologies under our belt.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Total inclusivity—Web developers and designers will need to know a lot more about every medium out there and be able to integrate it into the web experience, if we will still even be able to call it that in the future! With all of the advances in mobile technology, social media and networking, and interactive / simultaneous online and television experiences, how can it not be where the industry is headed!

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: It's a secret!

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Make sure that everything you put on your website is there to help your users. Don't over-populate content. A busy website is a turn-off. The more you try to help your user, the better their experience will be and the easier they will relate to your company. That translates to customer/client loyalty.