Hedgehog Creations

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Jan-Pieter Atsma, Managing Director of Hedgehog Creations

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Effective, Professional, Affordable, Straight-forward, Open

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: We would like to give small and medium sized businesses the opportunity to get an affordable website, which is still bespoke and professional. We also support businesses by offering a monthly maintenance subscription. With this service we keep their website up-to-date and interesting for visitors.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: I have a clear desk and direct view on the Ochhills, which gives me plenty of inspiration.

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: My cat usually agrees upon the things I come up with. I also work closely with other freelancers.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: My aim is customer satisfaction and not huge profits. I like to get the maximum result for the clients without having them to pay huge bills. I've grown up in the Netherlands where everybody is working extremely efficient and likes a straight-forward and open communication. On the other hand I'm also trying to pick up the Scottish attitude, using common sense and combine it with a pinch of humour.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: I'm specialised in Search Engine Optimisation and my site ranks on the first page in the search enginges as 'Website Maintenance Scotland'. Also word-of-mouth by other clients. I'm trying not to boast too much, but I have extremely satisfied customers.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: Common sense and using my intellect and 13 years experience in software development.

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Straight-forward, open communication and a sense of humour

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: By being clear what we can do for them and providing solutions that work. If they're still not satistfied, they have to look for a better company, but so far no one has walked out on us. We have 100% customer satisfaction!

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: Intuition and common sense. Just pick the one that you feel satisfied and comfortable with and give them a ring. If it matches, go for it!

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: Providing our web design, development and website maintenance services from multiple offices throughout Scotland. I will combine this with a self-sufficient lifestyle where I can offer my clients my home brew. (I already brew wine and beer, but not on a commercial basis).

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Talking hover cars and refrigerators talking to the internet. We're going to be swamped in work!

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

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: We're occasionally visited by a Hedgehog and it hibernates somewhere near our garden. The cats are confused by its appearance, but seem to get along pretty well. Everywhere I go I stumble into hedgehog signs and symbols, but maybe I just want to see them...

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Intuition, Common sense and humour