FreshSpark Creative

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Michael Howe - Managing Director

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Fresh, Innovative, Free-Thinking, Creative, Reliable

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: Create functional solutions that solve problems and look nice.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: We have just moved into a new "loft" office on the High Street in Buxton. This has given us an open plan collaboration space that allows us to be more creative and work more efficiently. (We also have some very green walls!)

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: Our team is like a family that doesn't argue. We all work very closely with each other to make sure all projects are completed to a high standard, then "after hours" you can usually find us in the office relaxing together over a few Pizza's!

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: The diverse range of skills ranging from Graphic Design to Business Management to Data Security! I don't think you'll find any other small team with such a large skill set.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Nearly all of our business comes from word of mouth, but sometime we like to get out of the office and can be found milling around the free food and drink at some local "networking events".

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: We like to work very closely with our clients to make sure they are "in touch" with their development throughout the whole process. This is done with a balanced mix of meetings and digital updates (and of course we are always available on the phone).

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Communication... From first contact to the "after sales" support we are constantly available on the phone and via email (even at weekends) to make sure the client is able to ask questions, make changes or just chat about ideas they have had.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: We like working with demanding clients as they are usually the ones that are passionate about their business and have big ideas for their web solution. That said, there's no special treatment, we just deliver the same high quality service every client expects from FreshSpark Creative.

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: I would try and judge them all equally. To do this I would create a list of important requirements and then judge each candidate based on these set questions. (I.e. Skill Set, Price, Location, Time Scale, .etc). That said, if the project is long and complex you will also need to make sure you "gel" and are able to work well with your potential development team.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: I would love to see FreshSpark with multiple international offices serving a happy world wide client base.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Easy... Mobile! This is where the web is already going but I see it becoming more heavily integrated with our every day lives and actions.

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

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: We chose our company name as it emphasised exactly what we want to do - Adding a "Fresh Spark" of creativity into the web design industry.

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Update it regularly and use it to distribute free content!... This will not only help with your search engine rankings but also increases the likely hood that potential clients will revisit it more frequently.